Ranked the #1 college preparatory public high school in Illinois and #1 STEM high school in Illinois by Niche.com, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced residential academic program. Graduates are leaders in the business, education, scientific, and civic sectors. By design, IMSA is not part of the K-12 educational system. Rather, IMSA is an independent state agency governed by an appointed Board of Trustees. IMSA’s budget is part of the Illinois higher education system.

IMSA is both a public residential Academy and a catalyst for the advancement of STEM teaching and learning statewide with the responsibility to stimulate further excellence for all Illinois schools in mathematics and science through student Educator Development and Youth Outreach Programs. These programs provide professional development training and turnkey STEM curricula, student enrichment, including summer camps, and entrepreneurship and makerspace education.