Performing
Arts
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
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.
Arts Areas
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Performing
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Visual
Arts- Drawing
- Painting
- Ceramics & Sculpture
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Media
Arts- Graphic Design
- Animation
- Photo & Video
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Arts
Business- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
The School
The Pilot Program for ICA's K–12 day school is launching Fall 2026.
At Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, our students will engage in a practicum of pre-professional arts training balanced with rigorous academics.
Applications will open Early Spring 2026 for a limited number of spots. Selected applicants will audition for ICA with placement for those accepted in Late Spring 2026.
Join Interest List
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
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!
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.
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.
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FANA TESFAGIORGIS
TAYLOR LOUDERMAN
ABBY MUELLER
SAMANTHA PAULY
MERRI SUGARMAN
JJ NIEMANN
ERIKA HENNINGSON
GALEN J. WILLIAMS
SALISHA THOMAS
ZONYA LOVE
CHAZ WOLCOTT
JUSTIN PRESCOTT
JUDITH FRANKLIN
CHAWNTA VAN
ICA...
Emmy is currently on her second Broadway national tour starring in Les Miserables!
Sammy was signed by one of Chicago’s biggest talent agencies after a showcase!
Giovanni was handpicked to be seen by one of Chicago’s biggest talent agencies!
Rogan was invited to join the cast of Children of Eden in Chicago!
Layla was invited to audition for Les Miserables in NYC after taking a casting director workshop!
"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.”
"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.”
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 doesn't 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.