School Profile

School Overview

Wheaton Academy (WA) was founded in 1853 and continues as one of the oldest and most respected private Christian high schools in America. WA is characterized by: high academic standards, a mature student culture, opportunities for leadership, a beautiful 50-acre college-style campus, consistently positive parent and student feedback, and state-of-the-art facilities. WA offers a traditional college preparatory curriculum, an innovative January term, and comprehensive co-curricular programs. WA admits students of any race, national origin, and gender and does not discriminate on these bases in its educational policies, financial aid, co-curricular and school-administered programs.

Wheaton Academy is a non-denominational Christian school that is committed to educating
students in a way that reflects relationships, excellence, and service all to the glory of God. This
distinction guides our curriculum as we seek to help students develop a Biblical worldview, and
integrate their faith into the various disciplines of study. Students come from over 50 different
denominations. This diversity provides a backdrop to challenge students through chapels, the
Bible curriculum, as well as numerous opportunities to practice their faith through serving others.

The ISS (Internati onal Space Stati on) Program - Wheaton Academy is sending experiments aboard
the International Space Station (ISS). The 2013-14 ISS team of 10 students and 2 mentors is using
applied math, science, and engineering to design, prototype, and implement a real-life experiment
under a master schedule. The ISS program is an initial step in WA’s soon-to-be launched MASTER
(Mathematics, Applied Science, Technology, Engineering & Research) program. Wheaton
Academy’s MASTER program is an extension of the math/science division, specifically designed
for those interested in a career in science or those who have a passion for the sciences/math.

Project Lead - This leadership training program was designed for seniors. The students are divided
into six teams and focus on three areas of impact including local, campus, and global. They provide
the primary service and ministry opportunities for all students at Wheaton Academy. Four teams
focus their influence on the Wheaton Academy campus through mentoring underclassmen. Two
teams focus their service on local and global needs such as tutoring and service opportunities.
Internati onal Student Program - Wheaton Academy welcomes international boarding students
from around the world. Currently, 54 Wheaton Academy international students are attending from
China, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Scotland, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Peru, and
Brazil. One of the unique features of Wheaton Academy’s boarding is the HomeStay program. All
international students are placed with American families to provide a better learning environment
along with more focused social and emotional support.

Winterim - (Innovative January Term) – In addition to two traditional semesters WA features a
unique curricular experience called Winterim. This interim of two weeks during January allows
for intensive in-depth study. Students receive 30 hours of classroom instruction in one course. In
addition to upper level and practical arts courses, students are also encouraged to travel or complete
internships in the work environment of their choice (last year 115 students completed internships).
Various classes are offered, including Internet Broadcasting, Introduction to Biblical Greek,
Shakespeare, Starting Your Own Business, World Cultures & Cross Cultural Communication,
Chicago Then-Chicago Now, Dian Ying! (Asian Film Study), Illustrated Journaling, Interior
Design, and many more. Trip examples include Israel, Guatemala, Scotland, and a medical mission
trip to Honduras.

Notable WA Alumni - The following are a few of our nearly 5,000 active alumni all over the world:
Dr. James H. Barnes, President of Bethel University; Todd Beamer, an American hero after his
actions on 9/11; Randy Hultgren, U.S. Congressman; C. William Pollard, Chairman of the Board
and former CEO of ServiceMaster; Dr. Charles Pollard, President of John Brown University; Dr.
Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International; Faith Willard, Co-founder of
the Widow’s Friend, which sponsors several projects in Bangladesh to help widows and orphans;
and Dr. William Wood, Retired Chairman, Department of Surgery at Emor