Programs
The Full Picture
Three pillars. One program. Every student here engages with education, exploration, and athletics — because growth happens when we challenge the whole person.
01 — Learn with purpose
Education
Education is the foundation. Every student here gets structured academic support built to gain confidence, raise GPAs, and prepare for college.
After-school tutoring
Mon–Wed 2:15–5:30 PM, Thu 2:15–4:30 PM at John Lewis Middle School. Homework, study skills, one-on-one support.
GPA tracking & accountability
We monitor every student's grades and work with them individually to develop a plan that helps each student become the best version of themselves.
Incentive system
Real rewards for real effort and achievement. Incentives for maintaining 3.0 GPA, MAP/iReady growth, and attendance.
Social-emotional learning
Self-awareness, relationships, and decision-making woven in alongside academics.
College readiness
Starting in middle school, students build the habits and mindset to succeed at the university level.
Peer mentoring
Our high schoolers come back to tutor middle schoolers. Phone-free classrooms keep everyone focused.
02 — Discover New Worlds
Exploration
Travel changes how students see themselves. Exploration takes them beyond Waukegan — from college campuses to experiences they'd never otherwise reach.
College tours
Students see themselves on campus before they ever apply.
Field trips
Regular field trips throughout the year: ziplining, boat tours, cooking classes, scavenger hunts, ropes courses, art crawls, pickleball, and more.
Expanding horizons
One of our students traveled on his own to Morocco — the kind of confidence these experiences build.
03 — Compete and Grow
Athletics
Sports are the hook that draws students in — it's never the mission. Athletic participation is earned through academic and behavioral expectations.
Earned participation
Athletic programming is tied to meeting academic and behavioral expectations. No shortcuts.
Strength & conditioning
Discipline, resilience, and work ethic that transfers beyond the gym.
Competition
Healthy competition within. Occasional tournaments. Our students represent The Academy with class, on and off the court.
Schedule
Middle School
Grades 6–8 hosted at John Lewis Middle School
Mon–Thu after school (M–W 2:15–5:30 PM; Th 2:15–4:30 PM)
High School
Grades 9–12. Monday late-start sessions
Summer Intensive
Full-day programming
Meals provided, bussing included, Friday field trips every week
Donate Today
To support our mission to provide high quality out-of-school programming, please consider a gift of any amount. Every contribution goes directly to the students.
Support a Student's Future
Sponsor, volunteer, or partner with The Academy.
