How to Apply
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in the Admissions Office with any questions.
admissions@chicagoartsacademy.org
312.421.0202
Important Deadlines
2024-2025 Priority Applicants: Applicants must complete the entire admissions process by February 12, 2024. We have provided deadlines for each step of the process below to help keep you on track.
2024-2025 Rolling Applicants: Applicants who complete the admissions process after February 12, 2024 will be considered for admission and tuition assistance on a case-by-case basis after all priority applicants have been assessed and as space remains available in each arts department.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Priority Deadline: January 5, 2024
The application consists of the following sections:
Student and Family Information Form
Preliminary audition for one of six arts departments
Application Fee: $89 for rising 9th graders, $150 for rising 10th and 11th graders as well as international students. (The Academy does not admit rising 12th graders.)
Step 2: Live Audition & Academic Review
Students who pass their preliminary auditions will be invited to attend a live audition and submit their Academic Review Paperwork. All auditions will be in person, however, virtual auditions are available upon request for all out-of-state and international students.
Live Audition Day on January 27, 2024
All priority applicants must complete Step 1 by January 5 to be considered for this audition date.
Academic Review Paperwork
Priority Deadline: February 12, 2024
Current grades with attendance
Official school transcript with attendance from previous two years of schooling (example: 8th grade applicants require 7th and 6th grade transcripts with attendance)
LMAIS Recommendation Letter from current Head of School or School Counselor
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) results (ISEE school code: 140627, SSAT school code: 2374)
Students who submit a full neuropsychological evaluation from within the past year will not be required to submit ISEE or SSAT scores.
Parent/Guardian interview
If applicable: any additional documentation (IEP, 504 Plan, neuropsychological evaluation, etc.)
Admissions Notifications
Priority Decisions Sent: March 1, 2024
Priority Decisions Reply: March 11, 2024
Rolling decisions are sent out as we are able to process each application. Replies are requested within 10 days of contract received.
Apply for Tuition Assistance
Priority Deadline: January 5, 2024
Families interested in tuition assistance (including Daniel Murphy and HFS scholars) should fill out an application in FACTS and Empower IL. International students and students applying for mid-year transfer are not eligible for tuition assistance at this time. Please click here to learn more.