Business Details
Premier Private School in Chicago, IL
Founded in 1873, Morgan Park Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory institution dedicated to academic excellence and independent thinking. Our rigorous liberal arts curriculum, delivered through small class sizes, fosters intellectual growth and global awareness. With a diverse student body and faculty, we cultivate leaders who embody integrity, respect, and service. Our graduates consistently achieve success in higher education and beyond, supported by a four-year college counseling program and state-of-the-art facilities.The Academy's tradition of educational innovation spans over 150 years, combining historical legacy with modern pedagogical approaches. We emphasize holistic development through arts, athletics, and community service, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society. Accredited educators and cutting-edge resources ensure a transformative learning experience from preschool through high school.
Services
Early Childhood Education
College Counseling
Academic Support
Athletics Programs
Arts Education
Summer Camps
Extracurricular Activities
Global Learning Initiatives
Special Education Services
Community Service Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes for personalized attention and student engagement
- Our global curriculum prepares students for success in an interconnected world
- Dedicated educators with decades of combined teaching experience
- Four-year college counseling program with exceptional student placement
- State-of-the-art academic resource center supporting all grade levels
What people say
Top-ranked school
Dedicated educators
College readiness
Diverse community
Excellent facilities
Services
College Counseling
Our comprehensive four-year college counseling program provides personalized guidance for students and families throughout the college application process. Experienced counselors help students identify academic strengths, explore career interests, and develop competitive applications. With a 100% college acceptance rate, our graduates gain admission to top-tier institutions nationwide, supported by strategic advising on course selection, standardized testing, and extracurricular development.
Global Learning
Our global curriculum integrates international perspectives across all grade levels, preparing students for success in a interconnected world. Through cultural studies, language immersion programs, and international exchange opportunities, students develop cross-cultural competence and global awareness. The program emphasizes critical thinking about global issues while maintaining rigorous academic standards aligned with college preparatory requirements.
Academic Support
The Fred and Michele Montgomery Academic Resource Center offers specialized support for students from preschool through grade 12. Our dedicated staff provides individualized learning plans, academic enrichment, and targeted interventions to maximize each student's potential. The center combines innovative teaching methods with personalized attention to address diverse learning needs across all subject areas.
Arts Education
Our comprehensive arts program nurtures creativity through visual arts, music, theater, and dance instruction. Students access state-of-the-art facilities including a 425-seat theater and professional art studios. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skill development and artistic expression, with opportunities for performance, exhibition, and collaboration across disciplines in a supportive learning environment.
Athletics Programs
Our interscholastic sports program offers competitive opportunities in multiple sports, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. With modern athletic facilities including renovated gymnasiums and outdoor fields, student-athletes develop physical skills while maintaining academic excellence. The program balances competitive excellence with inclusive participation, preparing students for leadership roles through athletic achievement.
People
Dr. Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek
Head of School
Dr. Cavallone-Jurek brings nearly three decades of educational leadership experience to Morgan Park Academy. A South Side native, she has served in K-12 and higher education leadership roles, focusing on curriculum innovation and strategic development.
Laura Ferrell
Associate Head of School
Dr. Ferrell contributes extensive educational leadership experience to our administrative team. She focuses on academic programming and institutional effectiveness across all grade levels.
Kristy Kotek
Vice President of Advancement
Kristy Kotek leads our community relations and development initiatives, building strong partnerships between the school and its broader community.
Tom Drahozal
Upper School Principal
Mr. Drahozal oversees our high school programming with a focus on college preparatory excellence and curriculum development.
Jennifer Schmidt
Director of Academic Resource Center
Ms. Schmidt leads our specialized academic support center, implementing programs that empower students across all grade levels.
Questions
What grades does Morgan Park Academy serve?
We provide education from early childhood through grade 12, offering a continuous learning experience for students of all ages.
What is your student-teacher ratio?
Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention, with some of the lowest student-teacher ratios among top Illinois schools.
Do you offer college counseling?
Yes, our four-year college counseling program provides personalized guidance for students and families throughout the application process.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer diverse arts, athletics, and clubs programs that develop leadership skills and foster student interests beyond the classroom.
Is the school accredited?
We maintain rigorous academic standards through recognized educational associations and continuous program evaluation.
What is your admissions process?
Our process includes application review, student visitation, and family interview to ensure proper fit for our learning community.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Julie Cuadros-Perry
Nov 29, 2019
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As an alum and mom of three MPA students, I can vouch that MPA is a special place! My kids are thriving here and we couldn't be happier.
Leah Schuman
Jul 05, 2018
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We have two kids at MPA, and we love it. The teachers are great, the classes are small, and it's a fun, creative environment with a diverse group of students.
Michael Guihan
Aug 13, 2017
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TBH, I didn't exactly "love" it while attending; just your typical teenage stuff. Still it is one of/if not the best college prep schools in the tri-state area. It can be easily confused with Morgan Park HS, which is public and down the street a bit.
Brittany Jordan
Aug 09, 2016
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It is funny, most of the elite private schools have instructors with no "teaching" certificate, but we do not chastise them. And, we all know what a great job public schools do with teachers who have teaching certificates. Morgan Park is a GREAT school!
Michelle Burke
Jul 25, 2016
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This is not "a dangerous neighborhood on the south side." It is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. Although I don't have children, I know many graduates and MPA families -- all of whom are fine advertisements for the quality of the education they receive at MPA.
