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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
  • 243 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
334 responses
Average ACT
33
276 responses
AP Enrollment
34%
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Living in the Area
A-
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
$63,967
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,104
National
$949
Median Home Value
$168,100
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.27 responses
Poll
67%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.27 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 62 responses
Report
  • Clash of the Halls
    39%
  • Cultural shows
    21%
  • Fall carnival
    15%
  • 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.25 responses
72%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.25 responses
8%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.25 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.36 responses
81%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.36 responses
92%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.36 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.36 responses
61%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.36 responses
92%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.36 responses
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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Reviews

243 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 claims to offer a unique and enlightening learning environment for math and science. While the claims are true, IMSA overloads its students with too much homework, while also expecting them to be involved with as many extracurriculars as they possibly can. On top of this, there have been a growing amount of assaults from adults (Residential staff) on campus, with no repercussions for the staff members. The school does a terrible job of ensuring students' happiness but definitely excels in magically producing funds for its prized IN2 Lab, advertising, and new signs (?)

What I've learned in my last two years at the school is simply this: You come to IMSA for the academics, but ultimately stay for your friends. They are what get you through the school year and you will most likely keep in contact for a long time.