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The nationally-ranked Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students in its tuition-free residential Academy for grades 10-12. Students are challenged with a rigorous curriculum designed to develop them into problem solvers and critical thinkers. Notable IMSA students include YouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen, PayPal Co-Creator Yu Pan, Yelp Co-Founder Russell Simmons, SparkNotes and OkCupid Co-Founder Sam Yagan, and Hearsay Social Founder Clara Shih

Office of College and Academic Counseling

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
2026 Profile
IMSA Ranks Among the Top College 
Prep Schools in America, Offers 
Unmatched Learning Experiences 
The nationally-ranked Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) develops creative, 
ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and 
learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented 
Illinois students in its tuition-free residential Academy for grades 10-12. Students are 
challenged with a rigorous curriculum designed to develop them into problem solvers and 
critical thinkers.
Notable IMSA students include YouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen, PayPal Co-Creator Yu Pan, 
Yelp Co-Founder Russell Simmons, SparkNotes and OkCupid Co-Founder Sam Yagan, and 
Hearsay Social Founder Clara Shih. 
Research and Innovation
IMSA students spend 20% of their time outside the classroom on independent study, 
research, innovation, or entrepreneurship. Through the Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) 
program, they gain authentic research experiences with IMSA faculty, universities, and 70+ 
global institutions. The Center of Innovation and Inquiry fosters entrepreneurship through 
prototyping, maker space activity, and launching new ventures.
Leadership and Service Learning
IMSA students complete 200 hours of service over three years through the service 
learning program, while the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program 
builds social awareness and civic engagement in their communities.
Grading
In order to promote collaborative exploration and discovery, the Academy does not 
provide grade point averages or class averages. IMSA issues grades A-D with a D being 
a failing grade. Students will have the option to repeat course(s) if they received a failing 
grade if able to meet all graduation requirements.
Discipline
For egregious offenses, the Academy may require students or parents/guardians to consent 
to the disclosure of disciplinary actions to colleges. For other cases, if colleges request 
disciplinary information, the Academy will ask for consent before sharing. If consent is not 
given, the Academy will note this on the application materials, if applicable.
Dr. Evan M. Glazer
President and Chief Executive Officer
630.907.5038
Dr. Angela Rowley
Principal and Chief Academic Officer
630.907.5053
Dr. Katie Berger
Chief Student Affairs Officer
630.907.5009
Melisa Williams-Rivera
Team Coordinator 
College and Academic Counselor 
630.907.5571
mwrivera@imsa.edu
Kara Molenhouse 
College and Academic Counselor
630.907.5065
kmolenhouse@imsa.edu
Mirta Olmos 
College and Academic Counselor
630.907.5966
mmartinez1@imsa.edu
JaRod Tobler
College and Academic Counselor 
630.907.5565
jtobler@imsa.edu
653 residential 
academy students come from
all over the state of Illinois.
2/3 of alumni are 
employed in a STEM field.
52% of IMSA 
Faculty have doctoral degrees. 
100% have master’s degrees.
2025 - 2026 COURSE CATALOG
IMSA students are required to accumulate a total of 17 course credits in three years to graduate.
ENGLISH 
3.0 credit minimum
Core Courses (Sophomore)
• Literary Explorations I
• Literary Explorations II
Core Courses (Junior)
• Literary Explorations III: American
• Literary Explorations III: British
• Literary Explorations III: World
Junior/Senior Electives
• Adaptation: Literature & Film
• Satire
• Creative Writing Workshop
• Digital Literary Studies
• Gender Studies
• Graphic Novels—Image & Text
• Horror Fiction Studies
• Modern Theater
• Modern World Fiction
• Shakespeare
• Speculative Fiction Studies
• Victorian Fiction
SOCIAL SCIENCE 
2.5 credit minimum
Core Courses (Sophomore)
• American Studies
Core Courses (Junior)
• The World in the Twentieth Century
Junior Electives
• Ancient World Religion & Philosophy
• Conflict in World History
• Historic Global Commodities & Culture
• Revolutions
Senior Electives
• America in the Contemporary World
• China in the World
• History of Biology and Medicine
• History of Technology and Culture
• History of the Environment
• Modern Economics
• Modern Conflict, Insurgency,  
 & Terrorism
• Political Theory
• United States Government  
 & the Constitution 
WORLD 
LANGUAGES 
2.0 credit minimum, A student 
must complete two years of world 
language study, with one year at 
level II or higher
• French I, II, III, IV, V
• German I, II, III
• Mandarin Chinese I, II, III
• Spanish II, III, IV, V
MATHEMATICS AND  
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Calculus Core Courses
• AB Calculus I*
• AB Calculus II*
• BC Calculus I*
• BC Calculus II*
• BC Calculus III*
• BC Calculus I/II*+
• BC Calculus II/III*+
• Survey of Calculus
Pre-Calculus Core Courses
• Geometry 
• Mathematical Investigations I/II
• Mathematical Investigations II
• Mathematical Investigations III
• Mathematical Investigations IV
Pre-Calculus Electives
• Discrete Mathematics
• Introduction to Proofs
• Modern Geometries
• Problem Solving
• Statistical Experimentation  
 & Inference
• Statistical Exploration  
 & Description
3.0 
credit min.
Post-Calculus Electives
• Abstract Algebra
• Advanced Topics in Mathematics
• Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra
• Multi-variable Calculus
• Number Theory
• Theory of Analysis
Computer Science Core Course 
(Sophomore)
• Computer Science Inquiry
Computer Science Electives
• Advanced Programming
• Advanced Web Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• CS Seminar: Android Apps  
 Development
• CS Seminar: UNIX/Linux  
 & Cybersecurity
• CS Seminar: Machine Learning
• Elements of Computing Systems
• Introduction of Neural Computation
• Micro-controller Applications
• Object Oriented Programming
• Web Technologies
Core Courses (Sophomore)
• Methods in Scientific Inquiry
• Scientific Inquiries—Chemistry
• Scientific Inquiries—Physics
Physics Electives
• Biophysics
• Computational Science
• Electronics
• Engineering: Statics & Dynamics
• Global Climate Change
• Introduction to Engineering
• Modern Physics
• Physics—Sound & Light
• Physics—Calculus-based  
 Mechanics*
• Physics—Calculus-based   
 Electricity & Magnetism* 
• Planetary Science
SCIENCE
All science courses have a lab component.
4.0 
credit min.
Chemistry Electives
• Advanced Chemistry—  
 Structure & Properties
• Advanced Chemistry—  
 Chemical Reactions
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology in Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry I
• Organic Chemistry II
• Physical Chemistry of Materials 
Biology Electives
• Biology: Evolution & Environment
• Biology: Molecular & Cellular
• Biology of Behavior
• Cancer Biology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Evolution, Biodiversity & Ecology
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• Pathophysiology
WELLNESS 
EDUCATION 
1.0 credit minimum
Core Course (Sophomore)
• Foundations of Healthy Living
Wellness Electives
• Dance
• Human Nutrition
• Movement & Relaxation
• Outdoor and Indoor Games
• Psychology of Sport
• Stress Management for Life
FINE ARTS 
0.5 credit minimum
Music
• Chamber Choir
• Chamber Strings
• Concert Band
• Concert Choir
• Music Appreciation
• Music Theory
• String Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble 
Visual Arts
• 3d Design Foundations
• Art & Design
• Digital Photography
• Graphic Design & Technology
• Printmaking
• Observational Drawing
• Scientific Illustration 
EXPERIENTIAL 
LEARNING
• Independent Study
• IMSA Internship
• Student Inquiry & Research (SIR)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation  
 Program
*This course aligns with the Advanced Placement (AP) designation approved by College Board through their Course Audit process.
+ Selected students must be invited to take this course.
*This course aligns with the Advanced Placement (AP) designation approved by College Board through their Course Audit process.
Recognition of Scholarships, Class of 2025  214 Seniors 37 National Merit Semifinalists 59 Commended Students
Sample of Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations for 2024 - 2025 School Year 
Although IMSA does not offer AP courses, 875 AP examinations were administered to 448 students. 
 Biology Calculus BC Chemistry Computer Science A Physics C: E&M Physics C: Mech English Language Statistics
No. of Students Tested 65 138 80 83 61 81 36 66
Average Scores 3.5 4.1 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.3 4.1 3.45
A Sample Grade Distribution Report for Junior Course Enrollment (2024 - 2025)
A = Exceeds course requirements  B = Meets course requirements     C = Needs improvement     D = Does not meet course requirements, no credit awarded
SEMESTER 1 A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D All
Literary Explorations III: World 33 47 21 11 6 3 1 2 0 124
Ancient World Religion and Philosophy 37 17 10 10 5 1 1 1 1 83
Mathematical Investigations IV 12 13 10 13 7 6 6 1 2 70
Adv. Chemistry—Structure and Properties 6 10 11 15 8 2 7 1 1 61
Biology: Molecular & Cellular 80 21 10 12 4 3 1 0 0 131
SEMESTER 2 A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D All
Object Oriented Programming 17 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 18
Biochemistry 11 14 4 1 6 0 2 0 0 38
BC Calculus III 9 6 5 6 0 0 0 2 0 28
Creative Writing Workshop 35 12 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 57
The World in the Twentieth Century 99 52 23 21 7 4 4 2 6 218
IMSA Academic Highlights
SAT Scores - Class of 2025 
Middle 50% Ranges and Means 
 IMSA Mean IL College-Bound U.S. College-Bound
 (n=190) Senior Mean Senior Mean
Composite 1335 1063 1024
SAT Reasoning Test - Class of 2025
Middle 50% Ranges and Means 
 IMSA Mean IL College-Bound U.S. College-Bound
 (n=190) Senior Mean Senior Mean
Math 658 476 530
ERW 677 491 480
20% of students’ 
time is spent on independent 
research and internships. 
40,000+ hours
of community service are performed 
by IMSA students annually.
16 of 35
required classes for graduation 
are in math and science.  
(Each class is .5 credit.)
29.0 is the 
mean composite ACT score 
of the IMSA Class of 2025.
In-State Schools
Private In-State 
Public In-State
Out-of-State Schools
Private Out-of-State
Public Out-of-State
Non-US Colleges (0%)
Arizona State University-Tempe 1 7
Auburn University 1 3
Beloit College 1 2
Brigham Young University 1 2
California Institute of Technology 1 2
Carnegie Mellon University 1 5
Case Western Reserve University 8 25
College of DuPage 2 2
Columbia University 
     in the City of New York 3 4
Creighton University 1 2
Denison University 1 1
Dominican University 1 1
Drake University 1 2
Duke University 1 4
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical  
     University-Daytona Beach 2 3
Georgia Institute of Technology 2 9
Hamline University 1 1
Harding University 1 1
Harvard University 3 3
Illinois State University 1 9
Indiana University-Bloomington 1 14
Iowa State University 1 15
Johns Hopkins University 1 3
Lewis University 1 2
Loyola University Chicago 7 40
Michigan Technological University 5 17
Millikin University 1 2
Missouri University 
     of Science and Technology 1 16
Moraine Valley Community College 1 1  
New York University 1 2
North Park University 1 2
Northwestern University 2 7
Ohio University-Main Campus 1 2
Oregon State University 1 4
Purdue University-Main Campus 6 64
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1 11
Rice University 1 3
Rochester Institute of Technology 1 14
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 1 13
Rowan University 1 1
Saint Louis University 1 14
Saint Xavier University 1 1
Southern Illinois 
     University-Carbondale 1 5
Southern Illinois  
     University-Edwardsville 2 6
Stanford University 3 3
The College of Wooster 1 1
The University of Alabama 3 26
The University of Texas at Austin 4 7
United States Military Academy 1 1
University of California-Davis 1 3
University of California-Irvine 1 4
University of California-Los Angeles 1 3
University of Chicago 2 2
University of Illinois  
     at Urbana-Champaign 55 112
University of Illinois Chicago 26 116
University of Iowa 2 10
University of Kansas 1 1
University of Maryland-College Park 2 10
University of  
     Massachusetts-Boston 1 1
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 5 19
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 1 22
University of Missouri-Columbia 1 10
University of Missouri-Kansas City 4 20
University of North Carolina  
     at Chapel Hill 1 7
University of Pennsylvania 1 2
University of Pittsburgh 
     -Pittsburgh Campus 3 20
University of Rochester 2 10
University of South Alabama 1 1
University of Wisconsin-Madison 9 57
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 1 2
Virginia Tech 1 1
Wellesley College 1 1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 1 5
Yale University 3 5
Student Population of Academy, 2025 - 2026
Percentage of students identifying as:
 51.6% Asian
 0.5% American Indian or Alaskan Native
 10.9% Black or African American
 13.6% Hispanic or Latino
 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
 2.3% Two or More Races,  
            Non-Hispanic or -Latino
 21.0% White
Percentage of economically disadvantaged students: 
 16.2%
2025 College Placement Profile (214 Graduates)*
Male = 50.1% Female = 49.9%
Public
41.12%
Public
30.37%
Private
21.03%
Private
7.48%
In-State
(48.6%)
Out-of-State
(51.4%)
IMSA MATRICULATIONS - CLASS OF 2025 (215 GRADUATES)
Total percentage of public  
and private college matriculation:
28.5% Private
71.5%  Public
 0% Non-US Colleges
* Includes three two-year colleges.
 Attending Accepted Attending Accepted Attending Accepted
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. August 2025. 4000. PO33511
Contact 
1500 Sullivan Road
Aurora, IL 60506-1000
630.907.5000
imsa.edu
Connect 
Facebook: ILMathScienceAcademy
Instagram: imsa_official 
YouTube: IMSAschool


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