Beacon Academy Chicago

Evanston, Illinois. Address: 1574 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Located in the heart of Evanston, Beacon Academy is set within a city environment with direct access to cultural institutions, businesses, and community resources.

High school (Grades 9-12).

Independent high school.

Core Curriculum (9-12); International Baccalaureate (IB) for 11-12; and XP (11-12) based on the IB model, designed with business school educators to provide professional experiences and skills.

IB diploma candidate pass rate: 100%. 11% of Class of '25 were National Merit scholarship recipients or Semifinalists.

100% of students matriculate to one of their top three colleges.

Beacon Academy emphasizes social-emotional learning as a core element of student development. The environment is described as safe and inclusive, with strong student/faculty connections that support belonging, respect, and open dialogue. The advisory program provides one-on-one guidance to support personal growth, and community meeting practices foster leadership, collaboration, and reflection.

Beacon Academy fosters inclusion and diversity as core values, creating a safe, accepting environment for all learners. The Equity & Inclusion work includes the Student Inclusion Council and affinity groups to address diverse needs and experiences, and a culture that challenges oppression and demeaning behaviors.

The language of instruction is English; all content areas are taught in English, with English as a Second Language support available as needed. Students must complete two years of a world language (or reach third-level proficiency) to graduate; Arabic, French, and Spanish are offered, with Hebrew, Italian, and Mandarin studied via online platforms where available.

Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe climate and strong adult–student relationships. The advisory program and student life practices foster belonging and personal growth, while equity and inclusion work promotes brave space for discussing experiences and identities.

Beacon Academy maintains a Bullying Prevention Policy (updated September 15, 2025) and an inclusive climate that protects students from harassment, with DEI initiatives and a safe-space culture supporting safeguarding across the school community.

1. Application & Shadow Day. The admissions process uses Ravenna; create or log in to Ravenna, select Beacon Academy, and pay the application fee. Shadow Days allow applicants to attend Beacon classes after submitting the application; Shadow Days are scheduled on designated days from November 2025 through January 2026 via Ravenna.

2. Parent Interview. The Parent/Guardian Interview is required and may be held in person or via Zoom; it is scheduled after the application is submitted in Ravenna to help the school learn about the family and for parents to learn more about Beacon.

3. Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation are required from the student's current English and math teachers and from an advisor or school administrator; provide names and emails for each recommender in Ravenna; the deadline is January 5 for sibling applicants and January 31 for new applicants.

4. School Records. Provide the report card or progress report from the prior academic year and the official transcript (if available); upload documents into Ravenna or have the current school email them to Admissions; deadlines are January 5 for sibling applicants and January 31 for new applicants.

5. Standardized Test Scores. Provide a copy of recent standardized test results; ISEE is not required; MAP or other standardized tests are accepted; if a student has not taken a test, contact the Admissions Office.

6. IEP/504/Learning Support Plan. If the student receives learning support services or accommodations, provide a copy of the 504/IEP/Learning Plan and neuropsychological evaluation; upload documents as PDF in Ravenna.

7. Gift Acceptance Policy. The school has a Gift Acceptance Policy preventing gifts that could influence admissions decisions; no gift will be accepted from any affiliated or non-affiliated person or donor if given with the intention of influencing an admission outcome; while an application is pending, gifts are not accepted from non-affiliated applicant family members or their representatives.

8. Nondiscrimination. Beacon Academy does not discriminate against prospective students or their families in its admissions or financial aid policies on the basis of listed characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, political and social values, culture, gender identity, religion, physical ability, family structure, and learning style.

Beacon Academy partners with the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund and HFS Chicago Scholars to provide academic and financial support to high achieving, under-resourced students in the Chicagoland area. Informational flyers are available in English and Spanish. Tuition for 2026-2027 is $41,413; Activity Fee: $1,750, which covers registration for clubs, athletics, and after-school activities (Outdoor Club, Model UN, I-Term Activity Fees or I-Term Travel are not included). The Tuition Assistance application for 2026-27 is now open; Returning families and sibling applicants should apply by December 15, 2025; Tuition Assistance applications for new family applicants are due January 31, 2026. Download the FACTS tuition assistance flyer in English or Spanish.