The Academy

The nation's premier performing and visual arts high school.

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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

Middle School Programs at The Academy

Weekend and summer arts intensives for artists in grades 6 through 8.

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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)!

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

Media Arts Department in the Chicago Reader

Check out the Media Arts Department in the Chicago Reader!

UPCOMING ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Mar 21

Spring Open House: Arts & Academics

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb 28

Influence on Genre: The Black Effect • 4th Annual Black Student Union Showcase

Join the Black Student Union for Influence on Genre: The Black Effect – the 4th annual Black History Month showcase and fundraiser at The Academy!

Mar 5

9th and 10th Grade College Night

College Counselor Sarah Langford asks 9th and 10th grade families to join her via Zoom on March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Mar 7

Music Department • Silenced Voices: Native American Composers

Join the Music Department for a continuation of their Silenced Voices series, focusing on Native American composers.

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

End of Semester 2

Prom (tentative)

Academic Final Exams

Graduation Rehearsal 2025 (tentative)

May 21

Senior Luncheon

May 21

Parents Association Meeting (TBD)

May 22

Graduation 2025 (tentative)

Exact date to be determined in the fall.

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