Academy by Design

At Wheaton Academy, we believe that God is the ultimate designer, and as His image-bearers, our students are called to create, innovate, and serve. By providing flexible instruction, opportunities for collaboration, faculty mentorship, and hands-on applications, Academy by Design trains students to serve others through innovation. 

Academy by Design is a three-year program that empowers students to purposefully engage with challenges that matter
to them and their communities. Throughout the three years, students in Academy by Design take courses that teach
them to think like designers, collaborate like professionals, and understand the needs of those around them.

Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Equips and trains multidisciplinary student teams to address local, real-world challenges

Design Thinking

Emphasizes an empathic, design-thinking approach to problem solving

Flexible Schedules

Gifts students increasing freedom to uniquely craft their schedules while still meeting state and college readiness requirements

Connections

Actively connects students with experts, internships, and community leaders

Why Academy By Design?

We do school a bit differently by restructuring their schedule so students can invest the time to create solutions for real-world problems with professionals.

We give students the opportunity to show colleges and employers what they can do beyond test scores through their in-depth, project-based experience.

We give students the opportunity to do Christ-centered service, year-round, through applied empathy and design.

As parents, we want to give students time to dive deeply into their God-given passions that we have seen grow in them from a young age, and connect those passions to real-world solutions.

Flexible Pathways

Enrollment

Any student may enroll in Academy by Design courses beginning with "Introduction to Design" during sophomore year.

Diploma Designation

Students who complete all three Academy by Design courses earn a Design Thinking designation on their diploma.

First Steps

Students wanting to pursue the “Design Thinking” designation may contact the Academy by Design Director or enroll in the "Introduction to Design" course.

Course Progression

Josh Burick

Questions?

Contact Josh Burick

Instructional Technology Director; Science Faculty

630-562-7518
Email