What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:45am - 3:45pm Tuesday 7:45am - 3:45pm Wednesday 7:45am - 3:45pm Thursday 7:45am - 3:45pm Friday 7:45am - 2pm

Great Lakes Academy

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United States
Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Academy

Great Lakes Academy is a public, K-8, college prep charter school on the Southeast side of Chicago.

We believe that all students can achieve given a safe, joyful learning environment that provides highly rigorous academics and affirmative character development. We structure our academic day to prepare every single student for success at the top high schools in the City of Chicago, colleges around the country and careers of their choice. Our students spend over 3 hours daily building critical lit

eracy skills in small and larger groups where the teacher to student ratio never exceeds 15:1. Students also take 2 math classes each day- problem solving and calculations. We are committed to recruiting, training, and retaining the most passionate, committed, professional teachers for our students. We offer an extended day, an extended year and after-school enrichment programs. Our students have a daily Character and Fitness Class that incorporates physical activity and learning affirmative character skills.

09/02/2026

The halls are buzzing, relationships are growing, and we are off to a great start!

Our first days of school have been all about building community, creating connections, and fostering belonging laying the foundation for an incredible year ahead.

Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and thriving together!

08/27/2026

📚 There’s still time to join the GLA family! 💙💛

Great Lakes Academy has LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE for the 2026–2027 school year! Don’t miss your opportunity to enroll your scholar in a school community committed to helping every student BE GREAT!

🎓 Openings in Kindergarten & 1st Grade
💙 FREE • PUBLIC • OPEN TO ALL

👉 Apply today: glachicago.org/enroll
📞 Questions? Call 773-530-3040

08/24/2026

🎉 GLA Back-to-School Block Party Recap! 🎉

What an amazing way to kick off the 2026–27 school year! 💙 From reconnecting with our GLA families to meeting teachers, enjoying food, games, and plenty of fun, our Annual Back-to-School Block Party was one to remember!

🎥 Check out the recap and relive some of our favorite moments!

📚 There’s still time to join the GLA family! We have additional seats available for the 2026–27 school year. Come see why GLA is a great place for scholars to learn, grow, and BE GREAT!

➡️ Apply today at glachicago.org/enroll

08/17/2026

Happy First Day of School from the GLA Staff! 💛💙

We’re ready, we’re excited, and we’re ALL IN for another amazing year of learning, growing, and being GREAT! Welcome back, GLA families and scholars! Let’s make this year one to remember!

Be Great. Be Bold. Be GLA. 💙💛

07/28/2026

Congratulations to GLA Principal Josh Miller on representing Great Lakes Academy as a panelist at the Chicago Public Schools Innovation & Incubation School Leader Summit! Your leadership and commitment to academic excellence continue to inspire and make an impact. We’re proud of you!

07/23/2026

Congratulations to Jihad, GLA Class of 2022, on becoming the inaugural recipient of the Great Lakes Academy Lighthouse Scholarship!

Your hard work and perseverance have earned this well-deserved honor. Best wishes as you begin your journey at Tuskegee University your GLA family is cheering you on every step of the way! 💙💛

07/07/2026

Your child’s future starts with the right foundation. 💙💛

At Great Lakes Academy, 62% of students who attended from Kindergarten–2nd Grade earned acceptance into Selective Enrollment schools, and 50% of the Class of 2026 was accepted to Selective Enrollment high schools.

Limited Kindergarten openings are available! Apply today at glachicago.org.

06/10/2026

Great Lakes Academy’s success is built on accountability, strong outcomes, and a commitment to serving students and families every day.

That’s why last month’s Chicago Board of Education meeting was so concerning. Despite years of oversight, evaluation, and positive results, charter renewal decisions affecting more than 8,000 students were delayed, creating unnecessary uncertainty for families. While this doesn’t impact GLA this year, we stand with every charter family as they sit with the uncertainty this delayed vote creates.

As Chicago continues its transition to a fully elected school board, voters – including educators, parents, and community members – should pay close attention to how board members approach governance. Students deserve leaders who make decisions based on evidence, respect expertise, and remain focused on delivering great outcomes for kids.

Read Ebonie Durham’s latest op-ed in Crain’s Chicago Business: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/commentary/ccb-chicago-school-board-elections-oped-20260608/

05/18/2026

We’re excited to share Chicago’s coverage of Great Lakes Academy’s High School Decision Day! 🎓✨
This celebration highlighted an incredible milestone for our Class of 2026: 50% of graduating scholars earned acceptance into selective public and private high schools across Chicagoland. We couldn’t be prouder of our students, families, and school community whose hard work and support helped make these achievements possible.
The future is bright and the best is truly in your backyard. 💙💛 Watch the story below!

05/15/2026

The future is bright at Great Lakes Academy! 🎓✨

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 on High School Decision Day! Our scholars have earned acceptance into some of Chicago’s top selective enrollment, college prep, career academy, and private high schools proving once again that greatness starts here.

From public to private school opportunities, our students are continuing to make history and shine beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and determination.

The best is truly in your backyard. 💙💛

Address

8401 S Saginaw Avenue
Chicago, IL
60617

Opening Hours

Monday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Tuesday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Wednesday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Thursday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Friday	7:45am - 2pm

Website

http://www.glachicago.org/

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