Cosmetology and Spa Academy 142 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173

"Please save your money and invest into another school! I took the barber program here and it was horrible from the professors to the “principal”. I would go in and we would just sit in a class room doing nothing no instructions were given to us we were just expected to show up and teach ourselves with no help. They were always short on supplies and the school itself was dirty. The professors were nothing but drama it felt like I was back in high school. I didn’t learn anything and still have a passion for it but this school left me in debt with no way to pursue my passion. Please don't be like me and save yourself the time and money."

"Unprofessional, teachers switched out over 4-5 times in the 6 months that I was there. Products are never stocked and they hound esti’s clients to pay but barbers pocket all the money. From my experience they are very shady when it comes to money and payments. My plan was to have $1k taken out every month to pay for my classes but they never did so when graduation time came they said I didn’t have payment, couldn’t graduate, and would have to pay the daily fee on top of that for “graduating late.”I had to pay 5k the day before graduating in order to Prevent the fee due to there lack of vigilance. You pretty much learn on your own here, there’s never a good, qualified instructor. In fact me and a few other classmates were emailed asking if we’d like to TEACH the phase 1 class. Unbelievable!!! At one point I had a girl who was in the class before me teaching us in phase 3 before she even took her test and got her license. If you’re looking to just get a license then this might be the place for you, otherwise beware at alll costs!!!"

"I learned so much about myself while attending CSA. I was a preschool teacher who was interested in skincare so I decided to join the esthetics program at CSA. I went in knowing hardly anything about the anatomy of skin, skin care products, etc. I was one of the oldest in my class, a mother of 3, and worked early in the morning then returned to work when classes were over. Needless to say I had a lot on my plate and felt completely overwhelmed and slightly intimidated. However, through studying, hard work, and support of an amazing instructor/ mentor, I graduated top of my class and aced my state boards!!! I am now the owner of a home based spa, Time Turner Skincare, LLC. I still work in the education field because I love teaching and who says you can’t have it all! CSA helped me realize that I am capable of anything and opened the doors for a better for myself and my family. Was it easy? No. Were there ups and downs, especially due to the pandemic? Yes. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! When enrolling in any cosmetology/ esthetics program, please keep in mind you are there to learn the foundation of your study, so ask questions, participate, and be ready to work hard. Once you graduate, opportunities will arise if you work efficiently. Good luck to all future students! And a special thanks to, Beritt Mills, who helped me realize my full potential, and gave me the support, knowledge, and encouragement I needed to succeed!"

"Over 5 years ago I graduated from here and started my career as a stylist. My life was forever changed and am grateful for the experience at a private school. The 1 on 1 is much greater at a school that can focus on its students, rather than just be a number in a machine. And it is always better to support local business owners, I would not have done my schooling any other way."

"Update 4/2023 Always great service and teacher Ms. Lorena is always there to check the students work. Can’t go wrong especially if you need your hair fine every month. Economical! Always get good client servicing from all students. Lately my hair is being done by Omar The Artist. Very happy and I continue to come here. ————- Great place, nice staff, premium hair care products used for a phenomenal price. I've been a regular here for over 3 years. There were a few hiccups in the past with dropped appointments but the last 3 visits have been honored and prompt. I suspect it had more to do with the girl I had and not the place itself. Be prepared to spend a little more time in the chair as this is a beauty school. Beauty products are offered and sold in the front as well. They rotate the stock and have it showcased and organized nicely. They have several monthly specials to take advantage of that are listed at the front desk. You can also ask what the specials are for both men and women when you call to make your appointment. The prices are exceptional for the time and products they use on you. Management, Teachers and staff are super friendly! Only one drawback is they are only open during the week and closed on weekends. But when you are prepared for that, it's not a big deal."