Question 1

Where is the school located?

Accepted Answer

RBA is safely located on the second floor of the Harold Washington Professional building, 5401 S. Wentworth, Chicago, IL 60609

Question 2

What grades does the school support?

Accepted Answer

School Year 2022-23:  7th – 11th grades School Year 2023-24 and beyond:  7th – 12th grades

Question 3

Is RBA safe?

Accepted Answer

RBA prides itself on its safe and personalized learning space. In the past two school years, there have been no complaints about bullying, controlled substances, or harassment. In our entire four operational years, we have received only one complaint related to harassment. The Harold Washington Building is part of a fenced in shopping mall, that includes on-site security patrols to maintain safety for all tenants.

Question 4

How is RBA different from other schools?

Accepted Answer

RBA offers both exceptional academics and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).  Our teacher to scholar ratio and social worker to scholar ratio are low.  This means that your child will receive one-on-one attention, allowing them to learn new subject matter in dynamic ways that spark curiosity and increase motivation. Our SEL programs use a whole-child approach defined by trauma-informed practices.  We prioritize relationship-building to ensure each child feels healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. We aim to build inner confidence, identify coping mechanisms, and help scholars mature into well-rounded adults.

Question 5

What is the cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

We have granted 100% scholarships to all students since our first year of operation in 2018.  Other than uniform and activity costs, there is no cost to the family.

Question 6

What are the requirements to attend RBA?

Accepted Answer

RBA does not use entrance exams, essays, or other exclusionary practices.   Any interested family may inquire through the "Apply Now" page on our website.  We will personally work with you to discuss your child's future at RBA. For questions, please email info@ryanbanksacademy.org

Question 7

Do students wear uniforms?

Accepted Answer

Students are expected to wear red, light blue, or white polo shirts (long or short sleeve) and khaki or tan colored pants or shorts (cotton twill). Shorts must be knee-length or slightly above the knee.These items are easily found at most clothing stores (Walmart, Target, etc.).RBA branded shirts, or hoodies may also be worn.Any shoes are acceptable except for sandals, flip flops and slides.

Question 8

Is RBA public, charter or private?

Accepted Answer

As an independent school, we fall in the non-public or private category. We are not affiliated with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Teachers Union, or a religious institution.

Question 9

Is RBA an Illinois accredited school?

Accepted Answer

RBA is a registered and recognized school within ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education).

Question 10

What days/times is school in session?

Accepted Answer

We are in session Monday – Thursday from 8:30am – 3:30pm, and on Friday from 8:30am – 1:00pm.

Question 11

Does the school offer transportation?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we do not offer transportation.  We will provide Student Reduced Fare cards to students if requested, so that students can take advantage of discounted rates.

Question 12

Are there any before/after school care/activities?

Accepted Answer

School opens at 7:30am, allowing students time for breakfast or extra study time.  The school is open until 4:30pm and most days have either afterschool activities or tutoring options.

Question 13

Is there a nurse onsite?

Accepted Answer

There is no nurse onsite.

Question 14

Are social workers onsite?

Accepted Answer

We work with local universities to provide onsite social worker interns.We are proud to have Ms Tobi Goldfeder, LCSW, as our Clinical Advisor supervising our interns.

Question 15

Does the school follow the CPS calendar (start/end dates)?

Accepted Answer

We try to match to CPS’ schedule as much as possible in order to avoid disruption to families who may have other children in schools that follow the CPS calendar.  For School Year 2022-23, classes will start on August 22, 2022 and will end on June 7, 2023.

Question 16

Can students receive out-of-school tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Two types of tutoring are currently available at RBA.  1) RBA is approved to receive Title 1 funds for tutoring and math. In School Year 2021-22, afterschool onsite tutoring has been provided by DMDL (Discover Music; Discover Life), three days per week.  2) RBA is also grateful to be affiliated with t.Lab, which offers high-level afterschool online tutoring for RBA students.  t.Lab works in conjunction with RBA to provide leadership and academic skills that are competitive in today’s college market, with activities such as Vision Night, Parent University, Essay and Oratorical contests, Microsoft suite certification, and ACT prep.

Question 17

Are there any other kind of wraparound services provided?

Accepted Answer

Many of our wraparound services are described in other FAQ’s.  Each family/scholar has unique circumstances and we pride ourselves on identifying their specific needs and helping where we can. In the past year we have brought in a dental van, coordinated health exams, issued stipends during COVID to assist with meals, and offered a variety of support services from our constituents.

Question 18

Can I schedule a school visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you would like to schedule a school visit, please email info@ryanbanksacademy.org. Please note that we require all staff and visitors to be fully vaccinated against Covid19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that's not on this list? Email us at info@ryanbanksacademy, or call us at 312.585.5583

How is RBA different from other schools?

How much does RBA cost?

What are the requirements to attend RBA?