Ariel Elem Community Academy

Ariel Community Academy (ACA) is a unique, K-8 public school located in the North Kenwood/Oakland neighborhood of Chicago. Established in 1996 through a partnership between Ariel Investments and Chicago Public Schools, the school is widely recognized for its innovative financial literacy curriculum. Unlike a standard elementary program, ACA integrates economics and investment education into the daily lives of its students. This signature program, known as the "Ariel Education Initiative," includes a real-money investment project where each class is given a fund to manage, teaching students the fundamentals of stocks, compound interest, and wealth management from a young age.

Beyond its focus on financial literacy, Ariel Community Academy is designed as a neighborhood hub that emphasizes community involvement and high academic standards. The school operates on an extended school-year calendar, allowing for more instructional time and a more holistic approach to student development. By blending rigorous core academics with a practical, real-world application of financial principles, the school aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds with the economic tools and confidence necessary for long-term financial independence and professional success.