The Academy Is...

The Academy Is... is an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 2003 by William Beckett and Adam T. Siska, the group initially released their self-titled EP The Academy under LLR Recordings in 2004. The following year, they signed with Fueled By Ramen and released their debut album Almost Here, which featured the singles "Checkmarks", "Slow Down" and "The Phrase That Pays". The band's lineup evolved over time, with notable members including Mike Carden, AJ LaTrace, Michael DelPrincipe, Thomas Conrad, Andy Mrotek, Hayden Cler, and Michael Guy Chislett. Their subsequent albums included Santi (2007), Fast Times at Barrington High (2008), and the EP Lost in Pacific Time; The AP/EP (2009). The Academy Is... disbanded in 2011, with members pursuing solo careers or joining other bands. They reunited to play RiotFest in 2015 but called it quits again in December of that year. The Academy Is... got back together in 2022 for a string of shows and released the album Almost There in March of 2026.