[3] The Academy offers a co-curricular program: college-preparatory academic classes and professional-level arts training.

Students participate in more than 100 productions throughout the course of the school year, including concerts, plays, readings, screenings, recordings, and exhibitions.

The new mission statement reads: The Chicago Academy for the Arts transforms emerging artists through a curriculum and culture which connect intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity to impart skills to lead and collaborate across diverse communities.

It was once one of the few high schools to feature a course on existentialism and have workshops taught by guest tutors like Roger Ebert.

Throughout the school year, students participate in more than 100 productions, including concerts and recitals, musicals, plays, readings, screenings, exhibitions, outreach opportunities, and benefits.