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Chicago Southland Learning Center for Teen Self-Discovery, Wellness, Innovation, & Leadership
LAUNCHING FALL 2026
What is "IQ" Academy?
What is "IQ" Academy?
InnerQuest (IQ) Academy is a small, purpose-driven microschool designed as a co-curricular learning center that serves high school students in the Chicago Southland area who are capable and motivated but underserved by traditional educational models.
Our program offers a personalized, cohort-based learning environment that integrates identity development, wellness, social-emotional skill building, executive functioning, leadership, entrepreneurship and real-world learning experiences.
IQ Academy is designed for students who thrive in smaller settings and benefit from deeper relationships, individualized instruction, and meaningful engagement with their learning.
How does the IQ program work?
How does the IQ program work?
The IQ co-curricular program operates on a full academic-year calendar and serves students in grades 9–12.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure low student-to-staff ratios and to allow for individualized mentorship and instructional support. Students participate in a blended schedule (optional day or after school/weekend format) that includes academic seminars, interdisciplinary project work, one-on-one mentoring, and structured reflection.
Identity development with real-world application
Identity development with real-world application
CORE PROGRAM COMPONENTS
1. Self Discovery, Identity and Personal Development
2. Academic Integration
3. Project-Based Learning
4. Socialization & Social-Emotional Skill Building
5. Career and Life Pathway Exploration
6. Leadership, Entrepreneurship, & Micro-Ventures
TAKE THE NEXT STEP & CONNECT WITH OUR IQ ACADEMY TEAM
PARENTS
PARENTS
Complete our interest form if you are a parent of a current or incoming high school student who wants your teen to:
Increase academic engagement and persistence
Strengthen self-awareness, confidence, and emotional regulation
Develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills
Clarify personal interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals
Build stronger relationships with peers and trusted adults
SPONSORS
SPONSORS
Complete our sponsor interest form if you want to partner with us in supporting an experience for teens that includes academic seminars, interdisciplinary project work, one-on-one mentoring, and structured reflection. Each of these aspects are incorporated into our core program components: identity & purpose development, academic integration, project-based learning, social-emotional skill building, and career & life pathway exploration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and micro-ventures.
By intentionally integrating academic learning with identity development and real-world application,
By intentionally integrating academic learning with identity development and real-world application,
InnerQuest Academy prepares students not only to graduate, but to move forward with clarity,
InnerQuest Academy prepares students not only to graduate, but to move forward with clarity,
resilience, and a sense of purpose.
resilience, and a sense of purpose.
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