About American Academy of Esthetics
Our Mission
American Academy of Esthetics prepares students for a successful, confident start in the esthetics industry — through an affordable, hands-on, and well-rounded education, delivered in a supportive, professional environment where every student gets real attention, not just a seat in a classroom.
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American Academy of Esthetics offers flexible programs for students interested in becoming estheticians. AAE also offers continuing education for licensed estheticians and cosmetologists.
Why AAE?
American Academy of Esthetics is an Illinois-approved esthetics school offering a state-licensed 750-hour program designed to take you from your first class to a confident, working esthetician — not just someone who passed an exam.
What sets our program apart:
Real clinical experience, not just theory. Our students train in a genuine, functioning student spa, working with real clients under supervision — so by graduation, you've already done the work, not just studied it.
Flexible scheduling that fits your life. Choose full-time daytime classes or part-time evening classes, built for students balancing work, family, or other commitments while training for a new career.
More than technique — business practices, too. Alongside skincare training, our curriculum includes business practices, so graduates leave prepared not just to perform treatments, but to build a career or a client base of their own.
A smaller, supportive environment. At AAE, you're not one of hundreds. Instructors know your name, your progress, and where you need support — which matters when you're learning hands-on clinical skills.
Continuing education, even after licensure. AAE isn't just for students starting out — we also offer continuing education for already-licensed estheticians and cosmetologists looking to add in-demand specialties like microneedling, laser hair removal, and body contouring to their skill set.
Our Story
American Academy of Esthetics was founded by Naomi Belen, a Master Esthetician with hands-on clinical experience across laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, HydraFacial, and body sculpting. After founding Naomi's Day Spa Services in 2013, she went on to establish AAE — built around a simple idea: esthetics education should be as practical and hands-on as the career itself.
That philosophy still shapes how AAE trains students today — real technique, real client experience, and real preparation for a career in skincare.
Visit Us
American Academy of Esthetics is located at 4300 Commerce Ct., Suite 200, Lisle, IL 60532. Schedule a tour to see our classrooms and student spa, meet our instructors, and get your questions answered in person.