The Willows Academy is an independent, college preparatoryschool that empowers young women in grades 6 - 12 to strive for academic and moral excellence and a lifelong commitment to service based on the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 213 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,000
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
213 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, European History, French Language, Latin, Spanish Language, U.S. History
Average ACT score
28
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Plaid Skirt/Uniform
Plaid Skirt/Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,000
Tuition Notes
Financial aid/scholarships available.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
Admissions Director
Kathryn Ferry
Admissions Associate
Lupe Garcia
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Art Club, Chamber Choir, Environmental Club, Fall Play, Handbell Choir, International Club, Newspaper, Pro-Life Club, Spring Musical, Yearbook
School Notes
- Willows Academy is an all girl school with an all female faculty.
- All courses at Willows Academy are taught at an honors level or above.
- Each student has an advisor who serves as her mentor throughout the seven years of the program.
- Our students embrace growth through participation in clubs,athletics and arts; no previous experience needed.
- Willows Academy has an impressive five year athletics snapshot:Illinois State Qualifiers in soccer and cross-country;Regional Champs in volleyball; Independent School League Champs in softball;many 'Coach of the Year' awards.
- This year's graduating class earned nearly $5 million inmeritscholarships for college! (Average of $100K perstudent!)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Willows Academy cost?
Willows Academy's tuition is approximately $14,000 for private students.
What sports does Willows Academy offer?
Willows Academy offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Willows Academy's ranking?
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest average ACT score.
When is the application deadline for Willows Academy?
The application deadline for Willows Academy is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 1/1/2020
I have enrolled two of my daughters at the Willows Academy. One graduated in 2016 as class salutorian. She accepted an $84,000 Presidential Scholarship and is preparing to graduate early. My other daughter, 6 years younger, grew up wanting to be a Willows girl. The faculty is outstanding. The mentor ship program is great. I love that they teach our girls how to be ladies with confidence in themselves.
5 5/17/2016
As a graduate of The Willows Academy, I am so glad that I went to this school. The older I get, the more I realize just how important attending The Willows was for me. My closest friends are the ones I made at The Willows and I really had the best education- not only academically, but also in character and virtue. I wouldn't be who I am today without The Willows!
5 5/24/2014
As a former teacher at The Willows, I can attest to the wonderful spirit of The Willows.
During the twenty years which I taught, I found the administration very supportive and
inspirational.. they truly were role models for intelligent, caring women. To this day, I
have fond memories of my students and their school spirit ,and of my fellow teachers''
love and support. I looked forward to going to class EVERY day thanks to them.
Carol Nalaski, former head of English Department
Endorse Willows Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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Nearby Homes for Sale
-
796 CENTER ST
DES PLAINES, IL$485,000- 4 Beds | 2 Baths
- (0.51 miles from school)
-
9098 W TERRACE DR UNIT 1B
NILES, IL$124,900- 1 Bed | 1 Bath
- (2.63 miles from school)
-
711 BUSSE HWY UNIT 1B
PARK RIDGE, IL$164,900- 1 Bed | 1 Bath
- (2.92 miles from school)
-
512 CHERRY CIR
GLENVIEW, IL$365,000- 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- (3.24 miles from school)
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