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United States, Chicago
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Beacon Academy offers three academic pathways: Core Curriculum (9–12), International Baccalaureate (IB) (11–12), and the Experiential Program (XP) (11–12). In 9th–10th grade, Core Curriculum uses an integrated American Studies curriculum (History and Literature) with a mathematics sequence that blends Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics, and Calculus; in 11th–12th grade, students study global perspectives in Literature and History, including Crime Literature, Modern Latin America, and Imperial China, and complete major research and advocacy projects. IB provides an established, interdisciplinary program recognized by colleges worldwide, while XP is Beacon's IB-based pathway designed with business-school educators to deliver forward-looking professional experiences and skills. 100% of IB diploma candidates pass.
Arts at Beacon includes Arts, Film Studies, Visual Art, Music, and Theatre. Students engage in advanced, self-directed work in Digital Art and Modern Photography in the 11th–12th grades, and the program emphasizes critique, collaboration, and connection to culture. The arts program fosters expression within an inclusive community and encourages students to craft meaningful work with an entrepreneurial mindset. Come explore our Arts Annex at 1026 Davis.
Model UN is offered as a student club, and American Sign Language is also available as a club. I-Term & Travel provides cross-cultural experiences through week-long, multi-disciplinary study and travel opportunities. Beacon's campus in Evanston and Chicago offers direct access to cultural institutions, businesses, and community resources, linking classroom learning with the wider world.
Life at Beacon includes daily lunch, weekly Community Meetings, school dances, big games, seasonal performances, and graduation. Every student joins a student-led club or activity guided by faculty and reflecting personal interests; offerings include Model UN, American Sign Language, Chess, Science Olympiad, Dungeons & Dragons, Newspaper, Literary Magazine, Yearbook, Outdoor Club, and Pride Party. 75% of students participate in at least one sport, reflecting strong athletic engagement.
Service Learning engages Beacon students with more than 30 partner organizations; partners include Evanston School Children's Clothing Association (ESCCA), Family Focus, and Connections for the Homeless/Hilda's Place. The annual Service Learning Fair introduces students to many non-profit partners, after which they connect with an organization based on interest and logistics. Students engage in school-wide project-based service, such as food or book drives and community clean-ups, often led by Beacon's Interact and SERVE clubs, with reflection encouraged and portfolios maintained.
College Counseling provides a comprehensive, student-centered, fit-based approach to postsecondary discernment and selection. Every student engages in a unique journey of self-discovery, with families and the college counselor supplying support, counsel, and direction, while students lead the process and develop research and advocacy skills. Programs and services cover standardized testing, financial aid and scholarships, college lists and research, essays, the application process, and college placement, all grounded in Beacon's mission and social-emotional learning programs.
Beacon supports social-emotional health through I-Term, a week-long experiential learning and travel period built around inclusion, innovation, interdependence, and independence. The school adopts a later start and end to the day with a block schedule and advisory and study time to support well-being. Learning happens everywhere—from classrooms to Community Meetings to travel—fostering balance, connection, and overall well-being.
Beacon Academy Chicago serves students aged 14 to 18 as an independent high school. The curriculum blends a Core Curriculum (9–12) with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for 11–12 and an Experiential Program (XP) also for 11–12, designed with business-school educators to deliver professional experiences and skills. The Bespoke Curriculum supports individualized pathways within the IB framework. The Evanston campus anchors learning in the city, offering glass-walled, open-floor-plan spaces with modular, mobile furniture to support inquiry and collaboration. Students access cultural institutions, businesses, and community resources nearby, linking classroom work to real-world applications. Extracurriculars include student-led clubs such as Model UN, American Sign Language, Chess, Science Olympiad, Dungeons & Dragons, Newspaper, Literary Magazine, Yearbook, Outdoor Club, and Pride Party. The program features Arts Annex activities, a strong Arts program, and a Service Learning program with 30+ partners. 100% IB diploma candidates pass. I-Term provides cross-cultural experiences and global perspectives through travel.
