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EXPLORE FULL DAY SUMMER CAMPS AT DAYSTAR

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Faith-Based,
Deliberately Diverse
IB World School

in the South Loop

of Chicago.

Daystar Academy is a private Christian school in Chicago’s South Loop. Our community is committed to providing an exceptional academic experience that prepares students for leadership in an ever-changing global community.

Our partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program further elevates our academic offerings, making Daystar Academy an ideal choice for international students seeking a world-class education with a focus on both academic rigor and personal growth.

Our Recognitions

International Baccalaureate Programming For All Students

The IB framework is designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a love for lifelong learning. Our students engage in an academically challenging curriculum that develops their intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills—preparing them to thrive in any environment across the globe.

“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 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

“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

“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

Interested in exploring all Daystar has to offer?

Admissions
a modern campus...
...in the heart of Chicago.

Daystar is located in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop neighborhood, an area rich in culture, business, and innovation. Our modern campus features cutting-edge technology and flexible spaces that cater to a variety of learning styles. Whether collaborating on projects, engaging in community-building activities, or reflecting in quiet spaces, students have everything they need to thrive.

Daystar Distinctives

At Daystar, our students are more than just scholars. We seek to develop reflective, open-minded, and caring individuals who are equipped to lead with integrity and empathy. Our distinctive values include:

Christ-Centered Learning

We view the world through the lens of God’s truth, helping students grow in their faith while also preparing them to understand and engage with different cultures and perspectives.

SMALL CLASS SIZES & INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

With a commitment to personalized learning, we maintain small class sizes where students are known well by their teachers. This allows for differentiated instruction and targeted support to help every student reach their full potential.

ACADEMIC RIGOR WITH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Our approach to learning blends academic rigor with holistic development, equipping students for success in higher education and beyond. We offer robust post-secondary counseling to guide students as they transition to college and career.

The Admissions Process

1. Contact Admissions

Once Daystar’s Admissions Team determines eligibility, a link to our full online application will be sent to you.

Contact Admissions

2. Student Visit

After Daystar’s Admissions Team reviews your application, the applicant will be invited for a Zoom interview with Daystar’s International Student Program Team.

3. Commitment

After receiving a notice of acceptance, you will be asked to commit to enrollment by completing the enrollment packet.

4. Embassy Interview

Apply for an interview at the Embassy for Student Visas and notify Daystar Academy when the visa is approved or denied.

5. Before arrival in the U.S.:

  • Complete the enrollment packet
  • Pay tuition as noted on the International Tuition Fee Schedule
  • Be sure immunizations are current
  • Submit official complete high school transcript

All non-immigrant international students at Daystar Academy must be on an F-1 student visa. Never enter the United States on a tourist visa if you intend to attend school. If you enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa to look at schools, make sure your visa lists you as a “prospective student.”

Welcome to Daystar!

Questions?

If you have questions about our program or the admissions process, please feel free to contact our admissions office using the link below. You can also fill out an Eligibility Form and someone will reach out to you.

Contact Admissions

Explore Further

Arrange a visit to our school and see how faith-integrated education fosters an environment of love, respect, and collaboration.

Learn more about IB at Daystar by connecting with our Admissions team and scheduling a tour.

Learn more about IB

Empowering students to positively impact the world through a faith-based, culturally-engaged, globally-minded education.

Daystar Academy
1550 South State St.

Chicago, IL 60605
312-791-0001 
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All Rights Reserved  • 
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