Des Plaines, IL · K–11
Last verified August 20, 2026
1825 Miner St., 60016 · (847) 827-7880
Enrollment
249
Student:teacher
6:1
Published tuition
$17,000–$30,500
Application fee
$75
Auto-sourced profile. These details were collected from the school's own website and may be out of date — always confirm tuition with the admissions office. Something wrong? Suggest a fix.
Tuition by division
We don't have a grade-by-grade tuition breakdown for this school yet. The published range across all divisions is $17,000–$30,500. Most independent schools charge different rates for preschool, elementary, middle and upper school.
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Head of school
Conrad Wildsmith
Head of School
Conrad Wildsmith has nearly three decades of experience as an educator, with expertise in gifted education, immersive language, and Montessori education, as well as financial and strategic management of nonprofits. He earned his BA in Elementary Education from Saint Louis University and a Master's in Gifted Education from the University of Missouri.
Curriculum & special classes
Science & Arts Academy provides a challenging and inspiring curriculum for gifted students, focusing on differentiation, acceleration, enrichment, problem solving, and creative thinking. The program cultivates academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth, allowing each student to learn at their most appropriate depth, complexity, and pace.
Financial aid
Science & Arts Academy offers a need-based scholarship program to help make an SAA education affordable, with 37% of families currently receiving funds. Scholarships are awarded yearly based on demonstrated financial need and are independent of admissions decisions.
Application fee: $75
Before & after school care
Before school
Beforecare runs from 7:30-8:20am.
After school
Aftercare begins at 3:30pm and ends at 6:00pm. Students can do homework, play quiet games, and participate in other self-directed activities; options to play in the gym or on the playground depending on weather/space.
Cost
Additional fee (for Before & After School Care); fees are waived if a student participates in an extracurricular activity, has a meeting with faculty/staff, or is accompanying a volunteering parent.
Extended-care hours and rates change yearly — parents can correct these below.
Admissions
Science & Arts Academy offers a supportive admissions process for gifted students from inquiry to enrollment, guiding families through each step with the Director of Enrollment Management. The school looks for students with a full scale IQ score of 125 or above, considering all aspects of the applicant's qualifications.
Apply by
February 20 (for priority consideration); applications accepted beyond this date as space allows.
Acceptance rate
Not listed
Application fee
$75
What they ask for: Online inquiry form, IQ testing (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V with full scale IQ of 125+ for Grades 1-8), online application with $75 fee, birth certificate, IQ evaluation report (Grades 1-8), latest school report card/progress update, teacher recommendation form, principal recommendation form (Grades 1-8), writing sample (Grades 3-8), standardized test scores (if available, Grades 1-8), parent inventory of child traits (Jr. K and K), shadow day, parent meeting.
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