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Finding Purpose, Preparing for the Future

High School at Daystar Academy

Purposeful
Principled
Prepared

As you journey into High School, you are beginning a phase of becoming more purposeful in your pursuits, principled in your decisions, and better prepared for what’s ahead. High school is also a time for new experiences, where you can create lasting memories and engage meaningfully with the world. You may be asking yourself, “Is Daystar right for me?”

Daystar Academy is right for you if you want to explore your passions in an environment that is both supportive and challenging. Our program is designed to help every student strike the balance of having a meaningful High School experience now, while also planning for the future. We’re here to help you create a path to your best-fit college, a rewarding career, and a fulfilling life.

IB: Academic Excellence with a Global Conscience

The International Baccalaureate program is globally recognized for its academic rigor and strong college outcomes, but at its core, IB is built on something even deeper: the belief that education should develop not only intellect, but also empathy, perspective, and responsibility toward the broader world. Students are challenged to think critically, engage across differences, and consider how their learning connects to real people and real problems, preparing them not just for college, but for thoughtful, purpose-driven lives.

Explore IB
acceptance rates

IB Diploma students are admitted to highly selective universities at dramatically higher rates than average applicants. 

See the Data

“One thing is for sure; by taking the IB Diploma, you automatically rise to the top of the admissions pool.”

100%

college
acceptance rate

ABOVE

the national PSAT/SAT average in math and reading

90%

of graduates earned college credit ('25)

12

average college credit hours earned per student ('25)

100%

college
acceptance rate

ABOVE

the national PSAT/SAT average in math and reading

90%

of graduates earned college credit ('25)

12

average college credit hours earned per student ('25)

Our graduates have gone on to...
Academic Highlights

High school is a time to discover who you are and where you’re going. It’s a time to start asking big questions, like:

High school is more than just preparing for college—it’s about discovering your purpose and developing the skills and character to pursue it. Daystar strives to be a supportive community, offering rigorous academics and ample opportunities to lead and grow. We’re there to guide you as you take the next steps toward a future that’s uniquely yours.

IB World
School

IB High School programs features two pathways: the Individual Course pathway and the full IB Diploma Program

Biblical-
Perspective

We believe that a biblical perspective, coupled with the global approach of the IB program, equips students to positively impact communities around the world

Expanding
Horizons

Students grow through athletics, creative arts, and life skills development, with opportunities like team sports, visual arts, leadership activities, clubs, and citywide excursions

Daystar
XP

Each year, Daystar students get to join one of four trips based on curriculum goals within the IB framework

What's an IB World School?

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a purpose to develop students who will change the world for the better. Our rigorous academic programs not only build a strong foundation for college, they equip students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners.

Middle Years Program
Grades 9-10

Students in Grades 9-10 learn to make connections between their studies and the real world. They are encouraged to think critically, problems solve, and become more culturally aware. During these years students become drivers of their own learning, culminating in a personal project that reflects their unique interests and talents.

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Diploma Program
Grades 11-12

Students in Grades 11-12 enter a two-year learning experience that equips students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The IB Diploma Program is a highly respected college-prep program that is recognized worldwide. In addition to a strong core curriculum of 6 courses over 2 years, students also complete three additional components: the Theory of Knowledge course, writing an Extended Essay, and completing CAS requirements (Creativity, Activity, and Service.) The IB Diploma Program proves to be an invaluable asset whether they desire to enter a competitive university or have other post-secondary plans.

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Daystar XP
Broadening Horizons, Inspiring Change

International travel is integral to our mission to develop compassionate, globally-minded leaders who are ready to make a difference in the world. That’s why we offer our high school students the unique opportunity to participate in XP trips across the globe.

These trips allow our students to deepen their understanding of the challenges facing different communities and the importance of social justice. With a foundation rooted in Christian values, these XP trips equip our students with the empathy, resilience, and drive to be agents of positive change, wherever their paths may lead. The cost of these trips is covered by donors, because we believe in providing every student with equal access to these life-changing opportunities.

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Join the Club
High School Electives

Robotics

Strength Training

Personal Finance

Baking

Film Clubs

Book Club

Yearbook

Student Podcast

Newspaper

Student Council

National Honor Society

Exploring and Making Music

Running Club

Outdoor Team Sports

Life Skills/CPR Certification

Hispanic Culture and Cooking

Weight Training

Esports

Volleyball

Art Therapy

Poetry Club

Photography

Fiber Arts

IB Classes at Daystar
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge challenges students to ask a fundamental question: How do we know what we know?

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Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is an independent research project where students apply academic rigor to investigate a topic of personal interest.

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Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS challenges students to learn through experience by engaging in creativity, physical activity, and meaningful service.

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Learn About DP Curriculum
Meet our director of high school

Heidi Judy

At Daystar Academy Since 2019

“In Greece, while walking through a cliffside monastery, I heard a student exclaim, ‘What am I seeing?! I don’t even know where I am right now!’ and watched his world expand. A student whose experiences had largely been limited to Chicago was suddenly encountering the history, culture, and faith traditions of people vastly different from his own. Those moments matter. Daystar intentionally creates experiences that challenge students to see beyond what is familiar while providing the support, community, and faith foundation they need to make sense of what they discover. Our students learn to approach the world with curiosity, humility, critical thinking, and a confidence rooted in God’s love. That’s why I chose Daystar for my own children, and it’s why I’ve chosen to dedicate my career to this community.”

Community and Culture

Where You Learn Matters

We believe environment shapes experience. Daystar Academy is a close-knit, Christ-centered community that prioritizes safety, respect, and belonging. Our campus, located in the heart of Chicago, provides immediate access to the city. We get to see how the city shapes us, and how we can shape the city!

What You Learn Matters

Education is about understanding how to think critically and make connections that matter. Our IB curriculum emphasizes inquiry, ethical reasoning, and global perspectives, all grounded in a Biblical worldview.

How You Learn Matters

Learning at Daystar Academy is dynamic, engaging, and applicable to the real world. Students tackle complex problems and collaborate on creative solutions. Through a hands-on, project-focused approach, and opportunities to explore outside the classroom, students build the necessary skills to advance their education and change the world for the better.

Who You Learn with Matters

Your classmates play a major role in shaping your high school experience. Students at Daystar form a community of peers made up of various ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds. Our intentionally diverse community allows students to form meaningful relationships, gain global perspective, and work together to transcend divisions.

From Our Community

See more reviews on Niche

“Daystar’s community is truly a beautiful thing!… Teachers strive to challenge students academically and holistically… Students are encouraged to be open to diverse perspectives and engage with ideas from people who may think or look differently from them. This extends to a vibrant parent community where we connect, interact, and cheer on each other’s children. I’ve felt confident allowing my child to take risks, knowing that the Daystar staff, guided by a Christian framework, gently encourages them while providing strong, attentive support.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar is a wonderful community of parents and children. Teachers and administration care about the students deeply and treat them all with respect and individual attention. The curriculum is rigorous and follows international baccalaureate standards. The sports and clubs are growing every year and are becoming more varied.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar has an amazing school culture, and a vibrant community surrounding it. The distinctives, vision, and direction of the school are unique and enriching for kids, parents, and all involved. The IB focus and curriculum, combined with intentional engagement in the city and an international focus is truly unique and equips kids well as they head out into the world. This truly is a school that focuses on developing the whole person.”

Daystar Parent

“At Daystar, the students are holistically developed and when they leave this institution, they are so ready for the world out there. There is always a Christ centered ethos that drives the daily activities in the school. The students are not just heard, they are seen as individuals with potential. This boosts and motivates them as individuals who strive for growth. They also become aware of the community around them, which creates an awareness of selflessness. The family bond that is shared at Daystar Academy, is felt and shared with everyone. It is a place of belonging.”

Daystar Teacher

“Daystar was pivotal in creating a strong foundation for our daughter. The teachers, staff and curriculum cultivated within her confidence in who she is as a child of God and global citizen. I have seen how she thinks deeply & creatively with empathy & strong communication skills as a result of a Daystar education. I appreciate how Daystar genuinely cares about the whole child.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar’s community is truly a beautiful thing! It’s cultivated internally from really caring, kind teachers who are accessible and supportive. Teachers strive to challenge students academically and holistically-with executive functioning, soft skills (ex. proper email etiquette) and character development. Students are encouraged to be open to diverse perspectives and engage with ideas from people who may think or look differently from them. This extends to a vibrant parent community where we connect, interact and cheer on each other’s children. I’ve felt confident allowing my child to take risks, knowing that the Daystar staff, guided by a Christian framework, gently encourages them while providing strong, attentive support.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar is a school with a diverse supportive community. The school prides itself on using the city as a classroom and teaching how students interact with and can impact the world around them, all through a Christian point of view. It works hard to have students that are economically and racially diverse. It is an International Baccalaureate school which fits well with thinking about the city around them and broader world and how students can make a positive impact on their community.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar Academy is a gem in the City of Chicago. I have had my three children here for years, and they have thrived. The administrators lead and not just manage. They set the culture; I have always found to be faith-filled, joyful, and belonging. My children’s progress academically, socially, and emotionally is a testament to to the teachers dedication. Regarding parental involvement, you can coach team sports, attend chapel every Fridays, go on learning excursions (field trips) with your child, and volunteer.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar has been nothing short of a blessing for me and my family. The school is everything I wanted in a teaching position; supportive administration, outstanding academic rigor, & a student body that enjoys attending school. I enjoy teaching a personal finance elective to my students, & the annual international travel provides life-transforming journeys & experiences for students. I love Daystar!”

Daystar Teacher

“My daughter has been at Daystar since Kindergarten and she is in 9th grade now. Daystar is an amazing community that cares about the whole child-spiritual, physical and mental. There are so many supports there that enhances the educational experience.”

Daystar Parent

“We have been long-time supporters, parents of students and champions of Daystar Academy! The community at Daystar from families, to student friendships, to parent-teacher partnerships is truly our greatest strength. At Daystar, our kids are known and loved. The staff and teachers at Daystar nurture our whole child – their emotional, spiritual and academic growth. One is not greater than the other. Our community supports each other in ways that are tangible and authentic – we truly look out for one another. I cannot stress enough that the community at Daystar cares. The IB program is rigorous – I have no doubt our children will be prepared for college and beyond.”

Daystar Parent

“Our daughters were admitted to an academic center and a very competitive high school after being at Daystar for middle school. Great academic preparation for their future.”

Daystar Parent

“We started at Daystar in fall 2020 (in the elementary school) and our experience has been excellent. We were attracted to its IB curriculum, differentiated learning, commitment to diversity, biblical values, and low student-teacher ratio. For us these things aligned with our core values and we have been very pleased with the rigorous education our kids have received as well as the positive environment in which they have received it. Our kids are learning to think, learning how to interact with all sorts of people, and are given lots of practical opportunities to take ownership of their education and experience. Their programming in sports, music, and other extracurriculars is growing and developing rapidly, while still remaining approachable.”

Daystar Parent

“My kids love going to school at Daystar. The teachers are confident, creative, and kind. The academics are challenging, but not overwhelming because they work hard to give each student attention for their learning needs. The smaller class sizes and additional teachers achieve this well. My children’s progress report gives specific skills they are working towards. There are not A, B, C grades in a subject, but instead an explanation of progress towards a goal, such as counting backwards from 120 for a 1st grader. They also write comments specific to a child’s strengths and how they relate with others. My kids prefer going to school over staying home. They are sad about sick days, snow days, and early dismissals for appointments. Daystar has been such a great community for our family. I love that the parents can attend Friday chapels because we can see the caring environment that our kids are in and get to know other parents.”

Daystar Parent

“We have been extremely happy during our years at Daystar. Beginning with Preschool, the focus on inquiry based learning has provided our children with an engaging way to learn. Each project within the IB Unit has allowed our children to explore each academic subject under the umbrella of one unified topic, integrating all of their learning together – along with their faith development. We have continually impressed with the responsiveness and supportive nature of all of the teachers and school staff. Expectations for homework have been extremely developmentally appropriate and we have appreciated that our children do not bring home large amounts of paperwork – the focus is on hands-on learning in the classroom community, not rote learning with worksheets.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar is a unique school that offers a level of attention for students that is impossible to find at schools that are larger and more established. It offers a rigorous academic program but within an environment that is supportive and caring.”

Daystar Parent

“My kids are learning and growing in a diverse environment. They take field trips all over Chicago and travel the world through the XP program. Their teachers care about them as whole people and support their development in many ways.”

Daystar Parent

“Daystar has been a place my family belongs. As a family that has been knit together with adoption, our mixed family blends right in at Daystar. Our family has been supported through emotional and academic help as our girls have grown up here. Teachers have gone above what we ever expected to love our girls even beyond the school hours. I’m so thankful for this bright spot in a big city.”

Daystar Parent

“The high school program, while small, provides students with a tremendous IB education. They receive almost unlimited support from teachers who are engaged and dedicated. While opportunities outside of class are still developing, many students enjoy such programs as sports, yearbook, clubs/electives, and travel. Hopefully more eager students will come join this unique and special high school.”

Daystar Teacher

“Daystar has been a great choice for our middle school students. They thrive in the IB curriculum which teaches them how to write and think critically. It is a very safe environment and also very diverse in terms of race and socioeconomic status, which is rare. My children have made good friendships with people very different from us and it helps them understand the beauty of our different experiences but shared dreams and aspirations.”

Daystar Parent

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Step inside and see why families are choosing a Christ-centered education in the City of Chicago.

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a core course in the IB Diploma Programme that invites students to think critically about knowledge itself. Rather than focusing on content alone, students explore how knowledge is created, tested, and understood across disciplines. Through questions like “What counts as evidence?” and “How do perspective and culture shape what we believe?”, students examine their own assumptions and consider the diversity of ways people understand the world. The course culminates in both an exhibition—connecting ideas to real-world objects—and a formal essay. More than anything, TOK helps students become thoughtful, reflective thinkers who can navigate complexity with greater awareness and responsibility.

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is a cornerstone of the IB Diploma Programme and offers students the opportunity to engage in sustained, independent research. Over time, students develop a focused research question, explore a topic connected to their academic interests, and produce a 4,000-word paper that reflects deep thinking and analysis. Guided by a faculty mentor, students learn how to gather and evaluate sources, construct a clear argument, and communicate their ideas effectively. This process not only engages students in college-level work, but also fosters curiosity, discipline, and ownership over their learning. For many students, the Extended Essay becomes one of the most meaningful academic experiences of their high school years.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. Students participate in a wide range of experiences, from the arts and athletics to service in the community, while reflecting on how these experiences shape their growth. A central part of CAS is the student-led project, where students take initiative, collaborate with others, and work toward a meaningful goal. Through CAS, students develop perseverance, empathy, and a deeper understanding of their role in the world. CAS is essential to the IB philosophy, helping students grow not only academically, but personally and socially as well.