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Daystar Academy

United States, Chicago

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The school at a glance
Fees $12,100 - 21,600
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 10
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Daystar Academy is a Christ-centered International Baccalaureate World School serving Preschool through High School in Chicago's South Loop, at 1550 South State Street. It offers the IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—for ages 3 to 18, enabling a seamless progression from early years to diploma studies. The campus features classrooms and collaborative learning spaces, plus two outdoor turf areas used as playgrounds, athletic fields, and gathering spaces. The City of Chicago becomes the classroom, with 10 to 15 learning excursions each year that connect study to real-world contexts. The school combines a faith-based framework with rigorous IB academics and a diverse, globally minded community. Electives include Spanish, music, and art; Falcon Athletics serves Grades 5–12, with Junior Falcons for K–4 and E-Sports as part of athletics. The XP travel program offers international and domestic opportunities, and Rise & Soar provides aftercare with enrichment, including STEAM, dance, and arts modules for students.

1550 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

The Essentials

Daystar Academy has typical class sizes of 10.

Location
Daystar Academy is in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Address: 1550 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60605. It sits in the central downtown area of Chicago's South Loop.

Stages
Preschool through High School

Type
IB World School; faith-based/Christian

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Christian
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Daystar Academy is a private Christian school in Chicago's South Loop. It is governed by Daystar Education Association, which was incorporated in 1990 for the specific purpose of establishing a Christian School in the City of Chicago.
Fees

Annual tuition at Daystar Academy ranges from USD 12,100 to USD 21,600 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: USD 60 (non‑refundable).
- Enrollment (seat) deposit: USD 500 due upon acceptance to secure a student's place; this deposit supports new‑student preparation.
- Financial‑aid processing fee (FACTS): USD 40 charged by FACTS for income verification when applying for need‑based tuition adjustments.

Annual Tuition by Year Group (standard rates, before income‑based adjustments)

- Preschool (Half‑Day): USD 12,100 per year. Per academic term (bi‑annual installment): USD 6,050. Monthly (12 payments, June–May): USD 1,008.33.
- Preschool (Full‑Day): USD 17,700 per year. Per academic term: USD 8,850. Monthly (12 payments): USD 1,475.00.
- Kindergarten–Grade 5 (PYP): USD 17,700 per year. Per academic term: USD 8,850. Monthly (12 payments): USD 1,475.00.
- Grades 6–8 (MYP): USD 19,100 per year. Per academic term: USD 9,550. Monthly (12 payments): USD 1,591.67.
- Grades 9–12 (High School): USD 21,600 per year (standard). Per academic term: USD 10,800. Monthly (12 payments): USD 1,800.00. Note: every enrolled high‑school student receives an automatic Daystar Access Scholarship that reduces the effective tuition to USD 15,500 in practice for many families; effective per term: USD 7,750; effective monthly (12): USD 1,291.67.

Tuition model & what tuition covers

- Daystar operates an all‑inclusive tuition model: standard tuition covers school supplies, the technology fee, elective classes, approximately 10–15 learning excursions per year (K–12), overnight expeditions for middle and high school, and international or domestic XP travel (the travel program may require a separate small deposit). Tuition‑inclusions and the travel deposit arrangement are part of the standard tuition structure.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment/deposit timing: the USD 500 enrollment deposit is due when completing the enrollment packet to secure a space.
- Payment plan options offered:
- Annual: one payment (full) due in July.
- Bi‑annual: two payments (typical schedule: July and December) — this is the per‑term figure shown above.
- Monthly: twelve payments running June through May.
- (A bi‑monthly plan is also offered by the school as an alternative cadence.)
- Families may apply for income‑based tuition adjustments; financial‑aid awards and adjusted payment amounts are determined through FACTS.

Payment methods & processing

- Tuition billing and payment plans are managed through FACTS (tuition management). FACTS accepts automatic bank drafts (ACH) and credit/debit card payments; if a family chooses to pay by credit card, a card convenience/processing fee may apply. FACTS also manages enrollment/processing for payment plans and financial‑aid verification.

Boarding / Residence

- Boarding is not offered; Daystar is a day school located in Chicago's South Loop (no boarding fees apply).

Other fees and typical additional costs

- Travel deposits: annual domestic or international travel tied to middle‑ and high‑school programs requires a separate travel deposit that is not included in the tuition total. Tuition otherwise covers most program costs.
- Uniforms / spirit wear: school apparel and spirit items are available for purchase separately through the school store; costs vary by item and are billed outside tuition.
- Optional program fees: certain optional activities, programs, or external exam fees (if applicable) may carry additional charges; these vary by program and are charged separately when applicable.

Financial aid & sibling / household considerations

- Daystar offers income‑based tuition adjustments and a substantial financial‑aid program; families apply for aid through FACTS and awards are based on household income, family size, and related factors. High‑school families also benefit from the Daystar Access Scholarship noted above that reduces effective tuition for enrolled HS students. Estimated net payment tiers for high school are published as ranges by household income and number of students.

Refunds and withdrawal

- The application fee (USD 60) is non‑refundable. Enrollment and tuition deposit terms and any refund schedule for withdrawals are set out in the school's enrollment agreement and the enrollment packet; families should review the enrollment agreement for the specific refund and withdrawal terms that apply to their situation.

International students

- International applicants must submit the international student enrollment fee and pay tuition according to the International Tuition Fee Schedule that applies to non‑immigrant students; details and the international fee schedule are applied at the time of international admissions acceptance.

If you need these figures formatted for an external database, the key numeric items above are ready to copy (annual, per‑term, monthly) for each year group and for the effective high‑school tuition after the Daystar Access Scholarship.
Academics

Daystar Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school uses the International Baccalaureate curriculum and is an IB World School offering a continuum from Preschool through High School.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio and dedicated staff.

Exam Results
In 2023, Daystar graduates its first senior class; four students received the IB Diploma and all graduates were accepted to their top-choice college or university.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are admitted to top-choice colleges or universities; in 2023 the first senior class was accepted to their top-choice postsecondary institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school integrates social and emotional learning through its Christ-centered, community-focused culture, with a emphasis on inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences that build character and leadership.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The site describes inclusivity and inquiry-based support within its IB framework, but specific SEN details are not provided on the site.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction for Daystar, and the school emphasizes an international, globally-minded IB program; there is no separate EAL program description published on the site.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a faith-centered environment, small classes, and a supportive community that values personal, social, and academic growth.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and safety are addressed through campus security measures, background checks for staff, and a structured, faith-centered community that promotes care for students.
Parent Experience

History
Daystar Education Association was incorporated in 1990 to establish a Christian School in the City of Chicago. Daystar School opened in 1997 with 12 students in grades K–4 at 1325 South State Street. It moved to River City at 800 South Wells Street in 1998, added a grade each year to reach 8th grade by 2000–2001, and graduated its first 8th‑grade class in 2001. Daystar moved to 1550 South State Street in 2007, underwent renovations, and a preschool program was added in 2009–2010. Daystar opened its High School in 2019–2020 and graduated its first senior class in 2023 (four IB Diploma recipients). Today Daystar continues to grow while remaining steadfast to its founding principles.

Community
Daystar's community is deliberately diverse and Christ-centered, located in Chicago's South Loop. Daystar is an IB World School that emphasizes hands-on learning, inquiry-based exploration, and faith integration, fostering a global-minded community. The school forms partnerships with local organizations and hosts collaborative programs, including space-sharing with Trinity Christian College, Loop Christian Ministries, Bright Promise Fund, and Overflow Coffee Bar. Community voices and stories highlight parent and student engagement and the school's city-and-world learning experiences, including travel and global reflection.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in Chicago's South Loop, Daystar Academy is a compact but dynamic campus serving Preschool through High School. The campus includes classrooms and collaborative learning spaces. Two outdoor turf areas serve as playgrounds, athletic fields, and gathering spaces. The City of Chicago is treated as the classroom, with 10–15 learning excursions each year that connect to what students study. Daystar is a Christ-centered International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, inviting diverse perspectives within a faith-based framework.

Sports Facilities
Falcon Athletics serves Grades 5–12 with interscholastic teams. Junior Falcons serve Grades K–4 with intramural and developmental sports. Two outdoor turf areas are used as playgrounds, athletic fields, and gathering spaces. E-Sports is part of the athletic offerings.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms and collaborative learning spaces are on campus. Daystar is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Continuum from Preschool through High School. The IB framework is an academically rigorous program. The City of Chicago is used as the classroom with learning excursions that connect to classroom study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
From Kindergarten onward, students experience electives including Spanish, music, and art. Falcon Flex Days occur every Wednesday to explore interests beyond core academics. Electives have included personal finance, film studies, dance, band and orchestra, running club, baking, urban farming, drama, art therapy, and more. Rise & Soar After Care is available after dismissal until 5:30 PM with enrichment like STEAM units, dance, and art modules. Daystar's XP travel program provides international and domestic learning opportunities embedded in the curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
The school offers Theatre/Drama as part of student life. The program supports creative expression through performance and theatre activities.

Social & Hobbies
Falcon Athletics provides interscholastic teams for grades 5-12 and Junior Falcon Athletics for grades K-4. Programs include volleyball, track and field, and soccer, along with E-Sports and theatre/drama. The emphasis is on teamwork, leadership, and holistic development.

Community & Service
Community Visits are a feature of Daystar's community life. Volunteer opportunities are available; parents report volunteering is possible. Passport to Adventure and the XP program provide experiential learning that connects students with global communities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletic programs emphasize holistic fitness—physical, mental, and emotional growth. The athletics philosophy highlights skill development, teamwork, leadership, and global citizenship. Students have opportunities to participate in sports and physical activities to support well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is offered as enrichment starting in Kindergarten; the IB program emphasizes language learning with more than one language.

Immersion Programs
Spanish immersion experiences through Daystar XP travel (Peru trip included).
Admissions

Admissions
Applications are accepted year-round through the online portal. The 2026–27 school year is open with limited availability in select grades. Applications for the 2027–28 school year open November 1; first‑round financial aid requires submitting an application and completing enrollment by December 15, with first‑round financial aid decisions in mid‑January. The online application has a $60 non-refundable application fee. For students applying to Grades 1–12, additional documents include End‑of‑Year Report Card / Progress Report, Standardized Test Scores, and Teacher & Principal Recommendations. An admissions decision is emailed within 7–10 days after review. Upon acceptance, families complete the enrollment packet and submit a $500 enrollment fee. Tuition is all-inclusive, covering all school supplies, 10–15 learning excursions per year, technology, elective classes, overnight expeditions, and travel. Financial aid awards are determined through FACTS, which charges a $40 processing fee; approximately 60% of K–12 students receive financial aid. Daystar offers two pathways to make High School tuition more accessible: the Daystar Early Decision Scholarship and need-based financial aid.

Scholarships
Daystar offers two ways to make High School tuition more accessible: Daystar Early Decision Scholarship and need-based financial aid. Families may qualify for one or both. Financial aid awards are determined through FACTS, which charges a $40 processing fee; approximately 60% of K–12 students receive financial aid.
School Events
The school has not added events
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