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Where Gifted Children Thrive
SAA supports gifted students in understanding and seizing the full capacity of their potential while finding a home away from home. Learn more »
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Welcome to Science & Arts Academy
About Us
Science & Arts Academy (SAA) is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational, not-for-profit day school for gifted students in Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade. We are highly regarded throughout the Chicago area for our challenging and inspiring curriculum, small classroom setting and expertise and knowledge in supporting gifted children.
Differentiation, acceleration, enrichment, problem solving and creative thinking are all concepts common to the everyday intellectual and artistic experience for the SAA student.
Students come to Science & Arts Academy from all corners of the Chicagoland area, with a shared interest and passion for learning.
Get to Know SAA
Science & Arts Academy (SAA) was founded with the vision to provide intellectually and creatively talented students a stimulating and supportive environment designed for their unique abilities. SAA provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where gifted kids can be kids, and where students learn to embrace their giftedness.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686624209/scienceandartsacademyorg/bt7d8bixdqy5lpge1zqo/homepage-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686624209/scienceandartsacademyorg/bt7d8bixdqy5lpge1zqo/homepage-3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686624209/scienceandartsacademyorg/bt7d8bixdqy5lpge1zqo/homepage-3.png","width":800}])
The SAA experience cultivates the academic abilities, creative talents and emotional growth of each student.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois students in science lab]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686681844/scienceandartsacademyorg/fbxqoefwhudnfyczhfdz/SAASTUdent.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686681844/scienceandartsacademyorg/fbxqoefwhudnfyczhfdz/SAASTUdent.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686681844/scienceandartsacademyorg/fbxqoefwhudnfyczhfdz/SAASTUdent.png","width":800}])
SAA understands that each gifted child is an individual with their own unique set of intellectual and creative talents.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686623065/scienceandartsacademyorg/ywatsqjkzffkojbc0op8/ourcurriculum.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686623065/scienceandartsacademyorg/ywatsqjkzffkojbc0op8/ourcurriculum.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686623065/scienceandartsacademyorg/ywatsqjkzffkojbc0op8/ourcurriculum.png","width":800}])
SAA’s differentiated curricular program allows each student to learn at their most appropriate depth, complexity, and pace.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois student and art teacher at work]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686623273/scienceandartsacademyorg/knwj4z0uk9iovhuqxqod/facultystaff.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686623273/scienceandartsacademyorg/knwj4z0uk9iovhuqxqod/facultystaff.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686623273/scienceandartsacademyorg/knwj4z0uk9iovhuqxqod/facultystaff.png","width":800}])
SAA teachers truly understand gifted children and share a passion for providing a challenging and inspiring curriculum.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/vjaa0hg9s2wtacopvs31/homepage-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/vjaa0hg9s2wtacopvs31/homepage-2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/vjaa0hg9s2wtacopvs31/homepage-2.png","width":800}])
From inquiry to enrollment, admissions works with you through each step of the admissions process.
![Science & Arts Academy GIfted Des Plaines Illinois student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/g47br4rmj9zwzlultcwk/homepage-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/g47br4rmj9zwzlultcwk/homepage-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686624208/scienceandartsacademyorg/g47br4rmj9zwzlultcwk/homepage-1.png","width":800}])
Explore the possibilities of SAA for your gifted child.
Faculty
I strongly believe in SAA’s mission and am grateful that we provide exceptional education for gifted learners.
Science & Arts Academy Faculty
Parent 1
SAA teaches my child that she belongs in this world just the way she is!
Science & Arts Academy Parent
ALumni
We are so grateful to the incredible SAA teachers and staff for their remarkable dedication to the individual needs of our children!
Science & Arts Academy Parents
grad
I’ve grown so much through my time here, not only as a scholar but as a person. I’m looking forward to using all the skills I learned at SAA in my next four years in high school and beyond.
Class of 2021 Graduate
Parent 3
It's a special place. There's nothing else like it in the area and we're just proud to be part of the community.
Science & Arts Academy Parent
Upcoming Events
Calendar
Consider attending an admissions event to explore the SAA experience!
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Science & Arts Academy. We look forward to sharing more about our community of gifted learners as you explore our school.
![science & arts academy gifted school des plaines illinois students parents]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725896008/scienceandartsacademyorg/klkwactxwzicvcpbtvmn/whatdoesitmeanpostimage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725896008/scienceandartsacademyorg/klkwactxwzicvcpbtvmn/whatdoesitmeanpostimage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725896008/scienceandartsacademyorg/klkwactxwzicvcpbtvmn/whatdoesitmeanpostimage.png","width":800}])
![Science & Arts Academy Gifted Des Plaines Illinois students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725896196/scienceandartsacademyorg/w1hkqmpphuhpswzwel7t/backtoschool.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725896196/scienceandartsacademyorg/w1hkqmpphuhpswzwel7t/backtoschool.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725896196/scienceandartsacademyorg/w1hkqmpphuhpswzwel7t/backtoschool.png","width":800}])
![Science & Arts Academy Gifted Des Plaines Illinois head of school Conrad Wildsmith]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720468881/scienceandartsacademyorg/trtjtunaquttjflvmsbt/welcomeconrad.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720468881/scienceandartsacademyorg/trtjtunaquttjflvmsbt/welcomeconrad.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720468881/scienceandartsacademyorg/trtjtunaquttjflvmsbt/welcomeconrad.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720468881/scienceandartsacademyorg/trtjtunaquttjflvmsbt/welcomeconrad.png","width":1100}])
![Congratulations to the Class of 2024!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717786408/scienceandartsacademyorg/qmwwe5rzfcaci5zfxeqh/classof2014opst.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717786408/scienceandartsacademyorg/qmwwe5rzfcaci5zfxeqh/classof2014opst.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717786408/scienceandartsacademyorg/qmwwe5rzfcaci5zfxeqh/classof2014opst.png","width":800}])
![Science & Arts Academy Gifted Des Plaines Illinois student alumni]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717524927/scienceandartsacademyorg/r8vxysxqcevesqbvz638/alumnipanel2024.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717524927/scienceandartsacademyorg/r8vxysxqcevesqbvz638/alumnipanel2024.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717524927/scienceandartsacademyorg/r8vxysxqcevesqbvz638/alumnipanel2024.png","width":800}])
![Science & Arts Academy Gifted Des Plaines Illinois student study french]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715034825/scienceandartsacademyorg/omqmhu8xrcl06zbxodmb/frenchfieldtrip.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715034825/scienceandartsacademyorg/omqmhu8xrcl06zbxodmb/frenchfieldtrip.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715034825/scienceandartsacademyorg/omqmhu8xrcl06zbxodmb/frenchfieldtrip.png","width":800}])