Admissions Application & FAQs
Admissions Application & FAQs
New Student Application
Enrolling your child as a student at Great Lakes Academy is starting your child on the path towards college and lifelong success!
Applications are now open for the 2024-25 school year. / Las solicitudes también están abiertas para el año escolar 2024-25.
To apply for the 2024-25 school year, CLICK HERE or below.
Great Lakes Academy does not discriminate against or limit the admission of any student on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, athletic ability, race, creed, national origin, religion or ancestry.
GLA Admission FAQs
What grades does GLA serve?
GLA is a free, college preparatory elementary charter school serving families on the Southeast side of Chicago. GLA offers grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.
How do I submit an application?
We are accepting new students for the 2024-25 Application is now open. Visit https://glachicago.schoolmint.net/signin to apply.
If I have more than one child do I need to fill out multiple applications?
Yes, an application will need to be filled out for each child.
How old does my child need to be to start Kindergarten?
If applying for the 2024-25 school year, all Kindergarten applications must be 5 years old by 12/31/2024*.
*Families interested in applying to Kindergarten whose students’ birthdays are between 9/2/2019-12/31/2019 (for the 2024-25 school year) and are currently attending a certified Pre-K program can apply for Early Admission to Kindergarten! If your student qualifies, submit an application here.
How are students selected to be admitted?
In 2024-25, Great Lakes Academy will hold lotteries for Kindergarten through 8th Grade students. After the lottery is held, students are added to the waitlist when an application is submitted and admitted as seats become available per our lottery policy.
What is a lottery?
All applicants will be entered into the lottery via an online lottery system called Schoolmint. Each grade-level lottery will be randomized via the SchoolMint website.
When will I know the results of the lottery?
The 2024-25 Lottery will take place on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024. Parent/Guardians will be notified of the results of the lottery by Thursday, March 14th, 2024.
How will I be notified of the results of the lottery?
Parents / Guardians will be notified of results via text and email following the lottery.
Is my child automatically enrolled if they are selected in the lottery?
No, your child is not automatically enrolled at Great Lakes Academy if selected in the lottery. Parents/Guardians are required to indicate to GLA if they are accepting the seat. Families who are accepting their seat must complete all enrollment paperwork and submit an activity fee to fully enroll their child. Fee waivers are available.
In addition, if we are unable to reach families and do not get an affirmative response that the family is accepting the seat (after at least one phone call, one text, and one email), we will consider that seat released. Specific deadlines are outlined in our Lottery Policy.
What documents do I need to complete registration?
- Parent photo identification
- 2 proofs of residency (for example a water bill, electric bill, lease, etc.)
- Student’s birth certificate
- Copy of a current physical exam and shot records
- A non-refundable activity fee (fee waivers are available)
- The most recent report card is required for 1st-8th graders
- For Kindergarten applicants born 9/2/2029-12/31/2019 (for the 2024-25 school year), proof of enrollment in a certified pre-K program
- If applicable: a copy of your child’s IEP or 504 plan
What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?
If your child is not selected for admission during the lottery, then your child will be placed on a waitlist.
As seats become available, we will offer open seats to waitlisted students in the order they are available. Parents / Guardians of waitlisted students who are offered an open seat will have a five business day window to both accept and enroll their child at GLA.
What is sibling preference?
GLA’s preference is to keep families together; therefore, per Illinois charter law, admissions priority will be given to applicants who are siblings of current GLA students.
How long is the school day?
For the 2023-24 school year, our school day runs from 7:45 am to 3:15 pm, Monday-Thursday. GLA has dismissal at 1:45 pm every Friday.
What if I have additional questions regarding the admissions process?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding admissions, you may contact our Front Office at 773-530-3040.