Quest Academy

Quest Academy is a small independent school for gifted and talented children located in Palatine, Illinois. The school is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and it is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association for Gifted Children.

The standard tuition for one child for one year is $16,000 USD. Financial aid, awarded on a need basis, is available for those who require it.

There are two classes per grade, but only two preschool classes in all. There are two stories in the building, and grades 3rd through 8th are on the second floor. There is a separate building, that was part of a plaza, where the band sessions are held. The preschool classes are also in a separate building. There is a store where you can buy Quest apparel and other such items.

History
The school, first known as Creative Children's Academy, was started in 1982 by parents looking for an educational option for gifted children struggling in public schools. The school was awarded full accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) in 1988.

In 1993, the park district which then owned the school's facility announced its decision to raze the building. Two school administrators agreed to share the school board's purchase of the former Palatine Public Library, which would be remodeled into a school facility, as well as the head of school position. The school's name was changed to Quest Academy in 1999 and a capital campaign funded the addition of a gymnasium and performing arts wing.

Extracurricular activities
Quest Academy has a no-cut sports policy. Its middle school athletic teams include boys' and girls' cross country, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track. These teams compete against other small, independent schools with similar philosophies.

Other extracurricular activities at Quest Academy include journalism club, the Knight Program, buddy groups, Birthday Bomb Club, etc. The journalism club produces a student newspaper as well as Myriastella, a yearly publication of student writings and poems.

The student council program is called the Knight Program. To become a knight, a student must complete a community service project. Schoolwide "pageant" assemblies are held on every first Monday of the month, where new knights are recognized and "squires" are recognized for displaying good character.

Other clubs include: An extensive community service program is in place

There is also an after school special called stock marketing. 2 people from the school won a prize.

Quest also competes in several math competitions, one of which is at The Latin School of Chicago, and one of which is Mathcounts.

Quest Academy provides gifted students with an environment in which they can work at their level in various subjects. The curriculum covers mathematics, language arts, social studies, art, drama, science, music, French, technology, and library. Elective trimester-long classes are also offered several days a week.