Continuing Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) provides the highest quality educational opportunities in art and design through courses tailored exclusively for adults, including teachers, high school students in grades nine through 12, middle school students ages 1013, and children ages four to nine. Our goal is to nurture and support life-long learning and the development of creative thought and practice in students of all ages.
At SAIC we believe that having confidence in one's creative abilities plays a critical role in successfully meeting the unique challenges of today's world.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- School Type: Vocational/Technical School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1866
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Academics and Faculty
List of Courses Offered
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Program Offerings
- Children's Multi-Arts Camps (Ages 4-9)
- Combining creativity with fun, SAIC's summer camps offer exciting projects and include daily visits to the Art Institute of Chicago museum. Kids learn to discover, explore, and imagine in their own unique ways, experimenting with a variety of art materials and methods that encourage the development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Family Programs (Ages 4+ with Adult)
- Family Programs at SAIC are truly a unique experience. Combining visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago museum with exciting studio-based explorations, camp instructors guide all participants through each step of the creative process, using materials such as paint, collage, clay, pastels, or charcoal as a team and side-by-side. Regardless of age, these experiences build curiosity and self-confidence for all participants through creative problem solving, firsthand exposure to the unmatched collections at the museum, and material investigation.
- Middle School Programs (Ages 10-13)
- Our courses for middle schoolersare designed to allow students to focus on their interests, learn new skills, and bring their ideas to life. We offer course subjects and resources not available to young creators anywhere else in the world!
- Early College Program(Ages 14-18)
- Push your ideas, visions, and skillsets to new heights! Join students from around the country and right here in Chicago for courses taught by our renowned faculty. Experience dynamic virtual demos, engage with peers during group work, critiques, and activities, and receive a blend of time for independent exploration and making and time to check-in with faculty.
- Early College Program Online Summer Institute (Ages 15-18, Earn College Credit)
- You`ll join peers online from around the globe to create portfolio-quality work, deepen your understanding of contemporary art making, and earn college credit. Experience dynamic virtual demos, engage in group critiques, and receive the ideal blend of one-on-one meeting time with faculty and independent exploration.
- Adult Continuing Education Courses and Certificates(Ages 18+)
- Engage in material exploration and learn new skills or refresh existing ones. As a member of our community, one defined by practice and inquiry, you will cultivate creative confidence, learning with and from your instructors and peers as you produce work based on your personal research and interests.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago's ranking?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The application deadline for School of the Art Institute of Chicago is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is School of the Art Institute of Chicago located?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in the Chicago Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 5 other private schools located in Chicago Loop.
School Reviews
Endorse School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.
February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.
January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.
