Middle School Programs at The Chicago Academy for the Arts

Middle School Programs at The Chicago Academy for the Arts includes weekend classes, seasonal workshops, camps, and summer intensives in dance, media arts, music, musical theatre, theatre, and visual arts. The Saturday Classes at The Academy meet on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, and fall sessions include Dance, Media Arts, Musical Theatre & Theatre, and Visual Arts classes. One-Week Camps at The Academy meet weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for students currently in 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, and Winter Break and Spring Break camps are offered.

Programs

• Saturday Classes at The Academy — Students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade · Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. · $250–$475 · Fall sessions include Dance, Media Arts, Musical Theatre & Theatre, and Visual Arts classes.
• One-Week Camps at The Academy — Students currently in 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade · Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. · $625 · Winter Break and Spring Break camps are offered.
• Middle School Programs — Grades 6-9 · $475–$995 · Weekend classes, seasonal workshops, camps, and summer intensives in dance, media arts, music, musical theatre, theatre, and visual arts.

At a glance

• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Price range: $250–$995
• Current session: Winter Break (Dec 28–Jan 1, 2027); Spring Break (Mar 29–Apr 2, 2027)
• General schedule: Saturday Program: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Summer Program: weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Private lessons: weeknights from 4pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

About the provider

The Academy has been independently run since 1981. Its mission is to transform emerging artists through a curriculum and culture that connect intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity to build skills for leading and collaborating across diverse communities. It is designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center. Community is a key part of The Academy Method, and students in the Middle School Programs build artistic networks through project collaboration and shared experiences.

The Saturday Program is for students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade regardless of age. The Summer Program is for students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, also regardless of age. We do not offer scholarships for the Middle School Programs but do offer seasonal discounts. We refund registrations up to 30 days before the start date of the program. For cancellations later than this, contact the program manager at [email protected].

Last updated November 7, 2026.