Magnet Academies

The BEACON Academy of Media & Digital Arts will prepare students to become skillful and successful media makers covering the areas of audio and video production, broadcast journalism, webcasting, and web design.  At the same time, they will be provided with a critical awareness of the social and cultural impact their work will have on society. Students will gain a unique perspective through opportunities to work with electronic media applications, television, and radio broadcasting. 

The BEACON curriculum is designed to provide an extensive and intensive educational experience for those who intend to use the modern media of electronic communication to serve the artistic, cultural, educational, informational, and social needs of society.  The program involves both theory and practice. Students will be involved in coursework and hands-on activities. 

Course work for this academy focuses on five areas:

As with the other four academies, students apply to the BEACON Academy during the fall of the eighth-grade year. 

For more information, check out the BEACON Academy of Media & Digital Arts website.

• Theoretical Foundation 
• Career Awareness and Preparation 
• Technology 
• Production and Programming 
• Specialized Techniques 

The International Baccalaureate Academy at Elgin High School is designed for students who challenge assumptions by raising questions, students who take risks by daring to try something different. The program identifies students' talents and nurtures their skills through problem-solving situations. The program aims to prepare students to be innovative thinkers of the 21st century. 

The International Baccalaureate Academy is housed within Elgin High School. It offers an enriched, integrated curriculum and a wide spectrum of Advanced Placement classes. Students apply to the Academy during the fall of their eighth-grade year. Upon admission to the Academy, students must maintain a "C" or higher in each academy class in order to remain a part of the program. Students enjoy the opportunity to take electives and participate in extra-curricular activities offered in the comprehensive high school program. 

The International Baccalaureate Academy offers:

• Challenging and innovative classes
• Weighted grades in core subjects
• Advanced Placement classes
• Teachers with Gifted verification and extensive classroom experience
• Community involvement
• Unique field trip opportunities, seminars, and speakers 

The mission of the International Baccalaureate Academy is to provide a rigorous, innovative, meaningful academic environment to challenge both the intellectual and creative abilities of students. Given opportunities for integrated curriculum and personal exploration within a supportive learning community, students will be prepared to face challenges and make choices that will meet the complexities of today's world and make the process of lifelong learning an exciting use of their potential. 

For more information, check out the Elgin High Academy website.

• The Science, Engineering, and Technology Academy at Bartlett High School is organized to integrate the academic areas of science and mathematics with technology and an accelerated math and science curricula with advanced placement opportunities. 

  The subject matter is keyed into technology, affording students the opportunity to experience the latest equipment and work methods utilized in the industry. While science and math are the focal points, classes in graphic arts, computer-aided drafting, and electronics are part of the curriculum and are enhanced in cooperation with area corporations. 

  The mission of the Science, Engineering, and Technology Academy is to prepare students to be successful in using present and future technologies. A rigorous and relevant, comprehensive curriculum will provide interactive experiences with various technologies in the classroom and community. 

  For more information, check out the Science, Engineering, and Technology Academy website.

• Larkin High School is the home of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Students with special interests in dance, music, visual art or drama will flourish in this program. While the program has a focus on the arts, it centers on educating the whole student.
  
  The District U-46 Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) is available to any eighth-grade student within the district. Students are invited to apply for admissions into this four-year performance-based program in the focus areas of dance, drama, visual arts, and vocal and instrumental music.
  
  The Visual and Performing Arts Academy allows students to:
  • Explore a wide variety of arts areas 
  • Focus in-depth on one area/skill  
  • Develop and express their talents through performance and presentation 
  • Create in a supportive, nurturing environment 
  • Experience the interconnection between art and the world around them
  
  The mission of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy is to provide students with a comprehensive arts-based education. This academy uses multiple approaches to learning that addresses problem-solving skills, the creative process, and imagination through a focus on the fine arts. 
  
  The Academy has been recognized by the Grammy Foundation as a 2000-2001 Grammy Signature School for its excellence in music education and by the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education as the 2000 Service Recognition Award winner for the VPAA program.

   

  For more information, check out the Visual and Performing Arts Academy website.

The LEAD (Leadership Entrepreneurship Action and Design) Academy offers an innovative program where students learn to be problem solvers and innovators in a collaborative environment. The program is designed for students interested in rigorous academic learning coupled with real-world experiential learning including school based enterprises such as the School Store, developing a business concept or product from ideation to market and exploring community engagement opportunities.

During their time in the LEAD Academy students will gain a foundational understanding of what it means to be a leader, explore entrepreneurial mindsets, be introduced to the design thinking cycle, and understand how our actions impact the world around us.

Students will learn how to incorporate innovation, design thinking, and lean startup practices into their skills portfolio to launch them into success as they complete the program in preparation for individualized post-secondary plans.

For more information, visit the LEAD Academy section on the Streamwood High School website.