Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
290 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
1 |
| Most common nationality |
American |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
No |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
17 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
In K-2, students use a shared set of iPads for stations. In grades 3-4, they share Chromebooks. In grade 5, students get a personal Chromebook. In grades 9-12, students get a MacBook. Technology is included in tuition. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes, Daystar is a Christian school. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Students are not required to be Christian but all participate in religious instruction. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Daystar's homework policy is that students MAY have up to 10 minutes per night per grade level. A 7th grader MAY have 70 minutes of homework, though homework is usually work that was not completed during the school day or a special project. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100 |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No, though students who need mild accommodations will establish a Student Support Plan with our Student Support Services team at the start of the school year. |
| Learning support offered |
Student Support Services plans are typically modeled after a student IEP and may include increased time for testing, movement in the classroom, extra breaks, etc. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Our low student/teacher ratio means that teachers are able to challenge students who are working ahead in their grade. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
No, though our students do have access to our Student Support Services team. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
No. Daystar's admissions team reviews progress reports, standardized test scores and recommendations from current teachers to determine enrollment eligibility. |
| Waiting list |
No |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Daystar does rolling admissions, and accepts students as long as there is space in the class. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, provided there is space in the class. |
| School start time |
8 a.m. |
| School finish time |
3 p.m. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
After school care is available from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm. |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
No |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Daystar Academy has a robust athletic program, offering soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and track and field. High School and Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in drama club, student council, prom committee, photography, improv, yearbook, and other extracurriculars based on the school year. |
| Sports activities included |
Students in grades K-10 take P.E. as outlined in the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Sports studied include hockey, badminton, basketball, and many others. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes - basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country and soccer. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Middle School and High School science labs, Gym, Outdoor field, Outdoor playspace, Art Studio |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gym, Outdoor turf/field space. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Daystar Academy empowers students to positively impact the world through a faith-based, culturally-engaged, globally-minded education. Daystar is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB program in grades PK-12. Technology, school supplies, learning excursions and learning expeditions (including high school travel) is included in tuition. 60% of Daystar families receive financial aid and pay tuition on a sliding scale. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Daystar's curriculum allows students to engage with subject matter in experiential ways and promotes curiosity, problem solving, and respect of differences in thought and opinion. The International Baccalaureate framework utilizes a unit-based, inquiry-driven approach to learning. Work is student-driven and highly contextual. |
Contact the admissions team at Daystar Academy
Other Schools in Chicago
Recommended Schools in Chicago
