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.
During the admissions process, each student selects one arts department where they will focus their arts education while at The Academy.
Ethnicity
46% Caucasian, 21% African American/Black, 9% Latino/Hispanic American, 7% Asian American, 15% Multiracial American, 2% International
Commuting
47% Chicago, 53% Outside of Chicago
Academy families reside in more than 75 zip codes, and a significant percentage of students commute from outside the city of Chicago — some even from Indiana and Michigan. The Academy provides private bus pick-up and drop-off at Ogilvie and Union Station three times a day to accommodate. Please visit our Directions page for more information.
Enrollment
The Academy enrolls approximately 140 students each year. The average academic class size is 15 students. The school’s student-to-teacher ratio is 4:1. While the curriculum is designed as a four-year program, The Academy accepts a number of transfer students every year. Please contact the Admissions Department for more information.
Accreditation
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and a member of the following organizations:
Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Arts Schools Network (ASN)
Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS)