Science & Arts Academy (SAA) announces the appointment of Dr. Ari Frede as the new Assistant Head of School. Earlier this year, SAA embarked on a nationwide search and Dr. Frede’s embrace of the school’s mission and philosophy stood out to Head of School Tim Costello, SAA faculty, and administration. 

Assistant Head of School Dr. Ari Frede will  work closely with Head of School Tim Costello and serve as the Chief Instructional Officer, responsible for the supervision and support of all teachers and instructional staff. In addition, his role will include supporting teachers and promoting a culture of growth that meaningfully advances SAA’s priorities and strategic initiatives.

Attention SAA alumni, consider attending the 2021 Teen Conservation Leadership Conference (TCLC,) a teen-created event aimed at inspiring teens who have a passion for science, technology, and conservation.  

SAA alumna Kayla Fowler ‘17 is currently the president of the Scholars’ Teen Advisory Council for the King Conservation Science Scholars program at the Brookfield Zoo, leading the planning of this year’s conference. On the speaker docket is SAA alumna Mary Catherine Hanafee LaPlante ’17 who will talk about her work with the Illinois Climate Movement and her non-profit, SpeakUp GreenUp, which worked to eliminate pesticides in her local community.  

Learn more  about the conference » 

The Class of 2021 was celebrated by the entire SAA community during an in-person ceremony on our campus field on June 2, 2021.

We congratulate our students on the next step in their journeys as they graduate and move on to high school. Many have chosen to attend their local schools, reuniting with their communities and taking advantage of strong and diverse programs, while others will attend independent schools offering specialized programs.

The members of the Class of 2020 have chosen to attend the following high schools:

By Science & Arts Academy

The Science & Arts Academy (SAA) Science Olympiad Team has qualified for the 2021 National Tournament after earning second place in Division B at the state competition. The National Science Olympiad Tournament is one of the nation’s most prestigious science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions for middle school and high school teams advancing from state-level competitions around the country.