Science & Arts Academy educates gifted children in an academically differentiated and enriched environment while recognizing the unique development of each child. Our supportive community encourages students to embrace their potential and cultivates their academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Yearly Tuition: $28,300
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 26 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Science & Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Gifted Learners
Year Founded
1992
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
260 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
78%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 26 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$28,300
Tuition Notes
Half Day PreK - $15500
Full Day PreK and K - $25800
1st - 8th Grade - $28300
Financial Aid opportunities available.
% on Financial Aid
39%
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Mindy Hildebrandt
Admissions Associate
Monika Robinett
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess, Cooking Class, Dungeons and Dragons, GEMS (Girls Excelling at Math and Science), Mandarin Class, Math Club, National Junior Honor Society, Science Olympiad Team, Scouts, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama / Plays / Musicals, Music Lessons, Private Music Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Soccer
Chess, Cooking Class, Dungeons and Dragons, GEMS (Girls Excelling at Math and Science), Mandarin Class, Math Club, National Junior Honor Society, Science Olympiad Team, Scouts, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama / Plays / Musicals, Music Lessons, Private Music Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Soccer
School Notes
- Science & Arts Academy is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational, not-for-profit day school for gifted students in Jr. Kindergarten through eighth grade. Science & Arts Academy educates gifted children in an academically differentiated and enriched environment while recognizing the unique development of each child. Our supportive community encourages students to embrace their potential and cultivates their academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth.
- SAA is highly regarded for its challenging and inspiring curriculum, small classroom setting and expertise and knowledge in supporting gifted children. Differentiation, acceleration, enrichment, problem solving and creative thinking are all concepts common to the everyday intellectual and artistic experience for the SAA student. To learn more about SAA or schedule a visit, please visit www.scienceandartsacademy.org or call 847-827-7880.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Science & Arts Academy cost?
Science & Arts Academy's tuition is approximately $28,300 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Science & Arts Academy?
The acceptance rate of Science & Arts Academy is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Science & Arts Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.
Does Science & Arts Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Science & Arts Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Science & Arts Academy offer?
Science & Arts Academy offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Cross Country.
What is Science & Arts Academy's ranking?
Science & Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Science & Arts Academy?
The application deadline for Science & Arts Academy is Feb. 26 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 26 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 3/10/2023
This school is the BEST SCHOOL EVER!!!!
5 5/9/2018
Science & Arts Academy is truly a great place. As a student, SAA has taught me so much ranging from valuable life skills to how to conjugate ER verbs in French. This school continues to nurture me everyday and I will carry the skills I have learned here with me forever.
5 5/1/2018
This School Is Great!
5 5/1/2018
Great School!
5 6/3/2016
The Science and Arts Academy (SAA) has it all. The academic programs are excellent. Most of the students perform at least a year above grade level and for those that are 2-3 years advanced, the school places them appropriately. It is differentiated and challenging. It also offers top notch drama, art, and music programs. SAA is a place where children go to thrive and excel. All you have to do is walk down the halls to see it and feel it. For those with gifted children, it is a truly great school.
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