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Redtail Academy - In the News!
Redtail Academy was featured on the front page of the News Gazette on February 6, 2026!
Redtail Academy Events
We recently hosted several 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. We also hosted several "Howdy" events for current applicants, and have been interviewing parents/guardians and students as part of the application process. During these open house / "Howdy" events, we hosted tours for prospective students and their families. Current applicants were also able to complete their "Howdy" event attendance requirement. Additionally, parents/guardians and potential students completed their interviews during the "Howdy" event in order to complete that portion of the application process.
Attendance at one "Howdy" event is a requirement for applicants in order for them to get a chance to meet other prospective students, experience what learning will be like at Redtail Academy, and work together with other prospective students. Since the school is not yet open, this "Howdy" event is our version of a "shadow day." After applicants submit their applications, we will be in contact to schedule a "Howdy" event as well as a parent/guardian and student interview.
Please contact us at redtail.academy2026@gmail.com or call 774-408-8736 if you would be interested in scheduling a tour of our new location or have any questions about the admission process.
Redtail Academy - History Events
Redtail Academy hosted three events pertaining to the history of Champaign-Urbana on July 11, 2025, November 15, 2025 and December 6, 2025, in partnership with history students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These events provided opportunities for prospective students and their families to get a feel for what learning would be like at Redtail Academy. It was exciting to have these students get a taste of researching primary sources and engaging in hands-on learning.
Blast to the Past History Event*
July 11, 2025
*The PhD student who led this event, Alex Jacobs, was spotlighted in this article, based on the work she did with us at the Blast to the Past History Event on July 11, 2025!
Students learned about how Champaign-Urbana has changed over the past 120 years. They used primary sources and completed hands-on activities to compare our community now with what it was like in 1905.
Students investigating historical primary source maps of Champaign-Urbana.
Students investigating historical primary source maps of Champaign-Urbana.
Students learning about the historic alleys in downtown Urbana.
Students learning about the historic alleys in downtown Urbana.
Students collaborating to prepare their presentation about a location in historic Champaign-Urbana.
Students collaborating to prepare their presentation about a location in historic Champaign-Urbana.
How Do We Learn About the Past?
November 15, 2025
Students continued learning about how Champaign-Urbana has changed over the past 120 years by continuing to use primary sources and completing hands-on activities about current locations in the area.
Students examining primary sources regarding locations in historical Champaign-Urbana.
Students examining primary sources regarding locations in historical Champaign-Urbana.
Students conducting research while viewing exhibits at Spurlock Museum.
Students conducting research while viewing exhibits at Spurlock Museum.
Students learning how to analyze primary source documents in order to discover local history.
Students learning how to analyze primary source documents in order to discover local history.
How Do We Build Stories About the Past?
December 6, 2025
Students learned research skills needed in high school and beyond while investigating Champaign-Urbana history.
Students collaborated and learned research skills while also learning to utilize library resources. They investigated topics related to Champaign-Urbana history.
We Soar Higher Together! ™
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