Academics at MLA

Preparing Leaders in Mind, Body & Character

MLA is a Level 1 Chicago Public School committed to academic rigor and leadership growth. Our cadets are prepared to succeed in college, career, and service through a challenging curriculum supported by holistic counseling and strong student support.

Academic Highlights

  • 93% Graduation Rate
  • AP Courses
  • AVID Program for college readiness
  • Seal of Biliteracy opportunities
  • Nationally Recognized Counseling Department
  • Dedicated middle & high school counselors
  • SEL supports for the whole cadet
  • Internships, military summer camps, and leadership academies
  • College & Career Presentations and workshops each spring
  • 1:1 Chromebooks for all cadets
MLA Summer

Real-World Training That Builds Future Leaders

MLA offers internships, military summer camps, and leadership academies that extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences strengthen discipline, confidence, and career readiness while exposing cadets to real-world environments. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and guided exploration, students develop purpose, resilience, and the skills needed to succeed in college, career, and service.

MLA-AP Courese

Advanced Academics That Push Cadet Potential

MLA’s AP Courses challenge students with college-level rigor that sharpens critical thinking and independent learning. These classes strengthen academic confidence while preparing cadets for the expectations of higher education. By earning AP credit, students gain a competitive edge for university admission and build strong habits that support long-term academic success.

MLA-students with laptops

Technology That Supports Every Cadet’s Growth

Every MLA cadet receives a 1:1 Chromebook to ensure seamless access to learning tools, research, and digital resources. This technology enhances classroom engagement, supports organization, and develops essential digital literacy skills. With consistent access to their device, students stay connected, prepared, and empowered throughout their academic and leadership journey.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

At Military Leadership Academy, we believe leadership begins with self-awareness, emotional strength, and positive relationships. Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program is designed to support the whole cadet — academically, mentally, and socially — so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

SEL at MLA helps students:

  • Build confidence, resilience, and personal discipline
  • Strengthen communication, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills
  • Develop healthy coping strategies and emotional awareness
  • Foster positive relationships with peers, teachers, and mentors
  • Navigate challenges with integrity, courage, and purpose

Our dedicated SEL team works closely with teachers, counselors, and military instructors to provide individualized support and ensure every cadet feels seen, valued, and equipped to lead.

At MLA, SEL isn’t just support — it’s part of shaping leaders of noble character.

Advancement Via Individual Determination

An internationally certified program, AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.

Learn More About AVID By Clicking Here

The AVID Elective class prepares students through

  • WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, & reading)
  • Time management
    Tutorials
  • Socratic Seminars
  • Academic Goal-Setting
  • Motivation

Students in the AVID Elective receive support with

  • SAT Prep
  • College Applications
  • Financial Aid
  • Service Learning
  • Tutoring

To round out the AVID experience, students also experience

  • Team Building Activities
  • College visits
  • Guest speakers
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Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally recognized award that honors students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate high school. Originally launched in 2008 in California, the Seal has expanded across the country to celebrate multilingualism and cultural competency in today’s global society.

At Military Leadership Academy, we are committed to expanding access to the Seal of Biliteracy — especially for students studying less commonly taught languages and for heritage language learners. Earning the Seal not only reflects a student’s dedication but also strengthens college applications, career opportunities, and their ability to lead in diverse communities.

MLA proudly supports and prepares cadets to earn this distinction.

Learn More About The Award

Arts, music, & strength training

Military Leadership Academy is committed to developing well-rounded leaders — not only in mind and character, but also in creativity and physical strength. Our academic program integrates visual arts, music, and strength training to ensure every cadet grows as a disciplined thinker, an expressive creator, and a resilient athlete.

Through these programs, cadets:

  • Build creativity and confidence through visual arts, film, and design
  • Strengthen coordination, focus, and teamwork in our acclaimed music program and military band
  • Develop physical readiness, endurance, and healthy habits through structured strength training
  • Learn to channel discipline into both artistic expression and physical performance
  • Gain a balanced educational experience that supports long-term success in college, career, and service

At MLA, the arts and athletics are not add-ons — they are essential components of shaping leaders who think boldly, perform with excellence, and serve with purpose.

Strong minds. Strong bodies. Strong character.

Get Moving With Our

Athletics Programs

Academic excellence thrives alongside physical strength. See how MLA athletes train with purpose and compete with pride by visiting our Athletics page.

Learn More About Our Athletics