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Magnet School

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

#1 in Best Public High Schools in America
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public, Magnet, Alternative
  • 10-12
  • Aurora, IL
  • 249 reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A+
  2. Diversity
    A+
  3. Teachers
    A+
  4. College Prep
    A+
  5. Clubs & Activities
    A+
  6. Health & Safety
    A+
  7. Administration
    A-
  8. Sports
    C
  9. Food
    A
  10. Resources & Facilities
    A
View Full Report Card
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a top rated, public, magnet, alternative school located in Aurora, IL. It has 649 students in grades 10-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
Address
1500 Sullivan Rd
Aurora, IL 60506
Telephone
(630) 907-5000
Website
imsa.edu

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
—
Percent Proficient - Math
—
Average Graduation Rate
99%
Average SAT
1450
360 responses
Average ACT
33
290 responses
AP Enrollment
34%
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Living in the Area
B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Cost of Living
    B-
  2. Good for Families
    A-
  3. Housing
    B-
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$66,848
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,145
National
$949
Median Home Value
$170,800
National
$184,700

Culture & Safety

Health & Safety
A+
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
96%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.28 responses
Poll
68%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.28 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 65 responses
Report
  • Clash of the Halls
    38%
  • Cultural shows
    20%
  • Fall carnival
    14%
  • Residential Programming
    6%
  • Day of service
    5%
  • Spirit Week
    5%
  • Gutter Splits
    3%

Students

Diversity
A+
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
649
Free or Reduced Lunch
0%
100%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.26 responses
69%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.26 responses
8%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.26 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
—
Teachers in First/Second Year
18.5%
86%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.37 responses
81%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.37 responses
92%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.37 responses

Clubs & Activities

Clubs & Activities
A+
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
High
Boys Athletic Participation
High
Expenses Per Student
—
National
$12,239
100%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.37 responses
62%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.37 responses
92%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.37 responses
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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Reviews

249 reviews
All Categories
Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
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I loved going to IMSA! The academics are very advanced and I enjoyed feeling challenged, which I didn't feel at my previous school. Lots of opportunities to explore whatever areas of STEM you are interested in - and if it's not in the long list of course offerings, you can do an independent study. Teachers love their fields - most are professionals with industry experience- and they just want you to follow your passions and explore STEM.
IMSA gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people. I genuinely feel that I have made lifelong friends. IMSA prides itself on inquiry based learning. However, when a math teacher just hands you a packet of material you have never seen before and expects you to "figure it out" it is very difficult to do so. And when you ask a teacher a question and they give you another question in response, it is quite frustrating. During free periods you are able to go to the math office or a teachers office for help with homework or an essay. However, I was simply wasting my time. One day I went to the math office for help with a question, I ended up sitting in the math office for an hour testing different number to find a "pattern." Which leads to a culture of academic dishonesty. Where students want an answer instead of understanding the material. As they find no help for teachers. I love the residential aspect of IMSA, I can't say the same for the academics.