MEET THE CAXYS
INTRODUCTION
Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
Character encompasses respect for others and their beliefs, dedication to honesty in every sphere of life, realization of moral clarity and conviction, and pursuit of virtue and value in life.
Scholarship encompasses acquisition of knowledge, development of critical thinking, enthusiasm for discovery and learning, and exercise of a powerful imagination.
Citizenship encompasses appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, involvement in the LFA community, participation in service to others, and commitment to global awareness and understanding.
Responsibility encompasses development of self-reliance, ability to seek guidance, dedication to cooperation and teamwork, and action based upon informed decisions.
One of the most important decisions your family will make is where to send your child to high school. A student’s formative high school years set the foundation for a lifetime of personal and professional success. At Lake Forest Academy, we are your lifelong partners in a student’s development and growth - from the moment you inquire to graduation and beyond.
Lake Forest Academy is the most diverse high school in Illinois. Our 450 students hail from over 50 local communities, 20 states, and 40 countries. Under the guidance of renowned and dedicated faculty, LFA students:
• Engage in thoughtful classroom discussions that encourage their intellectual growth and foster their abilities to both think independently and collaborate with others
• Charter their own interest paths by engaging in several of our 60 student-led clubs and challenging themselves in various co- and extracurricular activities
• Forge lifelong friendships with peers and faculty members
• Grow as individuals and as community members who ask big human questions, engage in civil discourse, acquire fundamental life skills, and live a life in service to our society and world
• And much more
On these pages, you will read the profiles of seven students. While their passions and strengths may differ, they have found challenge and support; have activities and overcome fears; have stayed on campus late in the evening to study and persevered in house cup competitions; and wholly leaned into everything LFA has to offer.
Our home is your home. We look forward to welcoming you to campus so you too can envision your own journey of infinite possibilities at LFA.
CLARE ’26
Day Student from Northbrook, Illinois
“What I love about LFA is how teachers apply textbook and traditional learning to the real world.”
Introduction
LFA was the only high school I applied to. My sister, now an alum, helped set the stage for a smooth transition, and I plan to do the same for my brother as he enters the school this year.
I love the day/boarding dynamic at LFA. Day students are encouraged to participate in activities on campus after class and on the weekend. I often stay for dinner, hang out with friends, work on group projects, and get home in time to sleep in my own bed! There’s no tension or awkward dynamics between day and boarding students. I love showing off Chicago and taking my boarding friends to my favorite spots!
Dynamic Student-Athletes
is ‘Write It, Do It,’ in which one team member has a set time to write instructions for building a structure, and the other has to create it based on the instructions. It is a great way to practice communication and writing too. I also love experiential design, where you research and practice a science skill and then build a report with two teammates.
Real World Application
Due to the size of the local public schools, it’s rare for students to play more than one sport, but I am able to at LFA! As a freshman, I tried out for the tennis team. It was such an inviting environment, and it allowed me to create friendships with older students. I am also on the lacrosse team, which has enabled me to build additional friendships with those who are not in my classes. We often attend games for other sports to cheer on our classmates. Athletics are open and inclusive at LFA.
Exploring the Sciences
At LFA, you can double in subjects, which is unique and I was able to take both chemistry and biology my sophomore year. My involvement in the Science Olympiad has allowed me to build relationships with teachers who I have not had and peers whom I do not see on the daily. One of my favorite activities
What I love about LFA is how teachers apply textbook and traditional learning to the real world. For example, my favorite classes have been in math. We have worked with light probes and graphing, and we also learned about the arc length of shots in basketball!
Additionally, I love being involved with GirlUp, a United Nations organization designed to empower women and girls. We know we are making the world a better place through fundraising, including sending donations for girls to go to school in Uganda, as well as bringing women’s healthcare products to rural India.
The Benefits of a Smaller School
At LFA, we are encouraged to try new things and explore our passions. There’s more individuality at a smaller school and as a student, you are able to focus on yourself and where you fit into the greater community. LFA is the best of many worlds. There is an emphasis on academics, along with building athletic and other skills, while also meeting people from different backgrounds. We are able to build relationships with teachers, coaches, and many others who want us to be happy and successful.
ZACH ’26
Day Student from Highland Park, Illinois
“It is so easy to meet new people at LFA and it is organic, rather than forced.”
Introduction
I’m a day student, but only moved to Highland Park in 2020. I attended Lake Forest Country Day School (a Pre-K to Grade 8 school) for 7th and 8th grade, and heard nothing but amazing things about LFA from my peers.
When I applied to high school, I was looking for true diversity, and that is what I found at LFA. I moved around a lot as a kid–both domestically and internationally–and the environment really spoke to me. I have met peers and teachers from around the world.
Building Community
LFA allows students to choose their own path in academics–no one is restricted or “boxed in.” There are also opportunities for independent study if you want to explore a passion or topic area not currently served by the school curriculum. While I have not taken an independent study todate, I have my eye on research for my senior year.
Focus + Leadership
It is so easy to meet new people at LFA and it is organic, rather than forced. The student union is the hub of our campus where everyone eats lunch and hangs out. I typically stay at school until after dinner, but I enjoy having the option of staying on campus or going home. With both day and boarding students as friends, I can easily find a landing pad when I want to or need one.
Small Class Environment
The average class size at LFA is 12, which allows us to bond not only as a class, but also with our teachers. They get to know each of us as individuals, and go beyond simply teaching the curriculum and relate it to everyday life. When I took AP Chemistry, the teacher made ties between the material and climate change, for example.
I swim for LFA during the winter, and swim for a club year-round so I am always on the go. It has taught me a lot about time management, balancing homework, and ensuring I have enough time to also spend time with my friends. While academics are the number one priority, I am able to apply the close knit brotherhood of my club team and the leadership role I have on the LFA team to the classroom. I mainly swim freestyle for LFA, and fill in the gaps where we may not have a swimmer in a specific event, like the 200m Individual Medley. The spirit and energy of the team is palpable.
Student council is an activity I have gravitated towards. It has been a great way to build leadership skills, help out on campus, fundraise for particular events, and spread the LFA spirit.
Broadening Your Perspective
LFA is a great option if you want to explore and figure out who you are as a person. It is a safe space to try new things, build knowledge, meet great people, and have pride for the community.
TERRYN ’25
Boarding Student from North Chicago, Illinois
“LFA has given me so many tangible and intangible opportunities.”
Introduction
My mom is an LFA alum, which was a leading factor in my decision to attend. I feel extremely lucky to be an LFA student and put every fiber of my being into the experience for myself and for others. The school has opened a lot of doors for me that might not have been possible otherwise.
A Welcoming Face
I wasn’t very familiar with the sport. It has given me some of the best people in my life, and I am forever grateful for that. The sport is very high in energy and centered around team bonding. At some points in the season, it feels more like a big friend group rather than a team! We consider ourselves a sisterhood, with the older girls serving as guides for the younger teammates.
Marshall Field has been my home since freshman year and I love it with my whole heart. During my first year, I felt like the proctors took me under their wing in big sister-type roles. When I applied and was accepted to be a proctor myself, I specifically requested to be with the incoming freshman so that I could pay it forward.
Inspiring Academics
Hard classes are the norm at LFA, as is the ability to customize academics and electives. My favorite class has been AP Language and Composition. I have invented my own stories and characters, and can push the limits of creativity. I also love the arts and after taking acting, advanced acting, and directing, I tried something new and took pottery, which was cathartic.
Building Relationships Through Extracurriculars
There is so much to do at LFA. I did not start my time at the school with the idea of joining the field hockey team –
Winter is arts season at LFA. I have played leading roles in musical productions for the past two years, and I love working with peers who have the same passion for the arts as I do. VOX, the year-round musical theater group, is one of the most enjoyable parts of my LFA experience. As an upperclassman, I now set an example and even help pick the choreography and teach other students their parts. Everyone wants to see each other succeed.
I am also passionate about the Black Student Union, and love the leadership team model that we have moved to. There is no longer a President/VP/etc. hierarchy. We are all leading the organization together.
Shy No More
I used to be a shelled kid. LFA has given me so many tangible and intangible opportunities - from taking the stage, to trying a new sport that I fell in love with, to choosing a challenging academic path, to setting an example for younger students and helping them find their way.
GAVIN ’26
Boarding Student from Ontario, Canada
“Our coach cares for us athletically, academically, and emotionally. ”
Introduction
Transferring to LFA my sophomore year was the best move I have ever made. The driver was hockey. However, the academic program and student life have exceeded all of my expectations.
Hockey Life
At LFA, I live, study, and travel with my teammates. We are incredibly close and I consider them my second family. Our coach cares for us athletically, academically, and emotionally. He stays in touch with graduates and ensures they have the best possible junior hockey opportunities. We know that the closeness of the team and how well everyone gets along contribute to our success on the ice.
Since LFA does not have a football team, hockey takes on the “convening” role. We like to give the school spirit back that other teams and the student body as a whole show us. You can often see the team at volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other games.
Balancing Sports and Academics
In the spirit of full disclosure, it can be hard to balance classes and hockey during the season. However, we have such great relationships with our teachers and don’t feel intimidated to ask for help with lessons we don’t understand. We also feel empowered to schedule cycle meetings and ensure we are on point, and teachers are available via email to answer questions while we are traveling and doing work.
Compared to my former school, the campus, the teachers, and the wide range of courses blow it out of the water. Everyone at LFA, from teachers to administrators to peers, truly care about each other and their interests.
Stepping Up in Student Life
I love living in Atlass Hall and I am now a proctor in the dorm. In this leadership role, my fellow proctors and I plan dorm activities, get everyone excited for the dorm cup, and ensure that our residents are enjoying their time at LFA (and connecting them with the right support people if not).
Our dorm parents hold us to the rules of the residence halls–which is especially helpful during hockey season when we are traveling often, have to catch up on work, and shouldn’t stay up as late as we’d like to. The dorm atmosphere is so much fun and inclusive.
Exploring Other Interests
In the spring, I play lacrosse, which is a sport I never grew up playing much. It is fun to do something different while remaining active at the same time!
I am also part of the LFA Student Ambassadors, which are the student tour guides. The athlete who led my tour with my parents was so impactful, and I want to give back to the school in that same way. There are so many factors that go into deciding on a school, and LFA hit the mark.
Taking Advantage of Chicago
There is so much to do in downtown Chicago and LFA makes it possible for us to experience the culture and life of the city. My friends and I sometimes take the school shuttle to a Cubs game, sightsee, eat, and more. When my parents visit, Chicago also gives us something else to do, and when in season, we’ll go to Blackhawks games among other things.
YIWEN ’25
Boarding Student from Pleasanton, California
“I have loved every one of my math classes at LFA... I have been able to channel this passion into the school’s math team. ”
Introduction
I came to LFA sight unseen at the beginning of my sophomore year. The first few days were overwhelming, however, my advisor, teachers, and new friends helped ease the transition.
Reflecting back on the past two years, I was a much different person than I am now and I attribute it to the opportunities I have had at the school.
A Campus Denominator
I have loved every one of my math classes at LFA. My favorite has been multivariable calculus. I have also been able to channel this passion into the school’s math team. We meet once a week, participate in local and state competitions, and also have a goal to get more people into math rather than seeing it as a tedious class subject. Everyone in the school can submit a ‘problem of the week’ for others to solve. If you get it correct, you receive extra credit.
Dorm Spirit
Opportunities Abroad
Through LFA, I went to Spain for a summer immersion program, which I never would have known about if I wasn’t at the school! I acquired a lot of Spanish (which I am trying to maintain), experienced history, and I still talk to my host family and the friends I made when I was there.
Giving Back to the Community
As a proctor in Ferry Hall, my job is to infuse excitement into the dorm and build community. Not only do we study together and learn from each other, but we also get together to celebrate holidays and birthdays, and of course, vie for the Dorm Cup. We also keep an eye on the other girls, make sure they feel supported, and act as a bridge with the dorm parents.
I love being involved in Interact, LFA’s service club, and giving back to the local and greater community. We often visit with and do projects with the kids at AJK Elementary in North Chicago. Seeing STEM through their eyes is so special and I adore being a role model and mentor to them.
Preparing for College
The LFA college counseling team is awesome. My counselor has been available to talk about my personal statement and applications, as well as look for schools that are a good fit for me. To have someone partnering with me in this way is invaluable.
I am so grateful for the experiences that I’ve had at LFA so far. They have more than prepared me for what’s to come during my senior year, into college, and beyond.
ERIC ’25
Boarding Student from Hangzhou, China
“In both the classroom and dorm life, LFA is intentional about supporting international students and encouraging the sharing and learning about other cultures.”
Introduction
LFA was on my short list as I was researching high schools while still in China. The website spoke to the low studentteacher ratio, the diversity of the school, and the stellar academics–which all rang true as I became a student. Some schools in my country have 4,000-6,000 students, which does not allow you to build productive relationships with teachers or peers.
People from Everywhere
I love the international nature of LFA. I have friends and know others from Turkey, Africa, and Asia, as well as some who live down the street from the school.
In both the classroom and dorm life, LFA is intentional about supporting international students and encouraging the sharing and learning about other cultures. For example, we decorated the student union for Chinese New Year, cooked traditional Chinese food, and shared other customs with our peers. During the celebration, I FaceTimed my mom, who was so happy and fell in love with the place I call my second home.
Leveling Up
Teachers encourage students to challenge themselves at LFA. History is my favorite subject and after my freshman year, the department chair encouraged me to try AP World. I loved it and followed it up with AP U.S., and I am taking Econ and Government this year. There are so many social sciences classes to take that will add to my worldly repertoire.
Mentors and teachers across the school are always available to chat with us and answer questions. I was nervous about the repercussions of a mediocre grade on a test. My advisor and college counselor helped me develop a study plan to ensure that I got back on track, and it didn’t take long to re-center myself.
Extracurriculars
Given my passion for history, I joined a club called the Current Events Club. Not only do we talk about various topics in modern day society, but we also raise funds for various organizations.
Sports are not very big in China, and LFA gave me a chance to try sports that I was curious about. I have run three years of Cross-Country and one year of Track. My two best friends
at LFA are also my teammates, and we all cheer each other on. When I injured myself last year, the coaches stuck to the trainer’s rehabilitation plan and did not push me when I wasn’t ready to slide my running shoes back on.
I am a proctor and a prefect at LFA, and I love being involved in both dorm-wide and campus-wide activities. I can’t wait to organize and lead the House Cup competition! Coming onto campus as a freshman can be overwhelming, and I’m looking forward to making this process easier for our youngest students.
Considering All Factors
There are several categories to evaluate when looking at a school–academics, sports, social, dorm life, and others. Teachers are supportive and there are so many class offerings. We are encouraged to try new sports and really get out of our comfort zone, which has not only yielded new skills, but also new friends. It is hard to not have a friend at LFA. It is a one-of-a-kind place and I will miss it when I graduate.
CHRISTINA ’26
Day
“Everyone gets along so well, and it doesn’t matter if you are a day student or a boarder, if you live down the street or across the world, there is a place at LFA for you.”
“We all fit together as a school body, teaching each other, and doing our best to ensure that everyone succeeds.”
Student from Lake Forest, Illinois
Introduction
My two older siblings went to LFA and I saw myself here from a young age, especially as I attended family events, concerts, and musicals–and truly got to see the campus alive. I had already known some students, as well as teachers, and was able to pave my own path from there.
Doubling Down on Academics
With the freedom to choose classes, build on what you like, and try new things, I have doubled in language on my schedule (Spanish +French) and will be doing the same thing with science this coming year (AP Chemistry + Biology). The teachers truly make a difference when it comes to understanding material, carrying a heavy course load, and making sure we are enjoying student life at the same time.
Teachers are very communicative and a number live on campus. They make themselves available for test prep, review sessions, and extra help when needed. The small size of the school creates a personal and 1:1 atmosphere.
Extracurricular Opportunities
I recently joined the robotics team and I love it! The entire team was so welcoming even though I had never done anything like it and it took a bit to grasp the concepts. The competitions we participate in help bring the team closer as well.
UNIDOS has been one of my favorite clubs to be involved in. We have partaken in service projects and fundraisers, hang pinatas in the community as destressors, host game nights and karaoke, and have co-hosted events with other
clubs too. For example, along with the Jewish Student Union, we took a field trip to a Jewish Hispanic restaurant to sample traditional food. It was also a great way to learn about each other’s cultures, and the similarities and differences.
Connecting With Others Through Sports
Field hockey is my favorite sport and season, and allows me (and others) to put our academics to the side for friendly competition and skill building. Our coaches are committed to working hard, but also making it fun.
I also play soccer in the spring, and played basketball for one year, which was fun to try.
LFA is a big crowd of passionate students that want to have a good time. We all attend prep hockey and volleyball games, and bond over school spirit.
The Best of Both Worlds
I am a day student, but often stay on campus into the evening after sports, for dinner with my team, and to do homework and work on projects. I also have the luxury of going home if I want to and then coming back for an activity or something else in the evening.
The LFA community is special, and is made up of so many cultures and people with different backgrounds. One of my best friends is a boarding student from Turkey. Everyone gets along so well, and it doesn’t matter if you are a day student or a boarder, if you live down the street or across the world, if you like Math or English, there is a place at LFA for you.
LFA’s campus in reference to nearby cities and highways:
Route 60 Chicago 94 Highway North/Wisconsin
1. Reid Hall/Armour
2. Formal Gardens & Pagoda
3. Admissions & Guest Parking
4. Wood House
5. The Bowditch Bell
6. Korhumel Wing
7. Corbin Academic Center
8. The Cressey Center for the Arts
9. The Reyes Family Science Center
10. Atlass Hall
11. New Hall
12. Community Health Center
13. JC Cowart Student Center
14. Silver Family Green
15. Marshall Field House
16. Durand Cottage
17. Ferry Hall
18. West Village
19. Weinbrenner House
20. McIntosh Cottage
21. Richards Cottage
22. Facilities
23. Athletic Center
24. Glore Memorial Gymnasium & Pool
25. Crown Fitness & Wellness Center
26. James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing
27. MacKenzie Ice Arena
28. Deborah O. MacKenzie Turf Fields
29. Warner House
Wetzel-Schoellhorn Track
Silver Family Green
