Our school day is long compared to traditional schools. Our academic classes go from 8:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m., during which time students take five classes and also have a lunch period. Arts classes go from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., though if the departments are preparing for a show or performance, students may be at school until 6:00 p.m.

At this time, the Academy has approximately 164 students.

Approximately 45% of our students commute into the city everyday, using the Metra. A school bus picks students up at each main train station downtown and brings them to school. At 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. a bus takes students back to the stations after school. If students live within Chicago, the Arts Academy is easily accessible via public transportation.

Our school provides a specialized dynamic of arts disciplines that harness the talents, special abilities, and view points for students who have a developing interest in the arts. Through small class sizes and the focus on specific arts curriculum, we are able to nurture and guide the student to reach his or her full potential artistically. In addition, the Arts Academy provides the necessary tools and experience for a student who is bound for college or conservatory, or wants to begin a career in the arts.

It is almost always better to enroll sooner rather than later, even if it means transferring mid-year. An extra year of quality study makes a tremendous amount of difference in a student’s readiness for college, and a mid-year transfer student essentially gains 8 months of experience (because he or she will carry momentum into the summer). This is particularly beneficial for sophomores, as they gain lots of experience before their junior year, when the process begins in earnest.

Yes. Sometimes, a student realizes that another department is a better fit for his or her talents and interests. The official transfer process requires an audition to the new department and permission from the Head of School.

Yes and no. Every department offers elective courses for the non-major that meet during the academic morning, including courses in music, dance, drawing, acting, art history, and video production. Once the “arts” afternoon begins, however, students are restricted to studies within their major discipline.

Between all of the departments, there are approximately 80 performances each year.

Yes. Every year approximately 98% of our graduating class chooses to continue their post-secondary education at the nation’s top colleges, universities, art institutes, and conservatories. 90% of our students are admitted to their top choice institution.

Our alumni include successful dancers, actors, artists, and executives. Among these are Tom Gold and Craig Hall from the New York City Ballet; Chris Jackson from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Purdie Baumann from the Radio City Rockettes; Film star John Cusack (Con Air, Being John Malkovich); Adam Rifkin, writer (Zoom, Mousehunt), director (The Dark Backward, Detroit Rock City); Frank Goldstin, CEO of The Experiential Agency; Alex Wurman, composer for March of the Penguins; Broadway star Elizabeth Withers-Mendes (The Color Purple); Television actresses Lara Flynn Boyle (Las Vegas), Robin Tunney (Prisonbreak); and Catherine Thomas, who designed the costumes for The Matador and Kill Bill, Vol. I & II.