School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Step into a vibrant world of artistic exploration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a distinguished private art school with a rich heritage woven into the fabric of Chicago's cultural landscape. As an equal partner to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago museum, SAIC offers an unparalleled environment where creativity thrives, drawing on immense shared resources and a prestigious legacy.

Tracing its roots back to a resilient art students' cooperative founded in 1866, SAIC has cultivated generations of influential artists and designers. It famously rebuilt and redefined itself after the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871, growing from the Chicago Academy of Design into the comprehensive institution it is today. This history of innovation and perseverance continues to inspire its dynamic academic programs.

Located in the bustling heart of downtown Chicago's Loop, SAIC provides a uniquely urban campus experience across seven main buildings and three dedicated dormitory facilities. Students benefit from direct immersion in a major metropolitan art scene, complemented by the profound resources of the Art Institute of Chicago. With robust accreditations from the Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, SAIC upholds a commitment to academic excellence, fostering a supportive and challenging environment for aspiring artists, designers, and scholars.