Dr. Max McGee
Welcome from the President
Dr. Max McGee
On behalf of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA), I extend a warm welcome to you. IMSA is an amazing place where inquisitive learners of all ages discover the wonders of “inquiry and imagination” in mathematics, science and technology.
The state of Illinois established IMSA in the mid-1980s to meet a sharply increased need for highly skilled leaders in mathematics, science and technology. Our three-year advanced residential college preparatory program challenges talented Illinois students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to become world-class scholars, path-breaking researchers and resourceful entrepreneurs.
Our students come from every corner of the state and offer an invaluable return on the state’s investment. IMSA alumni enhance our economy and quality of life as they publish ground-breaking research, find cures for diseases, file patents, start new companies and bring new technologies to market. In fact, the founding leaders of Netscape, PayPal, YELP and YouTube ---- just to name a few ---- include IMSA alumni.
The world has taken notice of IMSA’s achievements. The College Board Advanced Placement program recognized IMSA as having the strongest results in the world among like-size schools for AP Physics C: Mechanics and for AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. The Wall Street Journal and Worth Magazine named IMSA among the top public college prep programs in the nation for placing graduates in Ivy League and highly selective universities. Newsweek included IMSA among the “Public Elites” in its list of 19 high-achieving public educational institutions and The New York Times named IMSA among the top two dozen educational institutions in the nation that regularly produce finalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search.
IMSA’s outcomes also include service to thousands of Illinois educators and students. Through award-winning statewide programs, IMSA helps educators to keep pace with the latest research and promising practices in mathematics, science and technology and ensures that young students, especially the historically underserved, have opportunities to excel in mathematics and science.
I encourage you to explore IMSA’s innovative programs and services that develop talent and leadership in mathematics, science and technology.
Finally, I wish to thank the citizens of Illinois and all our supporters who ensure that IMSA continues to thrive as a world-class powerhouse that develops innovative and compassionate leaders for our state, nation and world.
image ©1999 Ron Sherman
Message from Leon Lederman
IMSA Resident Scholar
1988 Nobel Laureate in Physics
Web sites are virtual doors, and this one opens into a fantastic community. If today's headlines are discouraging, enter here and restore your innate sense of optimism. Out of this IMSA community will come the saviors of our future; by their energy, extraordinary abilities, enthusiasms and a profound sense that there is nothing they cannot accomplish.