Private School

The Chicago Academy for the Arts

#1 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Illinois

grade A+
Overall Grade
Private
9-12
CHICAGO, IL
Rating 4.66 out of 5 119 reviews

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A+

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Academics
grade A+
Diversity
grade A+
Teachers
grade A minus
College Prep
grade A+
Clubs & Activities
grade A
Sports
grade unavailable

chicagoacademyforthearts.org

(312) 421-0202

1010 WEST CHICAGO AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60642

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About The Chicago Academy for the Arts...

Applying

Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

Application Fee

$89

Interview Required

Yes

Required/Recommended Tests

ISEE

Tuition

Yearly Tuition

$34,975

Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.

Received Financial Aid

50%

Average Financial Aid

From The Chicago Academy for the Arts

The Chicago Academy for the Arts is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Incoming freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to apply. Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, The Academy is the premier arts high school in the country. Students from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs engage in a unique, co-curricular program: rigorous, college-preparatory academic classes paired with professional-level arts training in Music, Dance, Film, Visual Art, Creative Writing, Theatre, or Musical Theatre.

The 210 graduates from 2017 to 2022 earned nearly $47 million in college scholarships and gained admission to the nation’s best colleges, universities, and conservatories, from CalArts to Juilliard; from Stanford to Princeton.

Students participate in more than 100 productions throughout the course of the school year, including concerts, plays, readings, screenings, recordings, and exhibitions.

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The Chicago Academy for the Arts Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

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Academics

Average Graduation Rate

100%

Average SAT

1240

20 responses

Average ACT

39 responses

Niche College Admissions Calculator

Popular Colleges

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following colleges.

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University of Southern California
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grade A minus
DePaul University
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Northwestern University
24 Students
grade A minus
The Juilliard School
24 Students
grade B minus
Berklee College of Music
20 Students
grade A+
Carnegie Mellon University
17 Students
grade A+
University of California - Los Angeles
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grade C
SUNY Purchase College
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More About The Chicago Academy for the Arts Academics

The Academy Education Model and Method

We often say that there is nothing more important here than our community. Academy students and faculty alike are characterized by their passion, sense of purpose, and pursuit of excellence. It is a special privilege to be surrounded, every day, by peers and mentors who have made the decision to be a part of this place. In fact, our students are never at The Academy, they are The Academy.

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Culture & Safety

Poll

76%

of students agree that they feel safe at their school. 21 responses

Poll

76%

of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there. 21 responses

Poll

What are your favorite school events or traditions?

Based on 45 responses

Halloween All-School party
22%
Annual Student Run Aids Benefit
18%
Dance
16%
Arts Gala
13%
Showcase
9%
Taste for the Arts
7%
Pi Day
4%

Students

Diversity

A+

Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.

Students

121

60%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive. 20 responses

90%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy. 20 responses

20%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic. 20 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

2:1

National

17:1

Poll

78%

of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons. 23 responses

Poll

87%

of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students. 23 responses

Poll

65%

of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom. 23 responses

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Homes For Sale

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Clubs & Activities

Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.

Girls Athletic Participation

Boys Athletic Participation

19%

of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. 21 responses

24%

of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need. 21 responses

38%

of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. 21 responses

A+

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Cost of Living
grade C+
Good for Families
grade A
Housing
grade B minus

Median Household Income

$139,112

National

$75,149

Median Rent

$1,985

National

$1,268

Median Home Value

$604,077

National

$281,900

The Chicago Academy for the Arts Reviews

119 reviews

The Academy is a model for a small successful arts high school that nurtures both academic and creative growth. It includes traditional art forms such as dance, music, visual arts, theater and emerging art forms such as media arts. The student body is diverse, but the teachers and staff could include more BIPOC. Due to its size, the students receive tailored attention and support in both academics, and in finding their own path as artists. Because they are in a small building, they do not have sports facilities, and due to the intensive arts training within a long day, there are limited clubs. However the school is perfect for those who want to pursue the arts professionally, or want an arts infused education which places arts in an equally important place along side major academic areas - as it should be in our whole education system. Even though it is a private school, and not affordable for all, it works with several scholarship and funding options, which make it accessible to many.

Review The Chicago Academy for the Arts

The Academy is so much more than a school. It is a community like family: it is filled with creativity, passion, dedication, inspiration, hard work,… the list could go on and on. From the security guard as you walk in the door, to each student, to each staff member, to all the administration in the offices, to the alumni who return often and engage the students with their heart and passion,, there is a connectivity and bond that is unparalleled. I have been in the dance world myself for 40 years, and even though I have been involved with many top notch organizations, this one surpasses them all. Are lucky to have had the opportunity for my daughter to attend the school to further her dance education. Anyone would be lucky in any of the art focuses, to do the same. The Academy will be in our hearts and a huge part of our life

My son is a freshman dance major and he is thriving in a way we’ve never seen before. The teachers are universally supportive and engaging, both in academics and the dance department. Even subject matter that our son used to dread he is finding more enjoyable. He has also quickly made new friends and feels socially comfortable. The Academy is truly a special school!

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