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Willows Academy

1015 Rose Avenue Des Plaines, IL 60016

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 240 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $17,600
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 6 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Willows Academy Photo #1 - Willows Academy..... you belong here!
Willows Academy Photo #2 - A school girls love, traditional values you can trust.
Willows Academy Photo #3 - Girls thrive in a learning environment of encouragement and support where they can freely express themselves. Our small class sizes mean more attention from teachers and ensure each girls has a voice in discussions.
Willows Academy Photo #4 - Our high school course sequence includes all honors classes and incoporates strategically selected Advanced Placement courses at the junior and senior level.
Willows Academy Photo #5 - We believe the right support can make all the differences as our students navigate important transitions through their educational journey.
Willows Academy Photo #6 - At Willows Academy, we believe athletics are a vital part of education. We promote inclusivity and sportsmanship for all students, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and engage in a variety of sports.
Willows Academy Photo #7 - At Willows Academy we love school traditions. These cherished events play a crucial role in fostering a close-knit community.
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 240 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $17,600
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 6 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Students By Grade
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
240 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 34%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
20 students
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Plaid Skirt/Blazer
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus AB/BC
ChemistryComputer Science
English LanguageEnglish Literature
European HistoryFrench Language
Spanish LanguageU.S. History

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Dec. 6 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Financial aid/scholarships available.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Sara Danielewicz

Sports

Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Colors
White, Blue
School Mascot
Penelope The Eagle

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
22 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art ClubBook Club
DebateDrama Club
Embroidery ClubFashion Sketch Club
French ClubGirls for Change
International ClubMedical
Model UNNewspaper Club
PICKLEBALL CLUBPro-Life Club
Service ClubSpanish Club
Yearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber ChoirConcert Choir
Fall PlayHandbell Choir
Spring Musical

School Notes

  • The Willows Academy is an independent, college preparatoryschool that empowers young women in grades 6 - 12 to strive for academic and moral excellence and a lifelong commitment to service based on the teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • Willows Academy is an all girl school with an all female faculty.
  • In partnership with parents, we facilitate the development of our student's character, intellect and love of God.
  • All courses at Willows Academy are taught at an honors level or above.
  • We proudly offer our unique mentoring program, where every student is paired with a mentor from our faculty, staff or Willow's community.
  • Our students embrace growth through participation in clubs,athletics and arts; no previous experience needed.
  • At the high school level we offer eight sports: Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Dance, Track and Field, Soccer and Softball.
  • 90% of our high school students take an AP Course.
  • We are 100% college acceptance.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Willows Academy cost?
Willows Academy's tuition is approximately $17,600 for private students.
What sports does Willows Academy offer?
Willows Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball. Willows Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.
What is Willows Academy's ranking?
Willows Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest average ACT score, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Willows Academy?
The application deadline for Willows Academy is Dec. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
I have enrolled two of my daughters at the Willows Academy. One graduated in 2016 as class salutorian. She accepted an $84,000 Presidential Scholarship and is preparing to graduate early. My other daughter, 6 years younger, grew up wanting to be a Willows girl. The faculty is outstanding. The mentor ship program is great. I love that they teach our girls how to be ladies with confidence in themselves.
- Posted by
5  
As a graduate of The Willows Academy, I am so glad that I went to this school. The older I get, the more I realize just how important attending The Willows was for me. My closest friends are the ones I made at The Willows and I really had the best education- not only academically, but also in character and virtue. I wouldn't be who I am today without The Willows!
- Posted by
5  
As a former teacher at The Willows, I can attest to the wonderful spirit of The Willows. During the twenty years which I taught, I found the administration very supportive and inspirational.. they truly were role models for intelligent, caring women. To this day, I have fond memories of my students and their school spirit ,and of my fellow teachers'' love and support. I looked forward to going to class EVERY day thanks to them. Carol Nalaski, former head of English Department
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cook County, IL is $12,292 for elementary schools and $18,786 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Cook County, IL is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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