What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:45am - 3:45pm Tuesday 7:45am - 3:45pm Wednesday 7:45am - 3:45pm Thursday 7:45am - 3:45pm Friday 7:45am - 2pm

Great Lakes Academy

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United States
Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Academy

Great Lakes Academy is a public, K-8, college prep charter school on the Southeast side of Chicago.

We believe that all students can achieve given a safe, joyful learning environment that provides highly rigorous academics and affirmative character development. We structure our academic day to prepare every single student for success at the top high schools in the City of Chicago, colleges around the country and careers of their choice. Our students spend over 3 hours daily building critical lit

eracy skills in small and larger groups where the teacher to student ratio never exceeds 15:1. Students also take 2 math classes each day- problem solving and calculations. We are committed to recruiting, training, and retaining the most passionate, committed, professional teachers for our students. We offer an extended day, an extended year and after-school enrichment programs. Our students have a daily Character and Fitness Class that incorporates physical activity and learning affirmative character skills.

06/10/2026

Great Lakes Academy’s success is built on accountability, strong outcomes, and a commitment to serving students and families every day.

That’s why last month’s Chicago Board of Education meeting was so concerning. Despite years of oversight, evaluation, and positive results, charter renewal decisions affecting more than 8,000 students were delayed, creating unnecessary uncertainty for families. While this doesn’t impact GLA this year, we stand with every charter family as they sit with the uncertainty this delayed vote creates.

As Chicago continues its transition to a fully elected school board, voters – including educators, parents, and community members – should pay close attention to how board members approach governance. Students deserve leaders who make decisions based on evidence, respect expertise, and remain focused on delivering great outcomes for kids.

Read Ebonie Durham’s latest op-ed in Crain’s Chicago Business: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/commentary/ccb-chicago-school-board-elections-oped-20260608/

05/18/2026

We’re excited to share Chicago’s coverage of Great Lakes Academy’s High School Decision Day! 🎓✨
This celebration highlighted an incredible milestone for our Class of 2026: 50% of graduating scholars earned acceptance into selective public and private high schools across Chicagoland. We couldn’t be prouder of our students, families, and school community whose hard work and support helped make these achievements possible.
The future is bright and the best is truly in your backyard. 💙💛 Watch the story below!

05/15/2026

The future is bright at Great Lakes Academy! 🎓✨

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 on High School Decision Day! Our scholars have earned acceptance into some of Chicago’s top selective enrollment, college prep, career academy, and private high schools proving once again that greatness starts here.

From public to private school opportunities, our students are continuing to make history and shine beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and determination.

The best is truly in your backyard. 💙💛

05/13/2026

Your child’s future starts here. Applications are now open for the 2026–27 school year at Great Lakes Academy.

At GLA, scholars receive:
• High-quality K–8 education
• Free breakfast and lunch
• Free before-school care
• Academic enrichment and year-round support
• A school community committed to helping every child thrive

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report ( ) as one of the Best Elementary Schools in the nation.

Limited kindergarten openings available. Apply today at www.glachicago.org or call (773) 530-3040 to learn more.

Great Lakes Academy — The best is in your backyard.

05/07/2026

Can’t make it out tonight?

The Great Lakes Academy 2026 Spring Benefit Silent Auction is open!

Click here to check it out. https://onecau.se/_ey4rf1

We have some amazing items up for grabs like:

A Kohler Spa/Golf Getaway 🧖🏾‍♀️🏌️‍♂️
Club seats to the R&B tour at Soldier Field 🎶🎤
Priceless Bears Memorabilia 🐻🏈

05/05/2026

Happy Staff Appreciation Week to the heart and soul of Great Lakes Academy 💙💛

Your dedication, passion, and commitment to our scholars do not go unnoticed. Every lesson taught, every smile shared, and every extra mile you go makes a lasting impact.

This week, we celebrate YOU because the best is truly in our backyard. Thank you for all that you do to make GLA a place where excellence thrives.

04/30/2026

Checkpoint achieved! The 2nd winner of the Book Blast Treasure Chest is Journey. Congratulations! More treasure awaits ahead…. If you haven’t yet, register and enter contact info for 10+ people to support your agent’s home library and for the chance to unlock the next Treasure Chest:

BooksAreFun

04/29/2026

Wow - our Book Blast is off to a great start! Congratulations to Leila J for winning our first drawing prize: the Book Blast Treasure Chest! Our quest to level up our readers has never been so much fun! We’re blasting through our mission to earn as many books as possible for our students. Register now and invite 10+ contacts to be entered into the drawings for our Treasure Chests!

.booksarefun

04/28/2026

ATTENTION: We are giving away our 1stdrawing prize for a Book Blast Treasure Chest tomorrow! Act now! Simply invite 10+ friends and family members TONIGHT to support our Book Blast and your student will have a chance to win. Entries to win the Treasure Chest have already begun. Don’t miss this epic opportunity! If you haven’t already, register here: Click here!
.booksarefun

Address

8401 S Saginaw Avenue
Chicago, IL
60617

Opening Hours

Monday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Tuesday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Wednesday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Thursday	7:45am - 3:45pm
Friday	7:45am - 2pm

Website

http://www.glachicago.org/

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