Springfield Learning Academy: Top Charter School in Springfield IL (2026 List)

About Springfield Learning Academy

Springfield Learning Academy is a public alternative high school in Springfield, Illinois. It serves students in grades 9-12. It is one of the most prestigious schools for non-traditional education and offers a personalized, highly structured curriculum for students who are seeking a smaller environment to learn in. The school keeps its student to teacher ratio low at about 8:1 to 15:1, so its enrollment of about 130 to 150 students can get focused attention.The academy is recognized as a premier school for its dedication to diversity. Approximately 59% of its students are black and 32% are white. It is a top school for social emotional growth. It has a high percentage of economically disadvantaged learners. State proficiency data indicate that roughly 21% - 27% meet standards. But students are actively supported in SAT and ACT preparation. Even with district spending estimated over $11,000 to $14,000 per pupil, Springfield Learning Academy is still one of the best schools to build self-esteem, character building and academic recovery in a safe, community-oriented environment, and it is one of the best high schools in Illinois.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 0%

Reading 0%

State average proficiency is 0% in Math and 0% in Reading.

10

Full-time Teachers

0

Total Students

$66456

Avg. Teacher Salary

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

73 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

Springfield Learning Academy Contact Information

Address

101 E Laurel St, Springfield, IL, 62704

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Phone

(217) 525-3358

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Website

http://www.sps186.org/o/sla

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 8:15 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

Springfield Learning Academy teacher Emily Anderson was named a finalist for the 2025 Horace Mann Educator of the Year award, a nod to the school’s focus on alternative education. Springfield Learning Academy will have two new teachers for 2025-2026, District 186 announced, which will allow the school to serve up to 28 more students and add 8th grade to its high school program. The academy offers SAT and ACT prep, personalized credit recovery and small group instruction to get students back on track for graduation.

FAQ

Q1. Are there arts and creative programs at Springfield Learning Academy?

Ans. Yes, students can take part in programs for visual arts, music, and performing arts.

Q2. What does Springfield Learning Academy do to help students get ready for life after graduation?

Ans. College planning, mentoring, and skill-building programs help students move on to higher education, vocational paths, or jobs.

Q3. Can students take AP classes at Springfield Learning Academy?

Ans. Yes, students can get ready for college-level work by taking Advanced Placement classes and tests.

Q4. Do students get help getting ready for college?

Ans. Yes, Students can take the SAT and ACT and get help planning for college.

Q5. Do teachers want students to take advanced classes?

Ans. Yes, Advanced classes push students and help them do better in school.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say