I’m finally relieved I found a fantastic school for my gifted son. The faculty and administrators truly understand how a school should be run from the curriculum to the aftercare programs. The teachers understand gifted students since most were gifted themselves . It’s apparent they are there to teach for the love of it not for a TRS pension. SAA is a very special school.

I have been going to school there for quite a while and I have to say, this school has improved my look on education MAJORLY. The academic portion is wonderful and I enjoy being in classes, and (although many of my classmates will disagree) I enjoy Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) But one thing is clear to all of the students, SEL lessons greatly sophisticate our actions and make us learn a great deal about each other! Have a great day!

Small class sizes and they are experts at differentiation. Your child can be in grade level language arts and higher level math (or vice versa). This is done easily and, most importantly with age level peers! Its completely accepted to be smart, or artistic, or both! Both of my kids enjoy school and have an amazing learning environment.

Sounds cliche, but the school has really happy kids. Experience tells me, that isnt easy to ensure that gifted kids are happy and challenged all the time. How they do it, beats me! Perhaps its is the proactive headmaster who cares for his students and addresses every possible need, or those loving teachers who place a huge premium on patience and kindness. Maybe the admin staff that works from behind the curtains to ensure every message, every act, every little gesture welcomes children to their classrooms, for I see no other reason why the kids go skipping to school every morning. We are both blessed and lucky to have found this gem called SAA, where everyone fits in and it truly is that involved village that raises your child.

We had an opportunity to experience Science and Arts Academy (SAA) through our youngest kid who was doing Pre-K there. Our initial plan was to get to move her to a Chicago Public Selective enrollment school (CPS) after finishing her preschool there. But when we took a tour and did a shadow day at SAA, we decided to reconsider that decision.The shadow day went off really well - It gave us an opportunity to see how the school functioned and how different it was from a public school. The kids seemed happy, well mannered, and we also learned that kids were grouped based on the level they were at. Everything was structured and planned out from the admission process to the curriculum. After we spent a few months as an SAA parent, we decided to move our older kid who was a student at a CPS gifted school to SAA - the best decision ever!Here are a few things that makes SAA stand out -1. Differentiation starts at Kindergarten so if your kid is already reading or doing advanced math, they will be taught at their level. The kids are allowed to move levels mid-year. For example, my kid was moved to a higher level of French class because the teacher thought she was ready to move on to an advanced class.2. The kids have an opportunity to shine not only in academics but they have a lot of other activities to choose from. For example, my 6th grader is part of Student Council, Library task force, Science Olympiad team, and Math team.3. The kids are extremely well mannered and grounded. We have never heard any screaming / yelling / swear words at this school.4. The principal and all the teachers and staff are kind and helpful. It is a warm and welcoming environment.5. Zero chaos - SAA has a planned and structured approach to everything - curriculum, concerts, field trips and mundane everyday tasks such as pick up and drop offs.6. The teachers are kind and knowledgeable. We wanted to specially call out the Latin and Language arts teacher - Mr. Leiva and Ms. Jolicoeur who sent materials to my kid during summer so that our 6th grader could get up to speed. We can’t thank them enough!SAA versus CPS Selective Enrollment Schools (CPS)-Our older child had the opportunity to attend two top CPS selective enrollment school for 6 years. The biggest challenge with CPS was that there was no differentiation. I would attribute it to two reasons - lack of intent by the school administration and limited resources.This meant a kid who was say advanced in Math had to work on concepts in class that they had already mastered years ago. Requests by parents to allow their kids to follow an advanced Math curriculum ‘on their own without any assistance from the teacher’ was also turned down. This was extremely frustrating.That’s why we are very happy with our decision to move to SAA.

After years of trying enrichment courses for our gifted child, we looked into Science & Arts Academy and couldnt be happier! SAA truly meets the needs of gifted students. From the differentiated curriculum, to the SEL, as well as the languages, technology, and extracurriculars, this school does it ALL! The teachers understand gifted children, and each childs need is met. SAA is professionally run by a top administration and the teachers and staff are the best around. We are relieved our child can continue his love of learning in a positive environment.

Not quite sure why someone said that there isnt a music program. SAA has a GREAT music program with two full-time and one part time music teachers. They have music instruction twice per week, along with orchestra for those students interested.Before sending my two children to the school, I hired an educational consultant and visited dozens of schools in the Chicago area. SAA was one of the first schools that I saw. However, we compared every school that we looked at to SAA. Whether it was the differentiated learning, the beautiful school, the small class size, or the wonderful teachers; we were sold from the day that we saw it. The differentiated learning meant that a second grader could be in second grade English and third grade math. It meant that the only thing that could prevent our child from achieving was their own drive to achieve.

In the fall I will be starting my third year at SAA! I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at the school. They faculty is excellant and facilitates the needs (intellectual and emotional) of gifted students. I could go on and on about the benefits of being an SAAer, but I will not.

Science & Arts Academy lives up to its name, with a curriculum that offers a rich array of opportunities to students. From math and science to drama and art to Latin to technology, SAA not only covers it all, but it connects across disciplines to create a rich educational experience. After attending SAA since pre-K, my daughter will graduate this year and it is clear that she is well prepared both academically and socially for success at a rigorous high school. At SAA, she found her passions and has been able to explore them and develop her sense of self. She has been treated like an individual and valued as a student and a classmate. And I have found life-long friends in the parent community. In fact, SAA is such an amazing school that my husband lost his job when we would not relocate away from SAA!

My son has attended Science and Arts Academy for 5 years and this will be his 6th year. He started there for the Jr. Kindergarten program and we have never left. This school is a God-send. My son would never make it in a public school system. They work with each individual child in a small room setting (usually no more than 14:1 student teacher ratio). They have everything there: The core, of course, but they have Foreign Language, Philosopy, Art, Drama and Music Programs - all mandatory. This is not a school where one can say I am in 4th grade and can do 6th grade math It goes way beyond that. All the Faculty enhance each program with their own style and flair. Critical Thinking is the key and in depth study. They Faculty and Staff have all studied and taught twice exceptional (profoundly gifted) children. The facutly and staff encourage the parents to get involved in every aspect of the educational system from home room parents, to planning fun events, fundraising, library, book fairs, to coming in themselves to enhance education with their own experiences and expertise. I HIGHLY reccommend this school. As my son says, Mommy please let me stay. I am challenged in a fun way.

This is my 1st year at SAA, and it has been amazing.

Super stupid the worst place ever there the only summer camp that has a allergy table

This place is great