Daystar Academy

Daystar Academy is a Christ-centered school that integrates faith into all areas of study to help students develop a Biblical worldview. It is committed to being deliberately diverse, bringing together students from various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The school aims to empower students to be a transformative presence in their communities by fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward the world.

As an IB Continuum School, Daystar offers the International Baccalaureate framework from preschool through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on learning and real-world exploration, including 10–15 learning excursions per year, overnight expeditions for middle and high school students, and international travel for high schoolers. For 11th and 12th grade students, the school provides two pathways: the full IB Diploma Program or an individual course pathway. Elective offerings include subjects such as personal finance.

Daystar Academy emphasizes a holistic approach to education, providing personalized support through small class sizes and dedicated staff. The school focuses on the whole child—spiritual, physical, and mental—and offers differentiated learning to meet individual student needs. Teachers provide support for executive functioning, soft skills, and character development.

The admissions process begins with an online application and a $60 non-refundable fee. For students in grades 1–12, the school requires an end-of-year report card, standardized test scores, and teacher/principal recommendations. Following a review of materials and a student visit, an admissions decision is typically provided within 7–10 days, after which an enrollment packet and a $500 fee are required to secure a spot. Priority for income-based tuition adjustments is given to families entering at the traditional entry points of kindergarten and 9th grade.

The school year begins on August 19. Families are encouraged to submit applications by August 1 to ensure sufficient time for the admissions and enrollment process. The school also hosts regular open houses, personal tours, and shadow days for prospective families.

Located in the South Loop of Chicago at 1550 South State Street, the campus occupies a 25,708-square-foot space that was formerly a printing company. The facility houses classrooms for preschool through high school and serves as a hub for the school community, including space-sharing organizations such as Trinity Christian College, Loop Christian Ministries, and Overflow Coffee Bar. The school utilizes the city of Chicago as an extension of its classrooms for learning excursions.