Elgin Academy

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Elgin Academy Photo #1 - "Old Main" building of Elgin Academy Old Main is the academy's original building. Today, it is primarily used as the museum for the Elgin Area Historical Society. One room still serves as a regular school classroom for the school.
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Elgin Academy Photo #1 - "Old Main" building of Elgin Academy Old Main is the academy's original building. Today, it is primarily used as the museum for the Elgin Area Historical Society. One room still serves as a regular school classroom for the school.
Elgin Academy is a preschool-12th grade, independent, college-preparatory, coeducational day school committed to academic excellence and developing the full potential of each student. Through a proactive partnership among faculty, parents, and students in a nurturing, dynamic, challenging, and diverse community, the Academy creates an environment where students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become intellectually engaged and confident about their places in the world.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 182 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $21,000
  • Acceptance rate: 96%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Elgin Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
182 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Elgin Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
9 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1274
Average ACT score
27
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
"business casual"

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition and fees vary by division; tuition assistance is available to qualifying students; international students can apply for grades 7-10.
% on Financial Aid
39%
Acceptance Rate
96%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Bonita Goist
Admissions Associate
Rose Johnson

Sports

Total Sports Offered
8 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Battle of the Books, Chess Club, Environmental Club, Math Olympiad, Model UN, National Honor Society, newspaper, Robotics Club, Soup Kitchen, Technology Club, Tutoring Club, WYSE Team

Arts and Music Programs:
Theatre Arts

School Notes

  • Elgin Academy is the Fox River Valley`s preschool through grade 12 independent school where taking learning personally shapes every school day, every interaction, and every learning moment between your child and his peers and teachers.At Elgin Academy,taking learning personallymeans. Classrooms characterized by open conversation and probing dialogue because intellectual discourse lays the foundation for a lifetime ofcritical thinking. Active learningprojects in every subject and every division, because proving knowledge through kinetic applications cements concepts for life. Mutuallyempowering relationships between fellow students and students and teachers, because learning breakthroughs accelerate within a culture of trust, respect, and compassion. At Elgin Academy,taking learning personallydefines our commitment to each other, and to every child who finds her second home on our campus. And it stands as your child`s abiding gift as she continues to hone her understanding of world and self through her time here, well into college, and long after graduation.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Elgin Academy cost?
Elgin Academy's tuition is approximately $21,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Elgin Academy?
The acceptance rate of Elgin Academy is 96%, which is higher than the national average of 91%.
What sports does Elgin Academy offer?
Elgin Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Elgin Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.
What is Elgin Academy's ranking?
Elgin Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Elgin Academy?
The application deadline for Elgin Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
We are the parents of 3 alum from EA. Each of them were challenged where they required challenging and supported where they required support. Teachers and administrators got to know our kids. We never thought we'd put our kids into a private school, but it was worth every penny and sacrifice to do so. The kids got to explore all their interests, even if they weren't sure it WAS an interest! Athletics / Drama / Choir / Community Service all of it! Our young adults can not only succeed in their chosen field of study, but can look an adult in the eye and have a thoughtful conversation with them. This is SO important to us in this age where many kids are immersed in their digital world to the point where that they can't look up long enough to say hello, never mind have an intelligent conversation with an adult sitting next to them. EA has phenomenal faculty/staff and administration who truly care about your children and will work overtime to help them be the best they can be.
- Posted by
5  
My wife and I are so happy we found Elgin Academy. Our son started in pre-school and 14 years later is now a Junior at Elgin Academy. He is doing great. His experience has been outstanding. Elgin Academy has a college campus feel to it complete with a grassy quad and historical buildings. The school was founded in 1839 making it 181 years old. Think about all that history behind it all the students who have graduated and went on to change our world. The Academy has a good feeling about it. Administrators, teachers and parents work together to put our students first. The head of school is often around campus mingling with students. His door is always open to parents. When we have a concern, we see changes for the better happen fast. Our son has had so many opportunities; volunteerism, sports, theatrics, environmentalism, and amazing camaraderie amongst his peers. The relationships he has formed at Elgin Academy will help him throughout his life. Our fellow parents stick together and help make sure our students are safe and feel included. I believe the Elgin Academy experience has done so much to help students be so well adjusted and successful in their college careers. My wife and think this was the best decision we every made for our son.
- Posted by
5  
I wrote the evaluation below in 2014. I still feel confident that our son is at the best choice. We are especially appreciative of the college counseling our family is receiving as part of our son's education. We have 2 highly trained college counselors and additional support staff that actually know our family for individualized assistance. That is approximately a ratio of 1 counselor to 15 students. my 11/28/2014 review: We chose Elgin Academy for our son and have been glad he has been given the opportunity to experience the Elgin Academy difference. He started in Pre-School and has grown in so many ways. He is able to interact with students as well as teachers of very diverse backgrounds. He has a great choice of electives. His academics are taught in a way that makes learning fun. It is a great feeling as a parent to have your child eager to get to school and awaiting what new experience will unfold. The class sizes as well as student to teacher ratio is great. Once he gets into Upper School, he'll have individual attention for college placement. Students are involved in a variety of Community Service Programs-reinforcing the importance of giving back to society is very important to us.- Posted by Parent - Skirk.
- Posted by
5  
We started our daughter in the preschool program. She has thrived at Elgin Academy and presently is in the middle school. The opportunity to progress through to high school from preschool was a big factor in enrolling her. She has thrived academically, socially, and emotionally. Exposure to sports and the arts a huge benefit. Strongly endorse Elgin Academy if you desire development of your child at any age.
- Posted by
5  
If you are looking for a PS-12th grade nondenominational school with small class sizes and an emphasis on individualized active learning, then this is the place for you! Our daughter and son have excelled socially, emotionally, and academically since starting at Elgin Academy in 2012. Their 1 month Immersion program in the Spring allows students to intimately learn about a select country including their language, culture, dance, and culinary cuisines. Our children became Kenya experts this year and were singing in Swahili at the dinner table! A one of a kind education and experience!
- Posted by
5  
We choose Elgin Academy for our daughter because of the student to teacher ratio, classes offered from preschool through high school, and a staff of teachers and administrators aligned with our expectations concerning our daughters development. The balance between academics, social activities, and athletic opportunities are one of the academy's greatest benefits. The fact that our child, who began in the preschool program has role models and interaction with students in upper grades is another benefit the academy offers. Regards, Phillip and Elena Cowen
- Posted by
5  
We chose Elgin Academy for our son and have been glad he has been given the opportunity to experience the Elgin Academy difference. He started in Pre-School and has grown in so many ways. He is able to interact with students as well as teachers of very diverse backgrounds. He has a great choice of electives. His academics are taught in a way that makes learning fun. It is a great feeling as a parent to have your child eager to get to school and awaiting what new experience will unfold. The class sizes as well as student to teacher ratio is great. Once he gets into Upper School he''ll have individual attention for college placement. Students are involved in a variety of Community Service Programs-reinforcing the importance of giving back to society is very important to us.
- Posted by
5  
Students at EA enjoy a lot of opportunities that other schools cannot offer - small class sizes, a rich arts curriculum, and lots of opportunities for sports and other extracurricular interests. We highly recommend it!
- Posted by
5  
We are very pleased with the progress of our four year-old daughter so far through preschool and pre-k at Elgin Academy. She is building self-confidence and maturity while maintaining curiosity and excitement about school each day. By starting with French class in preschool, she is getting a jump-start on learning a second language which we never had and she just embraces it as a normal part of school. Experiential, hands-on learning of both small and large motor skills are a favorite daily part of the curriculum. Separate music, library and art classes from dedicated, specialized teachers also rounds out the excellent half-day pre-k program.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 182 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $21,000
  • Acceptance rate: 96%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Elgin, IL is $9,175 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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