The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) originated from a curriculum design workshop convened in 1983 by Dr. Leon M. Lederman, director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. IMSA opened on September 7, 1986, in Aurora, Illinois. The mission of the Academy is to offer challenging education for students talented in mathematics and science. IMSA is an educational laboratory for designing and testing innovative programs and methods to share with teachers, schools, and students. The Academy functions as a residential school program for more than 600 students in grades 10-12. The Academy offers rigorous courses in mathematics, science, the arts, and the humanities. Courses are designed to enhance student capacity for integrative thinking and focus on quality of understanding rather than quantity of information. Students also act as apprentice investigators, engaging in individual and group research in all areas. On Exploration Days (every sixth school day), in lieu of regular classes, students participate in independent and group research, special seminars and symposia, academic field trips, and mentorship. Mentorship enables students to develop learning contracts for work on site with scientists and engineers in the Chicago area. Teachers design assessments that require students to use information in contexts similar to those they will encounter as professionals. In addition, IMSA combines the traditional resources found in academic libraries, computer centers, and audiovisual services into a single integrated information and communication system. IMSA works in close partnership with numerous education, government, scientific, business, and research organizations to provide quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment.