The Academy

The nation's premier performing and visual arts high school. Click below to apply and learn more about our Summer and Saturday Programs.

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At The Chicago Academy for the Arts, high school artists master the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.

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Arts Departments

Featured

Dance

Media Arts

Music

Musical Theatre

Theatre

Visual Arts

Academic Departments

Featured

English

Math, Science, and Technology

Social Studies

World Languages

AP and Honors Courses

Academic and Arts Electives

Upcoming Events and Recent News

NEWS

Music and Theatre Collaborate to Create "Peter and the Starcatcher"

In this behind-the-scenes look, Music Department Chair Rachel Brown shares how The Academy's Music and Theatre Departments worked together to bring this exciting production to the stage.

Alumni Spotlight: Karen Szczech (Music ‘17)

Karen Szczech, a dedicated violinist and first-generation American, graduated from the Academy's Music Department in 2017. Together with her sister Kasia, an alum from 2013, Karen co-founded Magical Keys, a versatile musical organization that includes performances, education, and community engagement.

Academy Teacher Named Fulbright Scholar: Lauren Rovin's Experience in Mexico

Read about Spanish Teacher Lauren Rovin's experience as a Fulbright Scholar!

Heather Day (Visual Arts '08) Featured in W Magazine

Check out Heather Day (Visual Arts '08) in W Magazine!

Akenya Seymour (Music '10) in Chicago Reader

Check out alum Akenya Seymour (Music ‘10) in the Chicago Reader’s podcast, The Sit Down, hosted by Shawnee Dez.

Kevin Miles (Theatre '08) Visits The Academy: ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Kevin Miles (Theatre ‘08) and The Academy on ABC 7 News!

Dance Department Chair Randy Duncan in The Chicago Sun-Times

Celebrating 30 years of transforming young dancers, Randy Duncan received a feature in The Chicago Sun-Times!

Youth and Government Visits Springfield

The Student Leadership Conference & General Assembly took place from March 7 to 10, with 15 Youth and Government students representing The Academy in Springfield.

Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98) Discusses Grammy Nomination with AP News

The Academy proudly congratulates alum Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre ’98) for being nominated for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards!

Elisabeth Withers (Music '88) Visits The Academy

Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98) on NBC Chicago

See Justin Tranter on NBC Chicago’s new series “It’s OK to Ask Questions”.

Zachary Jeppsen (Dance '18) and Jason Patera in Chicago Tribune

Check out Jason Patera and Zachary Jeppsen (Dance ‘18) featured in Chicago Tribune!

Alumni Stories: Hengyu Wang (Visual Arts ‘18)

Read our interview with Academy Alum Hengyu Wang (Visual Arts ‘18)!

Interview with 2023 Gala Emcee: Ally Ahern (Musical Theatre '17)

Read our interview with Academy Alum and 2023 Gala Emcee, Ally Ahern (Musical Theatre ‘17)

Student Profile: Ava Baldassari (Musical Theatre '23)

Read our interview with current Musical Theatre student Ava Baldassari.

Alumni Stories: Emma Thatcher (Musical Theatre '10) and Sarah Franke (Media Arts '11)

Read our interview with Emma Thatcher (Musical Theatre ‘10) and Sarah Franke (Media Arts ‘11)

Alumni Stories: Maisie Schloss (Visual Arts '09)

Read our interview with Maisie Schloss (Visual Arts ‘09)

Alumni Stories: Morgan Clune (Dance '18)

Read our interview with Morgan Clune (Dance ‘18)

Jason Patera in Chicago Tribune

Check out Jason Patera in the Chicago Tribune!

Alumni Stories: Marissa Cameron (Media Arts '12)

Interview with Marissa Cameron (Media Arts ‘12)

The Academy Newsletter: Summer 2022

Arayah Lyte - Dance '22

Hear from the Class of 2022!

2022 Summer Program

Pictures from the 2022 Summer Program!

Izzie Claudio - Musical Theatre '22

Hear from the Class of 2022!

Hear from the Seniors: DeeDee Kinzie (Visual Arts), Gabe Bell (Media Arts), and Sloane Dyer (Music)

Hear from Academy seniors!

Hear from the Seniors: Mia Nadborne (Theatre) and India Renteria (Musical Theatre)

Hear from Academy seniors!

Bazyli Siwek - Music '22

Hear from the Class of 2022!

The Academy in on WGN and ABC7

Check us out on WGN and ABC7!

40th Anniversary Gala

Highlights from our 40th Anniversary Gala!

Alumni Stories: DeMone Seraphin (Musical Theatre '93)

An interview with Academy alum DeMone Seraphin

UPCOMING ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Nov 13

Conversation With Head of School Jason Patera: In-Person

Jan 16

Academics at The Academy: Open House

Feb 12

Conversation With Head of School Jason Patera: Virtual

Mar 21

Spring Open House: Arts & Academics

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 8

[SOLD OUT] Musical Theatre Department: Into the Woods • Weekend 1

Join the Musical Theatre Department for Into the Woods!

Nov 11

No School: Veterans Day

Nov 15

Visual Arts: After Opening Reception

Join Visual Arts for their Fall Exhibition: After!

Nov 15

[SOLD OUT] Musical Theatre Department: Into the Woods • Weekend 2

Join the Musical Theatre Department for Into the Woods!

Nov 20

Parents Association Meeting

Nov 21

Media Arts: Tissues Not Included • Thursday, November 21 @ 7:00 p.m.

The Media Arts Department is excited to present Tissues Not Included.

Nov 22

Media Arts: Tissues Not Included • Friday, November 22 @ 7:00 p.m.

The Media Arts Department is excited to present Tissues Not Included.

Nov 23

Media Arts: Tissues Not Included • Saturday, November 23 @ 2:00 p.m.

The Media Arts Department is excited to present Tissues Not Included.

Nov 23

Media Arts: Tissues Not Included • Saturday, November 23 @ 6:00 p.m.

The Media Arts Department is excited to present Tissues Not Included.

Nov 25

Music Department: Winter Classical Showcase

Join the Music Department for their Winter Classical Showcase!

Nov 27

No School: Thanksgiving Break

Dec 8

Music Department: Winter Jazz Showcase

Join the Music Department for their Winter Jazz Showcase!

Dec 13

End of Semester 1

Dec 16

Academic Final Exams

Dec 18

Parents Association Meeting

Dec 19

No School: Teacher Inservice/Grading Day

Dec 23

No School: Winter Break

Jan 6

No School: Teacher Inservice/Grading Day

Jan 15

Parents Association Meeting

Jan 20

No School: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Feb 17

No School: Midwinter Break

Feb 19

Parents Association Meeting

Mar 14

Semester 2 Midpoint

Mar 17

No School: Teacher Inservice/Grading Day

Mar 19

Parents Association Meeting

Mar 20

Early Dismissal: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Apr 7

No School: Spring Break

Apr 16

Parents Association Meeting

May 16

End of Semester 2

May 16

Prom (tentative)

Academy Alumni

A chart-topping songwriter, Broadway actors, Grammy Award-winning artists, physicists, attorneys, and business people. The Academy is a blueprint for success.

Alumni Stories