Group of children performing music on stage with a violin, clarinet, guitar, and drums.

Middle school programs

Classes and camps for grades 6 - 9

Through weekend classes, seasonal workshops, camps, and summer intensives in dance, media arts, music, musical theatre, theatre and visual arts, students build foundational skills, explore their creativity, and gain confidence — all while learning from working artists and experienced educators.

Designed for families seeking high-quality youth arts programs in Chicago, our middle school offerings nurture talent, curiosity, and a lifelong love of the arts!

Saturday Classes at The Academy

Fall

For young artists in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

SESSION 1

September 12 – October 3, 2026

Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $250

SESSION 2

October 17 – November 7, 2026

Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $250

See Courses

Summer CAMPS at The Academy

SUMMER

For young artists in heading into 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.

SESSION 1

June 8 – 18, 2026

Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $995

SESSION 2

June 22 – 26, 2026

Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $550

Closed until 2027

Life-Changing experiences

Students in the Middle School Programs have the unique opportunity to study with working professional faculty who are leaders in their fields.

Our educators include performers from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, dancers from The Joffrey Ballet, award-winning filmmakers, and more.

With guidance from these accomplished artists, students receive hands-on training that offers a deep, real-world understanding of the arts.

Professional Arts Instructors

A stage performance with a young girl standing on a box, surrounded by people lying on the floor, and an audience clapping and watching in a dark theater.

In The Academy’s Middle School Programs, students don’t just learn about technique— they apply it.

Whether they are producing an EP in our Music Program or preparing an audition-ready monologue in the Theatre/Musical Theatre Program, application is at the heart of each department’s curriculum.

Hands-on
Art-Making

A group of people gathered around a table, looking at sketches or drawings in a notebook, in a room with a window and wooden paneling.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS FAQ

  • The Saturday Program is for students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade regardless of age.

    The Summer Program is for students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, also regardless of age.

  • The Saturday Program is $475 for both sessions or $250 for one session.

    The Summer Program is $995. 

  • We do not offer scholarships for the Middle School Programs but do offer seasonal discounts. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see what we’re offering.

  • Yes. Please email Program Coordinator Sarah Grant to pay your registration fee in installments.

  • We refund registrations up to 30 days before the start date of the program. For cancellations later than this please contact the program manager at programs@chicagoartsacademy.org‍ to apply your payment to a future class.