The Middle School includes grades 6 through 8. It emphasizes independent learning, and offers a foundation in English, mathematics, science, music, drama, art, physical education, social studies, world languages and technology. At this level, the faculty work with students to teach them to organize learning and absorb information into a meaningful whole that supports independent learning. Each Middle School student has a faculty advisor with whom he or she meets in a small group and individually to discuss academic, social and personal concerns. The purpose of the advisor group is to strengthen the student's role within the Academy community by allowing advisees the opportunity to make personal connections, develop a group affiliation, and build their academic and interpersonal skills within the group. Co-curricular opportunities include cultural immersion trips that supplement the Spanish and French programs, spring trips with their class, sports activities (soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball) and a variety of clubs (Math, Science, French, Spanish, Geography and Chess). Middle School students also have the opportunity to be involved in the Leadership Council that plans and organizes service and social activities for the school year. The Upper School, which encompasses Grades 9 through 12, completes the program of college preparation. As students transition from the Middle to the Upper School, learning continues to be authentic and engaging with curriculum offerings at three levels: college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement. The Upper School program provides an excellent academic curriculum as well as varied athletic, artistic and leadership opportunities. It fields a variety of athletic teams; provides opportunities in the performing arts, including band, chorus and theater productions; and offers numerous co-curricular offerings to develop leadership ability. Students compete in divisional, regional, and statewide academic and athletic competitions, including previous recognition in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) and Rube Goldberg contests. The school offers 13 Advanced Placement courses. The school fields interscholastic teams for Upper School and Middle School students in baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, cross country, boys soccer, girls soccer, and girls volleyball. Upper School boys and girls can also compete on varsity tennis teams. Known as the Warriors, the school's junior varsity and varsity teams compete interscholastically as members of the Independent School League, which comprises independent private schools in the Chicago area. The school also competes in state championship tournaments sponsored by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The following teams finished in the top four of their respective state tournaments sponsored by the IHSA.