The Willows Academy is an independent, college preparatoryschool that empowers young women in grades 6 - 12 to strive for academic and moral excellence and a lifelong commitment to service based on the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 236 students
- Yearly Tuition: $16,500
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
236 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, European History, French Language, Latin, Spanish Language, U.S. History
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Plaid Skirt/Blazer
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$16,500
Tuition Notes
Financial aid/scholarships available.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
Admissions Director
Sara Danielewicz
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Book Club, Culinary, Girls for Change, International Club, Medical, Model UN, Pro-Life Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Fall Play, Handbell Choir, Spring Musical
Art Club, Book Club, Culinary, Girls for Change, International Club, Medical, Model UN, Pro-Life Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Fall Play, Handbell Choir, Spring Musical
School Notes
- Willows Academy is an all girl school with an all female faculty.
- In partnership with parents, we facilitate the development of our student's character, intellect and love of God.
- All courses at Willows Academy are taught at an honors level or above.
- We proudly offer our unique mentoring program, where every student is paired with a mentor from our faculty, staff or Willow's community.
- Our students embrace growth through participation in clubs,athletics and arts; no previous experience needed.
- At the high school level we offer eight sports: Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Dance, Track and Field, Soccer and Softball.
- 90% of our high school students take an AP Course.
- We are 100% college acceptance.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Willows Academy cost?
Willows Academy's tuition is approximately $16,500 for private students.
What sports does Willows Academy offer?
Willows Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Willows Academy's ranking?
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest average ACT score and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Willows Academy?
The application deadline for Willows Academy is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 1/1/2020
I have enrolled two of my daughters at the Willows Academy. One graduated in 2016 as class salutorian. She accepted an $84,000 Presidential Scholarship and is preparing to graduate early. My other daughter, 6 years younger, grew up wanting to be a Willows girl. The faculty is outstanding. The mentor ship program is great. I love that they teach our girls how to be ladies with confidence in themselves.
5 5/17/2016
As a graduate of The Willows Academy, I am so glad that I went to this school. The older I get, the more I realize just how important attending The Willows was for me. My closest friends are the ones I made at The Willows and I really had the best education- not only academically, but also in character and virtue. I wouldn't be who I am today without The Willows!
5 5/24/2014
As a former teacher at The Willows, I can attest to the wonderful spirit of The Willows.
During the twenty years which I taught, I found the administration very supportive and
inspirational.. they truly were role models for intelligent, caring women. To this day, I
have fond memories of my students and their school spirit ,and of my fellow teachers''
love and support. I looked forward to going to class EVERY day thanks to them.
Carol Nalaski, former head of English Department
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