Gifted Schools & Programs for Chicago Kids

Though not technically a gifted school, the nationally-recognized and award-winning University of Chicago Laboratory Schools may nonetheless be of interest to families with gifted children, with its progressive educational curriculum that encourages experiential learning, and unparalleled access to outstanding to resources and academicians at the University of Chicago.

The only private gifted school in the City of Chicago, MAGE offers several programs including a full time school, camps, and a free math circle. The multi-age environment and small teacher:student ratio allows them to meet each gifted child where they are at, especially since much of the instruction is 1:1.

Part of the Chicago Public Schools system, Edison Regional Gifted Center offers a welcoming, accelerated, and enriched academic community that seeks to develop the skills of gifted and talented students through thoughtful learner-driven experiences.

Located on the beautiful Northwestern campus, the Center for Talent Development (CTD) was founded in 1982 to support gifted students in their personal, academic, and social growth. From gifted testing services to weekend, summer, and online programs, CTD offers challenging courses at four Chicagoland locations to allow gifted students to explore their interests and expand their creativity.

SSA is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational, not-for-profit day school for gifted students all around Chicagoland, with a challenging curriculum, small classroom setting and expertise in supporting gifted children as unique individuals with varied gifts.

This admission-based gifted school in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove strives to provide gifted and high-achieving students with an environment where they can thrive, with experienced teachers, low student-teacher ratios, a comprehensive arts program, Makerspace and more. A summer program is also available.

Quest Academy is a private school for gifted children in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago that seeks to provide a nurturing and balanced education that allows all students to reach their full potential no matter their circumstances.

Vanguard is a gifted school in the Chicago suburb of Batavia that embraces an educational model that is creative, collaborative, metacognitive, analytical and personalized. It is a great fit for gifted students who like to dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about, work at their own pace, and enjoy projects and problem-solving.

Located in Aurora, IMSA is an internationally-recognized school dedicated to developing tomorrow's leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. A state-funded college preparatory program, IMSA is open to academically talented Illinois students. Student live on campus and participate in challenging curriculum designed to prepare them for college and beyond. In fact, IMSA is among the top public college prep programs in the nation for placing graduates in Ivy League and other highly selective universities. IMSA also provides outreach and summer programs for younger kids.

Established in 1989, by a small group of educators, the Illinois Association for Gifted Children is a non-profit organization that aims to expand the resources and opportunities available to gifted students throughout the state. The IAGC advocates for gifted programs, provides resources to parents and teachers, and offers excellent scholarship opportunities.

Created by parents of gifted children, the Chicago Gifted Community Center is a mmber-driven non-profit organization that provides support and resources to Chicago area gift children and their families, including ongoing programs like parenting book clubs and seminars.