ACADEMY PROGRAMS

Unique to Chicagoland's Fox Valley area, the School District U-46 academy programs are designed to take high school students to new levels of creative, interdisciplinary learning and give them a head start on higher education.

Academy students tackle an intense curriculum in dedicated facilities with the latest learning materials and state-of-the-art equipment that complement each program's focus. All five of the U-46 high schools will have academy programs with a unique focus to encourage the development of students' talents and interests when the newest academy is added for the 2008-09 school year.

The focus areas for the academies are: Science, Engineering and Technology; Gifted and Talented; Visual and Performing Arts; World Language and International Studies and the new Broadcast, Education, and Communication Networks. Students enrolled in the academies are immersed four or five periods daily in classes related to the academy's focus. The remainder of their studies are in the comprehensive programs where they take classes with students outside of the academies.


Students are admitted through an application and review process, and approximately 50 spaces are open in each academy every school year. Informational fairs are held at the high schools each fall and a call for applications is extended to eighth grade students. Selections are generally announced in mid-February.

Any student in good standing who has the interest and ability to perform the academic and specialized work of the program is eligible to apply for admission to any of the academies. Students must fill out an application form for the academy in which they are interested. Students are encouraged to talk to a counselor about enrollment in the academies.

The Academy Open House dates are set for Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and again at 8:15 p.m.  Seventh and eighth grade students and their families are welcome to attend.

The five academies are:

  • Bartlett High School --- Science, Engineering and High Technology Academy
  • Elgin High School --- Gifted and Talented Academy
  • Larkin High School --- Visual and Performing Arts Academy
  • Streamwood High School --- World Languages and International Studies Academy
  • South Elgin High School --- Broadcast, Education, and Communication Networks (BEACON).