Students in the English Department will develop into sensitive and critical readers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama through reading, discussion, and writing.

The Math, Science, and Technology Department is designed to include themes rooted in history, systems in equilibrium, patterns in nature, energy conversion, and resource conservation, and computational reasoning.

An in-depth exploration of history, psychology, philosophy, and the likes; the ability to understand the human experience outside of one’s own individual social and cultural context allows students to develop a conscience more suited to the multicultural world in which they live.

The foundational philosophy of the World Language courses is that language, discussion, reflection, and imagination lead to the development of skills which help students understand and interpret the human experience.

Over half of Academy students enroll in one (or more) honors level or AP courses. 

Academic and Arts Electives are offered to students of all arts departments. They provide a chance to study a different discipline or view a specific art through an academic lens. Students are encouraged to explore these disciplines outside of their chosen department.

Co-Chair - Humanities

Nicholas Roux teaches philosophy and creative writing. He attended Kenyon College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with concentrations in Creative Writing and Humane Studies, and served as a student associate for The Kenyon Review.

Co-Chair - Humanities

Anna earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in French Literature from the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she also taught before coming to the Academy. 

Tim Tynan has been teaching history at The Academy since fall of 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago, as well as a Master of Arts in English Literature and an Illinois teaching certificate in Secondary Education from Northeastern Illinois University. 

Christopher Hagenah attended University of California Santa Barbara, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in English.

Chair - Math, Science, and Technology

Melissa Metelits became a faculty member in 2018 and teaches Algebra II, Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, and AP Computer Science. She has taught and tutored a variety of subjects in Philadelphia, her home town, and in Chicago.

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Latino Studies, and her Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education at the University of Michigan. 

Alex Cassidy joined The Academy in 2018, and earned their Bachelors in Science Education from the University of Florida. Alex comes to The Academy from Wellsprings Friends School in Eugene, OR. 

Mary Kettering joined the Humanities Department in 2018. She holds a degree in political science and history from the University of Montana, where she also earned her teaching certification. She earned her Masters of Philosophy in Women and Gender Studies from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.