Established as a public STEM academy for Illinois students, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is internationally recognized for inspiring, challenging, and nurturing students who use their exceptional abilities to improve people’s lives. IMSA’s academically advanced residential program enables exceptional students in grades 10-12 to reach extraordinary levels of achievement.

Our mission is to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition. We are a diverse community that promotes curiosity and exploration. We’re about more than great college prospects and great jobs, we’re about making our families proud. We’re about a better world for everyone through immersive learning experiences.

At IMSA’s residential Academy, you will be part of a community of around 650 diverse students who are passionate about learning. When you live alongside others, you create life-long friendships. You build your confidence and self-reliance.

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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Rankings

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Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading

Percent Proficient - Math

Average Graduation Rate

99%

Average SAT

1440

684 responses

Average ACT

331 responses

AP Enrollment

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Popular Colleges

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following colleges.

grade A+
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
478 Students
grade A+
Northwestern University
329 Students
grade A+
University of Chicago
278 Students
grade A minus
University of Illinois Chicago
258 Students
grade A+
Stanford University
210 Students
grade A+
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
191 Students
grade A+
Washington University in St. Louis
181 Students
grade A
Purdue University
174 Students
grade A+
Carnegie Mellon University
172 Students
grade A+
Harvard University
151 Students

More About Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Academics

Student Inquiry and Research (SIR)

Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) supports student investigations conducted on and off-campus. The SIR department provides a framework for students to conduct original investigations on compelling questions of interest, collaborate with other students and professional researchers, and to share their investigation results through public presentations and publications.

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B+

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Cost of Living
grade C+
Good for Families
grade A minus
Housing
grade B minus

Median Household Income

$79,642

National

$69,021

Median Rent

$1,359

National

$1,163

Median Home Value

$208,500

National

$244,900

Culture & Safety

Poll

94%

of students agree that they feel safe at their school. 47 responses

Poll

66%

of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there. 47 responses

Poll

What are your favorite school events or traditions?

Based on 128 responses

Clash of the Halls
31%
Cultural shows
20%
Fall carnival
13%
Pep rallies
8%
Homecoming
6%
Spirit Week
6%
Residential Programming
5%

Students

Diversity

A+

Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.

Students

624

Free or Reduced Lunch

91%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive. 45 responses

69%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy. 45 responses

11%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic. 45 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

14:1

National

17:1

Average Teacher Salary

Teachers in First/Second Year

3.8%

84%

of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons. 56 responses

80%

of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students. 56 responses

82%

of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom. 56 responses

Clubs & Activities

A+

Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.

Girls Athletic Participation

Average

Boys Athletic Participation

Average

Expenses Per Student

National

$12,239

96%

of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. 56 responses

55%

of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need. 56 responses

89%

of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. 56 responses

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Reviews

373 reviews

IMSA is a fantastic school for students who want to take their education to the next level. The diversity and academics are excellent, and the shared culture between the students is incredible. That being said, the high workload causes many students to encounter mental health challenges. Lack of proper nutrition, hygiene, and sleep are more common at this high school than at others. Most students get an average of 3-4 hours of homework per day, which can be difficult to balance with mental health, clubs, and other commitments. There is a club for practically every interest a student could have, and there is always something to do on campus. The residential environment allows for deeper connections with peers and establishes lifelong relationships. The biggest issue at IMSA is the administration, which routinely makes questionable decisions that clearly do not consider student input. Overall, IMSA is one of a kind, and the positives of the school definitely outweigh the negatives.

Review Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

I love the attention that all of the teachers I have met to this point have given to every student! They hold a lot of patience for questions and genuinely enjoy helping everyone learn, not just memorizing information. The food given out could be better, such as always having it warm and not cold sometimes. Overall, kind teachers and staff!

I have had a lot of great experiences at this school, I have made many memories, made many discoveries about myself, and have been able to develop some independence as I live there. I have met people who I think I will be lifelong friends with. Unfortunately however, I have had some run-ins with staff members and peers who were not professional and respectful towards me regarding issues that arose, and this did deter my enjoyment of the school. I would like to see staff members be more open to students and their issues, and be more understanding of extenuating circumstances as well.

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