SCHOOL PROFILE 2019-2020 1825 Miner Street Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-827-7880 About SAA scienceandartsacademy.org Science & Arts Academy (SAA) is an independent, co-educational, not-for- profit day school serving gifted students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded 1992 SAA is located in Des Plaines, a northern suburb of Chicago, directly off Interstate 294. SAA offers chaperoned Metra train service before and after school for students who commute from the city of Chicago. A school shuttle bus transports students between the Des Plaines Metra Timothy P. Costello Station and SAA. Head of School serving students from square feet of , learning 49402 space ON Our Mission 268 5.63 acres Science & Arts Academy students zip codes educates gifted children in an academically differentiated and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion enriched environment Science & Arts Academy values the representation and full engagement of while recognizing the individuals within our community whose differences include – but are not unique development of limited to – age, ethnicity, family makeup, gender identity and expression, each child. SAA’s physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. SAA welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our school and works to supportive community create and sustain a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community that is encourages students to safe and welcoming for all; we recognize to do so requires commitment, embrace their potential reflection, deliberate planning and action, and ongoing accountability. and cultivates their *Adapted from NAIS’s Principles of Good Practice academic abilities, creative talents, and % emotional growth. students 3of families5 receive of color tuition assistance WHERE GIFTED CHILDREN % totaling 41 approximately$790,000 in aid THRIVE SAA Distinguishing Characteristics Academic Challenge Artistic Expression SAA maintains an SAA provides gifted unwavering commitment students with unique to the academic needs of opportunities for artistic IC M expression and explora- the gifted student. Highly E GE D N E A qualified instructors A LE X R tion, which foster creativi- C L P T A A R I S ty and broaden curiosity. provide challenges H E T S C I S C Artistic expression is appropriate to each I O highly valued at SAA, as student’s ability and N intellect. Differentiated students at every grade instruction allows level participate in year-round art, drama, and teachers to tailor S P learning to best meet O E music. Students develop R C S the needs of the student. IA O their talents and gain L NA Depth, breadth, enrich- D L AND greater self-confidence EV ment, and acceleration ELOPMENT through these immersive are incorporated in all experiences, cultivating a academic areas. fondness and appreciation for the visual and performing arts. Community of Learners Personal and Social Development SAA is a community of learners, all working together to advance the SAA understands the most effective learning mission of the school. Intellectually and creatively talented students occurs within the context of supportive have the opportunity to be in the company of like-minded peers relationships. SAA provides the tools to help all with similar abilities and interests. Small classes are led by skilled gifted students acquire and apply the knowledge educators with expertise and knowledge in supporting gifted and skills to understand and manage emotions, children. Parents work together to support the students, the school, feel and show empathy for others, establish and and one another. A broad selection of extracurricular activities maintain positive relationships, and make further develops a sense of community, as students interact outside responsible decisions. Throughout the SAA of school hours with peers across multiple grade levels. The SAA experience, students gain the confidence to be community of learners provides an environment in which all successful at each stage of their development. students are known, valued, and understood. Accreditation and Memberships Science & Arts Academy is accredited through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The rigorous standards set forth by ISACS are aimed to help schools improve their programs through a continuous cycle of introspection, evaluation, and revision. Additionally, Science & Arts Academy is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. SAA is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, National Association for Gifted Children and the Illinois Association for Gifted Children. Illinois State Board of Education Faculty Science & Arts Academy’s faculty consists of 42 teachers uniquely trained to meet the needs of gifted children. From professional musicians, artists and actors, to scientists, poets and authors, SAA teachers draw upon all of their interests and areas of expertise to inspire students both inside and outside of the classroom. student : teacher ratio average 78% of faculty teaching hold 1YEARS7 experience advanced degrees 7Meet SAA’s: 1faculty at scienceandartsacademy.org/faculty Curriculum Science & Arts Academy offers a diverse and challenging curriculum, fostering critical thinking, creativity and intellectual curiosity. The curricular program is differentiated to cultivate the unique talents, needs and interests of each child. A variety of instruction- al approaches allow each student to learn at their most appropriate depth, complexity and pace. Courses include: • Art • French or Spanish • Library • Physical Education • Drama • Language Arts • Math • Science • Explore and Create • Latin (5th - 8th) • Music • Social Emotional Learning • Social Studies average class size year- daily round class fine 7periods arts students2 classes Discover more about SAA’s curriculum at scienceandartsacademy.org/curriculum Extracurricular Overview Committed to the education and development of students beyond the classroom, SAA provides a broad selection of extracurric- ular clubs, organizations, teams and enrichment opportunities. Designed for students to further develop their academic, artistic, creative and athletic talents, after school activities also support social and emotional growth. A sampling of extracurricular offerings includes: Athletics Arts & Culture Enrichment Leadership Basketball Certamen Team Chess Club Community Problem Solvers Cross Country Drama Productions Coding Club Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts Martial Arts Mandarin Class Math Team National Junior Honor Society Soccer Private Music and Science Olympiad Student Council Voice Lessons regional and state 1performances2 live each year ranking extracurricular+ STATE teams 3activities0 & teams Learn more about SAA’s after school programs at scienceandartsacademy.org/extracurriculars High School Matriculation % % Students graduate from SAA well-prepared for high school. SAA alumni are attend40 60attend represented at the following schools: Independent Public High School High School Independent High Schools Saint Ignatius College Prep Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Beacon Academy Saint Viator High School John Hersey High School Benet Academy Trinity High School Lane Technical College Prep High School Carmel Catholic High School University of Chicago Lab Schools Libertyville High School Chicago Academy for the Arts The Webb Schools Maine East High School Choate Rosemary Hall Wolcott School Maine South High School Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Maine West High School Elgin Academy Michigan City High School Emma Willard School Public High Schools Nequa Valley High School Fenwick High School Addison Trail High School New Trier Township High School Francis W. Parker School Adlai E. Stevenson High School Niles North High School Guerin College Prep High School Barrington High School Niles West High School Lake Forest Academy Deerfield High School Northside College Prep High School Latin School of Chicago Downers Grove South High School Prospect High School Loyola Academy Evanston Township High School Rolling Meadows High School Northridge Prep School Glenbrook North High School Vernon Hills High School North Shore Country Day School Glenbrook South High School Walter Payton College Prep High School Notre Dame College Prep Grayslake Central High School Wheeling High School Resurrection College Prep High School Highland Park High School William Howard Taft High School Roycemore School Hinsdale Central High School York Community High School Visit Science & Arts Academy Open House Open House events are held in November and January each year. These events provide attendees with an opportunity to meet members of the school community, visit classrooms, and learn more about the mission of Science & Arts Academy. Tours SAA offers private tours daily. Guests meet with a member of the admissions team, visit classrooms and observe students and teachers in action for greater insight into daily life at SAA. Parent Education Events SAA hosts various parent education events each school year on topics relating to giftedness and education. These events are free and open to the public. Contact SAA To reach out with questions or request more information, email [email protected] or call 847-827-7880. Schedule a visit to SAA at scienceandartsacademy.org/events WHERE GIFTED CHILDREN THRIVE.