High-level arts meets
high-achieving academics.

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is a non-profit educational institution in the Western suburbs of Chicago.

ICA is committed to providing high-level arts programming while engaging students in a comprehensive academic education. We believe that creativity and the quest for innovation fosters individuality–allowing the holistic development of each student.

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High-level arts meets high-achieving academics at Illinois Conservatory for the Arts

Academy of the Arts event at Illinois Conservatory for the Arts

Arts Areas

Performing
Arts

Dance
Music
Theatre

Visual
Arts

Drawing
Painting
Ceramics & Sculpture

Media
Arts

Graphic Design
Animation
Photo & Video

Arts
Business

Entrepreneurship
Finance
Marketing

The School

The Pilot Program for ICA's K–12 day school is coming soon.

At Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, our students will engage in a practicum of pre-professional arts training balanced with rigorous academics.

Join our interest list to be the first to know when the program is ready to launch!

IMPACT

IMPACT IS OUR WEEK-LONG INTENSIVE PROGRAM OFFERED DURING SUMMER & WINTER BREAKS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

IMPACT brings top professional artists-from Broadway, TV & Film, the Dance Community, and beyond-to work with students on growing their skills. The week includes a trip to see a show in Chicago and wraps up with a showcase and reception for family and friends.

WINTER • Dec 27-Dec 30, 2025 • On Sale Now

SUMMER • 2026 Dates • Coming Soon

WINTER SUMMER

DANCE • December 30, 2025 • On Sale Now

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IMPACT program at Illinois Conservatory for the Arts

The Studio

The Studio offers evening & weekend classes in Music, Dance, and Theatre for adolescents and teens.

There are two 12-week sessions that take place throughout the year.

Registration for The Studio is now open!

Learn More Register Now

Events

ICA hosts exciting, star-studded events throughout the year.

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is committed to community engagement, outreach, and fundraising. Events include concerts, workshops, and community outings.

See our upcoming events

Our History

ICA is the dream of three educators who have seen the positive impact of an arts-integrated education on overall academics.

With their combined decades in arts education, our founders recognize that young artists often learn differently because they are multifaceted. ICA believes that fostering creativity in all areas of their school experience benefits a creatively-driven child, whether they aim for a profession in the arts or land in a fulfilling career outside of the arts.

Meet the team

JJ NIEMANN

Back to the Future

The Book of Mormon

MERRI SUGARMAN

The Who's Tommy, Ain't Too Proud, Jersey Boys

Casting Director

KARA LINDSAY

Once Upon a Mattress

Beautiful, Newsies

FANA TESFAGIORGIS

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

My Fair Lady

SAMANTHA PAULY

The Great Gatsby

SIX

TAYLOR LOUDERMAN

Mean Girls, Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots

PATRICK MARAVILLA

Chicago, A Wonderful World

Casting Director

SARAH MEAHL

Chess

Death Becomes Her

CHAWNTA VAN

Lizzo

The Color Purple (2023 film)

ERIKA HENNINGSEN

Mean Girls

Just In Time

ICA...

Being part of ICA has opened so many doors for me and helped me discover my passion.

The quality of instruction and the opportunities provided here are unmatched.

The teachers here truly care about your success and push you to be your best.

ICA has given me the confidence and skills to pursue my dreams in the arts.

ICA provides the perfect balance between artistic expression and academic excellence.

Working with professionals who've done what I dream of doing was inspiring. ICA is a place where you feel supported and part of an amazing artistic community.

My child joined ICA at a vulnerable time in her life and this program truly helped her gain self-confidence, overcome obstacles, become more self-aware, and find skills inside her that she never thought she would have.

“ICA gave me the tools to grow as an artist and the confidence to enjoy creating theater. The welcoming community here is like no other.”

LEON, STUDENT

ICA offers programming unlike anything in the Western Suburbs. I didn't realize that [my daughter] could work with so many high-profile professionals right in our area.

IMPACT really improved my confidence in how I act, sing, and dance. I've made so many great friends and it just feels like one big family. It is my dream to come to the school at ICA.

“ICA gave me the confidence to try new things and learn from amazing teachers. I wouldn't have had this opportunity without the scholarship, and it's changed my life.”

NICOLAS, STUDENT

Key Supporters

These organizations are significant supporters of Illinois Conservatory for the Arts and the work we do. We appreciate your commitment to our students and furthering arts education for our community.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts employs staff and admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.