Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)

Enabling Legislation and Governance

IMSA is both a public residential preparatory institution for academically talented students (grades 10-12) and a catalyst and laboratory for the advancement of teaching statewide, with responsibility to stimulate further excellence for all Illinois schools in mathematics and science. By design, IMSA is not part of the K-12 educational system. Rather, IMSA is an independent state agency governed by an appointed Board of Trustees. IMSA's budget is part of the Illinois higher education system.

Those We Serve

IMSA's tuition-free residential educational program enrolls a diverse student body of 650 from all areas of Illinois; admission is highly competitive. IMSA delivers professional development programs for mathematics and science teachers and enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high school students. These are offered at IMSA, at sites throughout Illinois and online. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships.

National and International Leadership

IMSA is a recognized leader in mathematics and science education at the national and international levels and serves students, educators and policymakers beyond Illinois. Several examples: (1) IMSA founded and helps lead the work of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology which consists of 75+ member institutions, including IMSA and the similar residential programs in 14 other states; (2) IMSA provides extensive professional development in problem-based learning to teachers in the nation and abroad; (3) IMSA staff and students serve on important national panels and task forces and are invited as presenters at prestigious national and international conferences; and (4) IMSA is a model upon which a number of other schools in the U.S. and abroad are based.

Widely acclaimed for its leadership in innovative approaches to teaching and learning, IMSA has been profiled by NBC-TV's Dateline, CNN's Science and Technology News, USA Today, New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, to name a few.