About the Nonprofit
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The Science Academy of Chicago (SAC) is a non-profit, nondenominational, independent day school for students from preschool (three years of age) through eighth grade in Mount Prospect, IL. Our mission is to provide an accelerated STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) focused private education while nurturing the student as a whole in a loving and caring environment. Science Academy provides a wide array of activities to enhance student learning opportunities. Why choose a private STEAM-focused private education over a local public school? SAC is recognized by the Illinois Board of Education (ISBE), is a member of the Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools, and affiliate member of the STEM Education Coalition. SAC is also a proud member of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to provide an accelerated STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) focused private education while nurturing the student as a whole in a loving and caring environment. SAC is committed to shaping each student into to well-rounded and motivated individual by achieving academic excellence through the STREAM curriculum and a diverse school culture. The Science Academy of Chicago admits academically qualified students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. Additionally, students are learning a grade level above in mathematics. This means that our kindergarten students are currently learning 1st-grade mathematics. By 7th and 8th grade, many of our students are taking Algebra I and Geometry. Families have access to curriculum, grades, and homework assignments online. The school subscribes and utilizes online learning tools like the Accelerated Reader (AR) for language arts and IXL for language arts and mathematics. All students have access to the computer lab. The junior kindergarten – 2nd grade classes utilize the lab with their classroom teacher while all others receive instruction from our Computer Science Specialist. 3rdgrade students will begin by learning parts of a computer along with basic typing skills. As they advance, students will learn how to use Microsoft Office Suite programs, Adobe Photoshop, computer programming, and how to create applications for phones and tablets. Beginning in kindergarten, free tutoring is available twice a week for students who need additional support. The average class size is 15 students. Students can sign up for a variety of after-school clubs and activities to participate in after school. Some of last year’s clubs included Film Club, Tae Kwon Do, Chess, Newspaper and Media Club, FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics, Children’s Theater, and Mixed Media Club. Students compete in regional and state competitions throughout the year.
The Science Academy of Chicago is the culmination of the expectations and beliefs of parents of Chicago school children. SAC initiated serving the people of Chicago in 1997 by offering affordable math and science tutoring from fourth grade through college level, ACT/SAT, computer training, summer schools, and language classes. The Board of Directors decided to expand the SAC Education service in the Chicago community by establishing an Independent nondenominational school setting in 1999.
Science Academy of Chicago located in Cook County is officially recognized according to policy and guidelines for registration and recognition of nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. This certificate of recognition is issued annually to schools that maintain the criteria adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education for recognized nonpublic elementary and secondary schools issued in Springfield, Illinois.
The goal of SAC is to fully prepare students to carry the torch of knowledge, freedom, and prosperity that is passed from generation to generation in this great country.
Science Academy of Chicago is a PK – 8th grade private school. SAC was established and designed to stimulate interest in STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering art, and mathematics) by providing instruction from exceptional faculty in a small and nurturing environment. Our goal at SAC is to prepare students to carry the torch of knowledge from generation to generation.
SAC offers small class sizes, which enables us to provide the kind of attention and support that we believe is vital for learning in the classroom. This size aids in creating a family-like atmosphere in which teachers, students, and parents can work together in order to benefit the students’ educational and personal development. Parents also have the advantage of monitoring the progress of their child via the Internet. On our database, parents have access to their child’s records, daily homework assignments, grades, and faculty e-mails.
We know that beyond a great school, families also need to consider before and after-care options. In an effort to support working families and busy lives, we offer both before and after-school care. In addition, students also engage in after-school clubs and activities, study teams, field trips, science fairs, and competitions.
In the primary grades (PK-3) students have homeroom teachers who work hard to instill the love of learning in their students. These teachers work with diligence, skill, and creativity in order to provide the most nurturing and mentally stimulating environment possible. Beginning in the fourth grade, students progress into a new area of development in which more responsibilities are required. Students change teachers/classrooms throughout the day. These teachers possess a mastery of their subjects and use innovative methods and tools in order to cultivate and inspire the minds of our students.
SAC encourages the use of technology across the curriculum. Classrooms are equipped with smartboards, digital LCD projectors, and computers for maximum efficiency in combining technology with classroom instruction. In addition, teachers are able to utilize the computer lab for research and other activities.
In the twenty-first century, we are aware of the importance of being able to use computers effectively. At SAC we offer a challenging computer curriculum. Starting in early grades our students learn HTML (programming language used to design websites), Web site design using WordPress, Image editing using Adobe Photoshop (a tool used by professional designers), Software, Networking, Microsoft Office Family (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel), PC assembly, Typing, Windows7, Introduction to Internet & Search Techniques, and Microsoft Paint. These skills make the graduates of SAC steps ahead of their peers in this field.
In addition to our distinctive curriculum, we also offer advanced study teams that engage selected students in a deeper exploration of mathematics and science. Students participate in competitions on the state, national, and international levels. Beyond the awards and recognition gained from competing, these events also generate excitement and passion towards the pursuit of wisdom. Guided and supported by faculty members, we are very proud of our students for their academic achievements.