Since 1981, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has prepared high school artists with the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.
Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, The Academy offers students the opportunity to engage in a unique co-curricular program: rigorous, college-preparatory academic classes and professional-level arts training in the context of an unparalleled school culture. The Academy’s school day consists of a modified block schedule of three 75-minute blocks of academic courses and a 45-minute flex period followed by a three-plus hour immersion in a student's chosen arts department: Dance, Media Arts (filmmaking, animation, creative writing), Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts. At The Chicago Academy for the Arts, young artists master the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.
Quick Facts
The Academy is one of the most diverse independent schools in Illinois.
Enrolling approximately 125 students each year, students come to The Academy from an array of backgrounds: some have had years of training; others are exploring a newly discovered passion. Some come from the city of Chicago, others commute from the suburbs or beyond.
Some spend all four high school years at The Academy; others join the community later on in their academic careers. No matter their background, these students are united by a profound passion for the arts.
Student Diversity 2023–2024
#1 Arts High School in Illinois
(Niche, 2024)
15
average academic class size
125
approximate number of students each year
20% Higher ACT Scores
than the national average
71%
of Academy teachers hold graduate degrees
120+ Student Productions
throughout the school year, including musicals, recitals, and more
Each year, The Academy awards approximately $2 million in need-based financial aid.
The Academy is an independent school, not affiliated with public schools or public funding in any way. While this ensures that we can set our own mission and deliver a transformative education without the interference of a school “system,” it also means that we must generate all of our funding ourselves.
Since its earliest days, The Academy has sought to give young artists from all kinds of backgrounds access to this life-changing education. Therefore, we award a staggering amount of financial aid:
Nearly two-thirds of our students receive some amount of need-based tuition assistance, with the average award being about 75% of tuition. In 2024, this amounts to just over $2 million.
Tuition revenue only covers about 40% of the school’s expenses: the rest must come from generous supporters like you.