We are now enrolling 7th, 8th and 9th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Ryan Banks Academy opened its doors in September 2018 and is currently operating as a day school with the goal of soon becoming Chicago’s first urban boarding school. RBA propels students from all socioeconomic backgrounds into the next generation of leaders, thinkers and world-changers. Agile, learning-based and committed, RBA meets students and families where they are with the investment required to help each student thrive.
Our Mission
Fighting educational inequity through personalized and immersive learning experiences.
ACHIEVING HIGHER EDUCATION
- Academic scholarships to RBA students who meet predetermined admissions criteria
- Mentorship opportunities with Illinois Tech Students
- Vouchers to enroll in select summer courses for college credit
- On and off-campus learning opportunities including invitations to speaker series to learn more about STEM-related majors, career paths and opportunities for entrepreneurship
What Sets RBA Apart
Personalized Learning
We meet students where they are, and we have specialized teaching to bring students up to speed who have fallen behind academically. Our student to teacher ratio is 10:1, and it will never be higher than 15:1. Our scholars gain 2-3 years of reading growth in 9 months.
STEAM Curriculum
Our project-based curriculum is centered in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Coursework has real life applications so students can apply their skills to future careers
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
We acknowledge the hardships our scholars face in the outside world, and we have shaped our school around SEL to introduce coping skills, social awareness, and inner-confidence. Our student to SEL staff ratio is 10:1.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are committed to serving children and their families who are facing challenges related to poverty, violence, homelessness, and trauma. You can help make sure we can be there for our children in need during this time of uncertainty.
The Susan Crown Exchange (SCE) Catalyst Grants address society’s most pressing issues by supporting organizations that approach them in innovative and promising ways. SCE is proud to support the exemplary work of Ryan Banks Academy with a Catalyst Grant.
Ryan Banks Academy: Opening Doors through Education on Chicago’s South Side
This video highlights the amazing ways that Ryan Banks Academy faculty members are going above and beyond to support students and their families during the pandemic.
Thank you to our corporate and foundation partners for being a part of the Ryan Banks Academy!
Supported by a grant from the NFL Foundation
Please click here to access the Illinois State Board of Education’s Remote Learning Guide for families.
Upcoming Events
School Improvement days are non-attendance days for students and are for teachers and staff to review student data, plan instruction, and engage in professional development aligned to the academy’s mission, vision, values, and school priorities.