While much is expected of our staff to foster academic excellence, students are expected to take responsibility for their academic success as well.  In fact, our student culture can best be described in one word: ownership. 

As a community of learners, teachers and students work collaboratively to empower students to feel a sense of pride and ownership in all facets of their education.  Students are well aware of their teachers' goals and expectations for their learning.

To strengthen this culture, conferences at AACA are inclusive of and led by students.  Students must articulate their work and demonstrate their progress to their parents.  These student-led conferences facilitate great communication and reflection within families, and allow students to see concretely where they excel and where they need to improve. 

As students progress through their years at AACA, more opportunities exist for students to develop ownership of and responsibility for their education.  For example, middle school students are responsible for their own Macintosh laptop.  One to one computing enables students to be treated as responsible, deserving young adults who are capable of caring for and using the latest technology. 

The various facets of our academic program have produced results.  Recent test scores indicate that students are mastering the Illinois state standards at high levels across all grades and subject area, with the majority of students scoring well above the national average as well as above median scores in the Archdiocese of Chicago.