The Chicago International Academy, known affectionately as the C.I.A., is a multicultural urban Christian school offering pre-school through 12th grade in the heart of the city.
C.I.A. is associated with Armitage Church, a large, multi-ethnic, evangelical faith community. Armitage Church is a trusted and respected name throughout Chicagoland and is led by Charles W. Lyons, who has served as the congregation’s Senior Pastor for 35 years.
The Chicago International Academy began September 6, 2005 with lots of love, a strong faculty and an experienced Administrator. Having an excellent urban Christian academy for our community and the city of Chicago,has long been the dream of Charles W. Lyons, senior pastor of Armitage Baptist Church. Decades before, God had given him the vision – and in the Fall of 2004 the Lord brought Mr. Rod Post to Chicago to begin the daunting task of launching a new and unique Christian academy in the heart of the city.
Many miracles later, through God’s people and God’s faithfulness, our doors were opened and the sounds of laughter and classroom chatter began to fill our hallways. Chicago International Academy (C.I.A.) began in the 2005 – 2006 academic year with Kindergarten through Sixth grade. It’s mission since the beginning has been:
- To be a biblically-centered, academically excellent school that will be an affordable option to parents.
- To come alongside and be an assistance to the public school system.
In 2007-2008, we began offering grades K – 12th and in 2009-10 we open our doors to the 3 & 4 year old Pre-school program. We invite you to contact us about any questions you may have concerning our Academy at chicago.academy@armitagechurch.org.