Where potential becomes a reality
14-22
Ages of students
Comprehensive high school offering:
- social emotional learning
- academics
- vocational
Open enrollment policy
Welcome to Walsh Academy
Walsh Academy is the first school of its kind in Illinois — and perhaps the country — dedicated to preparing diverse learners for high-demand, high-paying careers in the trades or for success in college. Under the leadership of Dr. Ann Craig, Ed.D., principal and director of educational services, Walsh Academy takes students on a journey of discovery and growth at its Niles, Illinois campus, which opened in fall 2023. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends academics, integrated social-emotional learning and career-technical education.
Visit us for a tour! To schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Ann Craig at 847-390-3030 or CraigA@walshacademy.org
Emergency School Closing Information
For emergency school closing information, please listen to WGN radio or go to https://www.emergencyclosingcenter.com/. Our school will be listed under Walsh Academy.
We understand that recent announcements and media coverage about the possible presence of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies—such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—in schools may raise questions or concerns. As the Director of Educational Services, I want to take a moment to reassure you of our ongoing commitment to student safety and share current information on this matter. As affirmed in the 1982 U.S…. READ MORE
What Sets Us Apart
We serve and celebrate the uniqueness of our students at Walsh Academy, including diverse learners, students with autism, depression, other health challenges, and students who have experienced childhood trauma. Classrooms and supports are specialized to serve a large range of intellectual abilities.
Students learn through a curriculum that follows the trauma-informed model combining high school academics with career technical education (CTE) courses and social emotional learning (SEL).
CTE makes learning more accessible for special needs students by contextualizing academics.
Walsh Academy is the only nonpublic special education school that has a unique staffing model of having a special education teacher, a social worker and a paraprofessional in every classroom. Individualized attention and guidance to each student are provided.
Academics
Walsh Academy provides specialized academic, therapeutic and career technical education (CTE) opportunities for adolescents experiencing intellectual, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges that can potentially limit their success.
SEL
Social emotional learning (SEL) is integrated into the core curriculum. Students are taught how to manage their frustrations whether working on math or in stressful family or life situations. Learning is not only about academics, it is about life.
CTE
Walsh Academy’s career technical education (CTE) education program is to provide structured and supported employment opportunities through experiential learning process. Our CTE curriculum gives our students the opportunity to be in apprenticeship programs and a pathway to high paying trade careers.
Important Dates for School Year 2025-2026
- March 20, 2026, 2:15 pm: No CTE Extension - All students dismissed at 2:15
- March 23, 2026, : Spring Break - No School
- March 30, 2026, : Classes Resume
- April 6, 2026, : Staff Inservice
For full calendar, click here
Admissions: Your Path to Walsh Academy
At Walsh Academy, we invite families and students to experience firsthand what makes our school a uniquely supportive and career-focused environment. Visit & Tour our Niles campus to explore our classrooms, career-technical labs and social-emotional learning spaces. Meet our dedicated teachers and staff and discover how we prepare diverse learners for success in high-demand trades or college. To schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Ann Craig, Ed.D., at 847-390-3030 or CraigA@walshacademy.org.
Once you’ve experienced what Walsh Academy offers, you can Apply/Enroll through your school district or directly with our admissions team. We work closely with families, districts and community partners to make the transition seamless and supportive. If you’d like to learn more before scheduling a visit or starting the enrollment process, please Request Info using our online form or by contacting our office. Our staff will be happy to answer questions and help you take the next step toward a successful future at Walsh Academy.
In the News
- Chicago Wolves support Walsh Academy through a special fundraiser Feb. 14
The Chicago Wolves will support Walsh Academy, a program of Maryville, through a special fundraiser game on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m., at Allstate Arena. A portion of every ticket sold for the game will directly benefit Walsh Academy, a therapeutic high school operated by Maryville that serves students with social, emotional and behavioral needs.… Read more: Chicago Wolves support Walsh Academy through a special fundraiser Feb. 14
About Charles H. Walsh Sr.
As a child, Chuck Walsh lived at Maryville where he learned several vocational skills. It was these skills that helped him land his first job as a cobbler at Florsheim Shoes. Chuck went on to a successful career, eventually becoming part owner of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox. Chuck served as the chairman of Maryville Academy’s Board prior to his death in 2018.
