We were today years old when we learned about the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan but we are already highly intrigued.

Even if you are just like us and had no idea that such a place existed, you are surely going to want to check this one out. Those who attend this school are given the chance to study the pros and learn everything that they need to know.

Photo: Picryl/Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

Of course, these students need to look like Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus first. That’s a huge part of the equation. However, that’s not the only aspect of the job. The students are taught how to sing and dance. They are even given helpful pointers on using sign language to provide cheerful holiday greetings to any deaf children that they meet.

“Insider visited the 84th running of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School to find out what it takes to be a professional Santa Claus,” Insider shared on YouTube. Silly us, this whole time we assumed that everyone who works as a Santa Claus was untrained. In reality, nothing could actually be further from the truth.

Photo: YouTube/Insider

This school has been in existence for 84 years and is currently the oldest of its kind in the United States. In fact, it is considered to be the golden standard for these types of institutions. “Referred to as the ‘Harvard of Santa institutions,’ it’s been in operation since 1937, making it the oldest Santa school in the United States,” Insider shares.

We had no idea that this place was so prestigious. They also have their very own mission statement and it reads as follows: To uphold the traditions and preserve the history of Santa Claus while providing students with the necessary resources to improve and further define their individual presentations of Santa and Mrs. Claus, allowing them to enter the hearts and spread the Christmas spirit to everyone they meet.

Photo: YouTube/Insider

If you would like to learn more about this school, please take a moment to visit the cwhsantaschool page on Instagram. We had an absolute ball going through all of the photos, as these Santas in the making look to be to having the time of their lives.

Watch the video below to learn more about the school!