Our Approach

Charters are unique public schools allowed the freedom to innovate while being held accountable by the Illinois School Board of Education for advancing student achievement and institutional complicance.

Curriculum Implementation EMSA has built their foundation on a commitment to equity, the concept of ‘crew, not passengers’, and EL Education’s vision: "When students and teachers are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and meaningful, learning and achievement flourish. In its first year, EMSA has brought to life a multi-dimensional view of student achievement by implementing the EL Education core practices, exceeding first year goals, and implementing the EL Education ELA Curriculum, with fidelity. It is evident across dimensions that student growth is remarkable."

~ Sarah Miller, School Designer at EL Education

In EMSA’s first year, our student math proficiency rate exceeded the state average by 15 points and our ELA scores came within 3 points of the state average. According to MAP scores, our academic growth rates rank as high as the 99th percentile nationally.

EMSA is the ONLY public charter school in Illinois’ second largest school district of 37,000 students. We continue to show strong interest with a 200+ student wait list since opening.

In August of 2020, EMSA was the only local public school in our area that opened on time and implemented a hybrid model with in-person and remote daily instruction. We successfully adapted to meet the safety, academic and SEL needs of our students for the duration of the 2020 fall semester.

EMSA was created by Elgin, IL citizens who dreamed of a different way to address the needs of today’s children. The heart EMSA’s founding team is to provide an exceptional opportunity for children of all backgrounds within our local community to grow and learn in a safe, healthy, adventurous environment where students and teachers can achieve their dreams.