Facts & FAQs
Learn more about Embers Academy with some frequently asked questions and facts about our school. Please contact us if you have additional information that we can provide for you and your family.

FAQs and Facts
When was Embers founded?
Embers was founded in 1995 by parents.
What options for PK does Embers offer?
Embers offers preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds. Half-day and Full-day options are available.
What grades does Embers serve?
Embers serves students in grades PK3 thru 5th
Where do Embers students go after 5th grade?
Embers is a feeder school for The Willows Academy (grades 6-12 for girls) in Des Plaines and Northridge Preparatory School (grades 6-12 for boys) in Niles.
What is Embers' total enrollment?
Embers 2021-2022 total enrollment is 230 students.
What recognition has Embers Academy received?
We have been awarded Illinois School of Character and National School of Character.
What foreign languages are taught?
We teach Spanish (grades PK-5th).
Where do Embers families come from?
Our families come from Chicago and 23 Northern, Western, and Northwestern suburbs.
What are Embers Academy school day hours?
Our school day hours are 8:20 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.
Does Embers offer extended care?
We offer extended care before school from 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. and after school from 3:20 – 5:30 p.m.
What extracurricular activities does Embers offer?
We offer a wide variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, including Beginners and Intermediate Band (grades 3-5), Chess Scholars (grades K-5), Homework Club (grades 2-5), LEGO Club (grades K-4), Embers Fire Choir (grades 2-5), ‘Spark’-lers Theater Club (grades 3-5).
What sports does Embers offer?
Boys and Girls Cross Country (Grades 3-5) and Boys and Girls Basketball Teams (Grades 4 and 5 grades). Embers competes in the City Suburban Catholic Conference (CSCC).
Does Embers have a dress code?
Yes, Embers Academy requires a school uniform.
What lunch options does Embers have?
Lunches can be brought from home or hot lunch available every day, delivered from Marla’s hot lunch service.
What is the Embers Academy mascot?
The Embers mascot is the ‘Spark’.
What is the official Embers school candy?
Our school candy is Smarties.
Where After Grade 5?
Where do our graduates go after Embers? You will be happy to know that the strong academics and character formation continues at two college prep schools located minutes from Embers. They are The Willows Academy for girls and Northridge Prep for boys, both serving grades 6 – 12. Embers is known as “The Nest of Eagles” (The Willows) and “The Cradle of Knights” (Northridge).
Given that Embers is a feeder for these two distinguished schools, it maintains a close collaboration with The Willows Academy and Northridge Prep to ensure that your child transitions smoothly into middle school. While at Embers your child will interact with faculty, coaches, and students from the other two schools. In fifth grade, your child will attend a “group shadow day” at The Willows or at Northridge. It always seems to be one of the highlights of the year!
The Embers curriculum is aligned with the middle school and high school curriculum of the other schools. Embers lays the academic foundation early in your child’s school years.
Your child will graduate Embers :
- One year ahead in Math
- Having an impressive range of reading skills
- Confident in his or her writing skills
- With a strong foundation in the teachings of the Catholic faith and in the virtues
- With well-honed study skills
Your child will be equipped to face the challenges of middle school, high school, and beyond. Our parents consistently receive complements from the faculty of the other two schools on how well prepared their Embers students are for the rigor of their curricula. Our Sparks rise to the top.