The Willows Academy is an independent, college preparatoryschool that empowers young women in grades 6 - 12 to strive for academic and moral excellence and a lifelong commitment to service based on the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 240 students
- Yearly Tuition: $17,600
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 6 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1974
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. May 26, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
240 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus AB/BC
ChemistryComputer Science
English LanguageEnglish Literature
European HistoryFrench Language
Spanish LanguageU.S. History
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Plaid Skirt/Blazer
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 6 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$17,600
Tuition Notes
Financial aid/scholarships available.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Sara Danielewicz
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
22 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubBook Club
DebateDrama Club
Embroidery ClubFashion Sketch Club
French ClubGirls for Change
International ClubMedical
Model UNNewspaper Club
PICKLEBALL CLUBPro-Life Club
Service ClubSpanish Club
Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber ChoirConcert Choir
Fall PlayHandbell Choir
Spring Musical
School Notes
- School Mascot: Penelope The Eagle
- Willows Academy is an all girl school with an all female faculty.
- In partnership with parents, we facilitate the development of our student's character, intellect and love of God.
- All courses at Willows Academy are taught at an honors level or above.
- We proudly offer our unique mentoring program, where every student is paired with a mentor from our faculty, staff or Willow's community.
- Our students embrace growth through participation in clubs,athletics and arts; no previous experience needed.
- At the high school level we offer eight sports: Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Dance, Track and Field, Soccer and Softball.
- 90% of our high school students take an AP Course.
- We are 100% college acceptance.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Willows Academy cost?
Willows Academy's tuition is approximately $17,600 for private students.
What sports does Willows Academy offer?
Willows Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball. Willows Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.
What is Willows Academy's ranking?
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest average ACT score, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Willows Academy?
The application deadline for Willows Academy is Dec. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Willows Academy also viewed these schools: St. Viator High School, St. Paul Lutheran School, Science & Arts Academy, Brentwood Baptist Christian Academy and St. Emily Elementary School.
The nearest high school to Willows Academy is Brentwood Baptist Christian Academy (1.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Immanuel Lutheran School (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
St. Viator High School
(Catholic)
1213 E Oakton St
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 392-4050
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 392-4050
5.3 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 808 students Avg. class size: 25 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
18 S School Street
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 255-6733
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 255-6733
2.5 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 277 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 12
1825 Miner St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-7880
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-7880
1 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 260 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 14 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Brentwood Baptist Christian Academy
(Baptist)
588 Dara James Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 298-3399
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 298-3399
1.5 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 90 students
St. Emily Elementary School
(Catholic)
1400 E Central Road
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 296-3490
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 296-3490
2.1 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 377 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
5 1/1/2020
I have enrolled two of my daughters at the Willows Academy. One graduated in 2016 as class salutorian. She accepted an $84,000 Presidential Scholarship and is preparing to graduate early. My other daughter, 6 years younger, grew up wanting to be a Willows girl. The faculty is outstanding. The mentor ship program is great. I love that they teach our girls how to be ladies with confidence in themselves.
5 5/17/2016
As a graduate of The Willows Academy, I am so glad that I went to this school. The older I get, the more I realize just how important attending The Willows was for me. My closest friends are the ones I made at The Willows and I really had the best education- not only academically, but also in character and virtue. I wouldn't be who I am today without The Willows!
5 5/24/2014
As a former teacher at The Willows, I can attest to the wonderful spirit of The Willows.
During the twenty years which I taught, I found the administration very supportive and
inspirational.. they truly were role models for intelligent, caring women. To this day, I
have fond memories of my students and their school spirit ,and of my fellow teachers''
love and support. I looked forward to going to class EVERY day thanks to them.
Carol Nalaski, former head of English Department
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