Admissions

Applications for the 2026 - 2027 School Year 

Open January 15, 2026 - March 15, 2026

Recent Redtail Academy Events

• We recently hosted two open houses at our new location, Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign (309 W. Green Street, Urbana). During these events, we offered  tours of the building, and founding members of Redtail Academy met with visitors.

Upcoming Redtail Academy Events

We have a beautiful space! Come celebrate with us!

Upcoming Open Houses / "Howdy" Events:

• We will be hosting an Open House / "Howdy" Event on Saturday,  March 7 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. Current applicants will be able to attend this event and complete the "Howdy" Event attendance requirement as well as the parent/guardian interview and student interview. The Open House / "Howdy" Event will be at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign (309 W. Green Street, Urbana) on Saturday, March 7 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm (please enter through the rear doors adjacent to the parking lot).

• We will be hosting a second Open House / "Howdy" Event* on Friday,  March 27 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Current applicants will be able to attend this event and complete the "Howdy" Event attendance requirement as well as the parent/guardian interview and student interview. The Open House / "Howdy" Event will be at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign (309 W. Green Street, Urbana) on Friday, March 27 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (please enter through the rear doors adjacent to the parking lot).

• We will be hosting a third Open House / "Howdy" Event* on Friday,  April 10 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Current applicants will be able to attend this event and complete the "Howdy" Event attendance requirement as well as the parent/guardian interview and student interview. The Open House / "Howdy" Event will be at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign (309 W. Green Street, Urbana) on Friday, April 10 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (please enter through the rear doors adjacent to the parking lot).

During these events, you will have a chance to tour the building where Redtail Academy will be located, and meet members of the Redtail Academy Board. As well, current applicants will be able to complete their requirement to attend a "Howdy" Event by attending one of these events. Additionally, parents/guardians and potential students will be able to complete their interviews at any of these these events in order to complete that portion of the application process.

Please RSVP to let us know if you plan to attend! However, an RSVP is not required. We welcome you to just drop in!

• Attendance at one "Howdy" event* is a requirement for applicants in order for them to get to know prospective students, experience what learning will be like at Redtail Academy, and see how the students work together. Since the school is not yet open, this will be our version of a "shadow day." *The dates and times for the "Howdy" events are also  listed on the Redtail Academy application.

• If you are unable to attend any of our open houses, please contact us at redtail.academy2026@gmail.com  if you would be interested in scheduling a tour of our new location. 

Admissions Process

In order to apply to Redtail Academy, the following is generally required:

-Students must be able to handle reading and writing at or above grade level.

-Students must be willing and motivated to work in a school environment with high expectations.

Qualified students not initially admitted will be placed on a waiting list. Late applications will be considered when space allows. In addition to the application materials, a student visit to a "Howdy" event, student interview, parent interview, and two teacher recommendations are required as part of the application process.

Apply Now!

Redtail Academy is currently enrolling 6th through 7th grade boys, those who identify as boys, or those who are non-binary for for the 2026-

2027 school year.

Application Materials Include

• Applicant information sheet*

• Student questionnaire*

• Parent questionnaire*

*You can complete the application in one of two ways: 

1. Select the Google Doc version of the application below, complete the application by typing responses to questions in the Google Doc, save your completed application as a PDF, and submit the completed application form to redtail.academy2026@gmail.com.

-or-

2. Print the application, complete the application by hand,  and scan and submit the completed application to redtail.academy2026@gmail.com. 

• Two teacher recommendations - at least one from a current or last year's teacher (or parent, if homeschooling)

• A $50.00 non-refundable application fee -or- submit an application fee waiver form (for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch) . Please make the check payable to Redtail Academy and mail it to:

Redtail Academy

Unitarian Universalist Church  

309 W Green Street

Urbana, Illinois 61801 

• Schedule a "Howdy" visit, conversation with student, and parent interview*

• Tuition Reduction Application (if applicable)

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*Visits, student conversations, and parent interviews will be scheduled after the application is submitted.  Please review the application form for more information about the upcoming "Howdy" events. Redtail Academy will be in contact to schedule these.

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In all cases, Redtail Academy retains the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether to select a student for admission.

Special Needs

Redtail Academy strives to meet the educational needs of its student population to the best of its ability. Student needs are individually assessed and proper measures are sought to help each student succeed. Redtail Academy is a small school, however, and may not be equipped to handle severe learning and/or social/emotional needs.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Redtail Academy admits academically qualified boys, those who identify as boys, or those who are non-binary of any religion, race, color, and national or ethnic origin, and grants them the rights to all privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, employment policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs. Redtail Academy seeks a diverse community of qualified students.

We Soar Higher Together!