{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Collins Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6955663,"projectId":9624069,"letterContent":"My new classroom has been transformed into a warm, inviting space where students feel safe, supported, and seen. Having a room with windows has already made a world of difference—but it's the thoughtful items purchased that have truly brought the space to life. From the polka dot rug in our calming corner to the gentle music playing throughout the day, every item purchased has helped foster an environment where students can relax, reflect, and regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nStudents often gravitate toward the table to draw or journal. These simple but powerful opportunities for self-expression and calm are essential in helping them navigate their days more successfully. The cozy atmosphere invites connection and healing. Thank you so much to my donors both anonymous and known. Your support has allowed me to create a safe space within the school, and the impact is visible every day in how students use and care for the space. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality.","fullyFundedDate":1756134063115,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-in-our-new-social-work-spa/9624069/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm in Our New Social Work Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6955663_orig.jpg?crop=2880,2880,x0,y144&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724424130927","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6955663"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9354173,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to look through Donorschoose and an even bigger thank you for choosing The Basics for Binder Organization grant to support. Our Piano Binders/Folders are organized like never before! Your donations helped supply new classroom three ring binders, subject dividers and card stock. It seems like such a simple grant, but your support has helped us in a very practical way. By providing this set of supplies, you have helped us prioritize some other funds and address other needs. This is so amazing and I hope you get a chance to look through the pictures. You have impacted my classroom in a very real and positive way. Thank you for your kind support!","fullyFundedDate":1752586363882,"projectUrl":"project/the-basics-for-binder-organization/9354173/","projectTitle":"The Basics for Binder Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9204141,"letterContent":"I want to thank all of our donors for generously donating to our \"Beethoven Bucks!\" project. The store is open and ready for business! This project will teach my students about responsibility, saving and overtime pay (when they participate in extra activities and performances)! Everyday the students get Beethoven Bucks, as payment, to purchase incentives and rewards. They receive bucks for participating in all the facets of our new piano program. Thank you for looking through all the Donorschoose projects and an even bigger thank you for choosing our class to support. Thank you for investing in my school and students. You have made an impact on the lives of my students and encouraged me as an educator. May you be blessed!","fullyFundedDate":1746786963936,"projectUrl":"project/beethoven-bucks/9204141/","projectTitle":"Beethoven Bucks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":8575289,"projectId":9091598,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and I, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of hygiene products. These items may seem small, but they make a big difference in the lives of our students by supporting their health, confidence, and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps ensure that basic needs are met, which allows our students to focus more fully on their learning and growth. Acts of generosity like yours remind us how powerful it is when a community comes together to care for one another.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support and thoughtfulness. Thank you for investing not only in hygiene essentials but also in the dignity and success of our students,","fullyFundedDate":1746786446596,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-security/9091598/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Security","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8575289_orig.png?crop=237,237,x3,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738851808111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8575289"},{"teacherId":8637030,"projectId":9134936,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our artivism project. Your contribution has truly empowered our students to dive into the world of artivism, exploring how creativity can be a powerful force for change. The funding for the button maker, and various art supplies was instrumental, providing the tangible tools our students needed to transform their ideas into impactful art. Because of your investment, they were able to move beyond just learning about history and start making their own.\r\n\r\nYour support directly enabled our students to create meaningful pieces of protest art. The photo printer allowed them to incorporate powerful images into their work, adding a new layer of depth and context to their messages. With the button maker, they produced wearable art that carried their voices out into the community, sparking conversations beyond the classroom walls. The provided art supplies gave them the freedom to experiment with different mediums and techniques, helping them find the most effective ways to express their unique perspectives on issues that matter to them.","fullyFundedDate":1748041820636,"projectUrl":"project/art-as-action-igniting-creativity-arti/9134936/","projectTitle":"Art as Action: Igniting Creativity, Artivism, and Civic Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shantilcollins"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9157024,"letterContent":"What a great start to the school year! We received the new benches just in time and were able to replace the old and broken piano benches. Thank you for supporting our school and piano program in this way. Your donation allowed us to fix this issue and helped spread out budget out in other much needed areas. Thank you taking the time to look through Donorschoose and an even bigger thank you for choosing our program to support. This program is only a year old and we are still getting many of the things we need to make this space amazing. Every donation matters and makes a big difference in my piano program. You have made an impact on the lives of my students. Thank you, again, for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1746786988542,"projectUrl":"project/piano-keyboard-benches-are-bent/9157024/","projectTitle":"Piano Keyboard Benches Are Bent","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9149053,"letterContent":"Over the summer I was getting all my charts, cabinets and student storage places set up. I was so glad to have received the book shelf organizers. They have totally made a difference in my room in terms of organization and appearance. Thank you for taking the time to look through donors choose and an even bigger thank you for choosing my class to support. These have worked out so well that I will probably write a grant for an additional set. School is very quickly getting into a rhythm and I couldn't have done it without your support and encouragement. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1746627588789,"projectUrl":"project/shelf-help/9149053/","projectTitle":"Shelf Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":8575289,"projectId":9189280,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone involved, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution means more than just dollars—it's an investment in real change and lasting impact.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we're able to provide vital resources and nutrients to many of my students. A snack a day goes a long way. Your belief in our mission empowers us to keep pushing forward.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a vital part of this journey. We couldn't do it without you and hope you truly understand.","fullyFundedDate":1742823958445,"projectUrl":"project/brain-food/9189280/","projectTitle":"Brain Food","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8575289_orig.png?crop=237,237,x3,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738851808111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8575289"},{"teacherId":8637030,"projectId":8978265,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express our sincerest gratitude for your generous donation. Your kindness has truly brightened our learning environment and provided us with the essential tools needed to foster a more collaborative and engaging educational experience. We were absolutely thrilled to receive these resources, and the excitement among the students was palpable as we began incorporating them into our daily activities. This donation is more than just supplies; it's an investment in our students' futures.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these supplies, particularly in facilitating increased group work, cannot be overstated. Collaborative learning is a cornerstone of a dynamic classroom, allowing students to develop crucial communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. When students work together, they become more engaged, take ownership of their learning, and build a stronger sense of community. These new materials enable us to create more interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities that will help them grow academically and socially. I have already seen a noticeable rise in student participation and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contribution has empowered us to create a more inclusive and effective learning space where every student feels supported and challenged. I am so grateful for your belief in our project and your willingness to invest in the potential of our young learners. Thank you once again for making such a significant difference in our classroom. Together they thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1739369088224,"projectUrl":"project/together-we-thrive/8978265/","projectTitle":"Together We Thrive!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shantilcollins"},{"teacherId":6255411,"projectId":9078049,"letterContent":"The impact of your donation to my classroom can not be understated. I was an ELA teacher for sixteen years and three years ago became a Diverse Learning instructor focusing on English/Language Arts. My diverse learners frequently struggle with attention and require frequent repetitions of information. Additionally, as many of them are visual learners, they require visual cues and supports like graphic organizers, anchor charts, and other visual aids.\r\n\r\nHere's where you come in. Because of your donation, this year I was able to teach the graphic novel versions of Kafka's Metamorphosis and Fahrenheit 451 to my 11th grade instructional class and The Odyssey and Macbeth to my 10th graders. The arresting visuals provided an extra level of engagement to the already exciting classic stories, and my students truly enjoyed these canonical texts in a way they would not have been able to appreciate without your support. I have also sent photos of some of my students enjoying and interacting the texts.\r\n\r\nI know for a fact that your gift had a positive impact on my students. This year, my 11th grade students took their ACT test. The students in my classes tested higher that many of the students in the general education English classes. I am extremely proud of them and very thankful for your contribution to their academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1739369094488,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-the-classics-in-a-graphic-manne/9078049/","projectTitle":"Teaching the Classics in a Graphic Manner!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Washco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6255411_orig.jpg?crop=1787,1787,x1061,y255&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682606475852","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6255411"},{"teacherId":9717081,"projectId":8993575,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the headphones for my classroom! They have helped to enhance my student's learning experience. \r\n\r\nStudents enjoy the thrill of listening to their assignments. Headphones have helped them stay engaged with reading materials and allow them to hear their work. \r\n\r\nThe impact of these learning tools cannot be overstated. Having the opportunity to listen to assignments provides them with valuable linguistic support.\r\n\r\nWe most sincerely appreciate your assistance in acquiring these necessary learning tools.","fullyFundedDate":1739369085851,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-help/8993575/","projectTitle":"Headphones Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bartels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717081_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726868404974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717081"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":8975725,"letterContent":"My room has never been cleaner and it is all because of you! Thank you for taking the time to look through DonorsChoose and an even bigger thank you for choosing my class and students to support. Supplies have been so expensive these days and cleaning supplies is no exception. Especially since Covid, there had been an emphasis on sanitizing our classrooms. The supplies will cover us for the rest of the year. Your donation is real encouragement to my students and definitely a professional engagement to me. Thank you! Have a great summer!","fullyFundedDate":1739369084056,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-cleanliness-basics/8975725/","projectTitle":"Classroom Cleanliness Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97721","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":210,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"9.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.6,"schoolId":97721,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Collins Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Collins Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/collins-academy/97721"}
Join the 618 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Collins Academy is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 210 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.5:1.
Its teachers have had 155 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Collins Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Collins Academy
$88,700
raised using DonorsChoose
155
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
618
donors
34
projects
for
basic supplies
21
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Collins Academy has received support from
362 individuals from Illinois and
256 individuals out-of-state.