The Chicago Academy For The Arts (Top Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026-27)

Name: Open House
Start: 2026-10-24T10:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-10-24T13:00:00-05:00
Location: The Chicago Academy For The Arts

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked IL School
School Type: Special Program Emphasis
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 102 students
Yearly Tuition: $39,388
Acceptance rate: 76%
Average class size: 10 students
Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

Upcoming Events

Open House - Sat., October 24, 2026 - get more information!

School Rankings

The Chicago Academy For The Arts ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	The Chicago Academy For The Arts
9	21
10	32
11	19
12	30

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Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild Learning Differences

Year Founded

1981

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Last Day of School

Fri. May 21, 2027

School Motto

#SmartArtists

Student Body

Total Students

102 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

55%

State avg.: 34%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

44 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

2:1

National avg.:

Average Class Size

10 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Number of AP Courses

12 courses

List of Courses Offered

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$39,388

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Additional fees include department, student services, activities, field trips, books, supplies, facilities, international, etc.

Summer Program Cost

$995

% on Financial Aid

70%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$17,000

Acceptance Rate

76%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Sophie Lane Oliver

Admissions Associate

Grania McKirdie

Application URL

Sports

Colors

White, Black, Chocolate

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

9 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Black Student UnionChess Club

Gender Sexuality AllianceHealth and Wellness

Jewish Student UnionLatinx Student Union

Sustainability SocietyYearbook Club

Youth and Government

School Notes

The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a nationally recognized independent high school for the performing and visual arts. 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 six 45-minute academic periods 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.

At the Chicago Academy for the Arts, young artists master the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought and creative expression.It`s a place where the arts matter. It's a place that doesn`t just teach the arts, but encourages students to engage in, devour and fully live them. It's a place that believes each individual`s voice is valuable. It's a place where academia and artistry don't exist in separate worlds, but intertwine every day to create a holistic learningexperience.

Over 70% of our college acceptances were to institutions ranked in the Top 300 Colleges and Universities by Forbes Magazine.
Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Chicago Academy For The Arts cost?

The Chicago Academy For The Arts's tuition is approximately $39,388 for private students and $995 for summer students.

What is the acceptance rate of The Chicago Academy For The Arts?

The acceptance rate of The Chicago Academy For The Arts is 76%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. The Chicago Academy For The Arts's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.

Does The Chicago Academy For The Arts offer a summer program?

Yes, The Chicago Academy For The Arts offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

What is The Chicago Academy For The Arts's ranking?

The Chicago Academy For The Arts ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates.

When is the application deadline for The Chicago Academy For The Arts?

The application deadline for The Chicago Academy For The Arts is Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is The Chicago Academy For The Arts located?

The Chicago Academy For The Arts is located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 9 other private schools located in West Town.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (8 reviews)

5 5/29/2026

Chicago Academy for the Arts truly changed my child''s life. The instructors are beyond amazing and the school set my child up both emotionally and physically to pursue their dream in dance and have a world of options available.

- Posted by Parent - Rebecca P

5 5/29/2026

My daughter graduated in 2025 from the MT program, and the director is amazing. My son will graduate in 2028 from the Media department, and the director is also exceptional. The academy has helped tremendously with their adjustment to moving to the U.S. The academic program is a great fit for combining the arts with regular academic subjects. Both of my kids love Mr. T. It is an amazing school.

- Posted by Parent - Eduardo Armendia

5 5/23/2026

The Academy is truly a magical place! Both our children attend the school and are thriving as humans and young artists. The academic program is very strong, small classes and rigorous material. The arts training cannot be matched! We are very grateful to be an Academy family

- Posted by Parent - Rachel

5 5/23/2026

We have absolutely loved this school for our daughter. The academic courses are taught by exceptionally bright and passionate teachers (honestly - across the board - my daughter has loved ALL of her classes). The arts program (dance in our case) is everything we could have hoped for - outstanding guidance in technique, inspiring mentors, mind-blowingly beautiful shows. And finally, the community is a passionate group of creative, engaged, not-cynical kids. No one at this school takes it for granted. We could not be happier with this small but absolute gem of a school.

- Posted by Parent - Amy Alznauer

5 5/23/2026

The academy is a life changing experience. You get people who love their art just as much as you and who want to collect in that form of art. The teachers here are amazing people, they love their work and love their subject or art form they teach and want to pass info to the students.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Kennedy Johnson

5 5/23/2026

Same review I posted to Google: Parent of a current media arts student. To say that the experience has been transformative is an understatement. There is nowhere else in Chicago that is an arts high school. Meaning that there are academic classes in the morning and arts all afternoon. All other arts programs in Chicago HS are add ons, not the core. The support of the entire community means I have seen my son''s art continuously advance over his years at the school. I cannot recommend enough for someone who''s child really wants to pursue animation, film, dance, music, theater, visual art. Happy to talk to anyone who is considering.

- Posted by Parent - David Silverman

5 5/23/2026

As an alumna who works in creative education, I can say with confidence The Academy is one of the most meaningful education experiences I''ve seen, and I''m deeply grateful I had it during such a formative time in my life. The critical thinking skills and sense of agency that was fostered have served me in many careers and relationships. It is magical.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Kaya

5 5/23/2026

The dance program is truly exceptional. I''ve watched my son grow tremendously since joining. He previously trained at an established studio, but had reached a point where he felt stuck and unsure of how to continue improving. In just ONE week of the summer program, the instructors were able to identify multiple areas for growth and provide the guidance and training he needed to elevate his skills.The faculty are highly respected professionals within the Chicago dance community, and the opportunities available to students are unmatched. Beyond the technical training, CAA has reignited my son''s confidence, passion, and motivation. It has genuinely been life-changing for him.

- Posted by Parent - Angie Kanak

Endorse The Chicago Academy For The Arts. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chicago, IL is $13,709 for elementary schools and $19,173 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Chicago, IL is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).