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Information Regarding LFA’s Response to COVID-19 In these unprecedented times, Lake Forest Academy’s faculty and staff have been working diligently to foster community, sustain connection, and most importantly, ensure a safe, supportive environment for LFA’s students. LFA has been working with Dr. Kamaljit Singh, a dual certified physician in pathology/microbiology and medicine/ infectious diseases. As Director of the Microbiology Fellowship Program and the Director of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research at NorthShore University Health System, Dr. Singh’s research includes the clinical use of novel technologies for rapid identification of microbes and antibiotic susceptibility testing, improving diagnosis of infections and use of antibiotics and promoting better infection prevention measures to limit the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens in hospitals. Dr. Singh has been collaborating with LFA’s board and administration to develop the best safety procedures for its community. LFA reopened campus for in-person learning in August 2020 with tight protocols regarding COVID-19 testing on campus, masking, social distancing, sanitization, and health services with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Health. All messages related to LFA’s response to COVID-19 can be found at lfanet.org/COVID-19. LFA remains vigilant given the dynamic situation of the pandemic, and any changes to our previously announced plans will be announced in a timely fashion. The information in this viewbook reflects a general introduction to LFA’s curriculum, day and boarding life, and student opportunities. Given current circumstances, LFA has made adjustments to fit the needs of our community amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020-2021 academic year. These changes include, but are not limited to, postponing large, celebratory events, bolstering e-learning resources for our students who cannot learn in-person due to federal and state-mandated travel restrictions, and reconfiguring our facilities (dining hall, dorms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces) to accommodate social distancing and room capacity recommendations. For more information about LFA’s response to COVID-19, families are welcome to first submit an inquiry through our inquiry form on our website at lfanet.org/inquire. Members of our admissions team will be in contact accordingly.
Welcome to Lake Forest Academy We’re excited about your interest in our community and we look forward to getting to know you!
Mission Statement Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
Leadership LFA’s Head of School is José M. De Jesús. The Academy is governed by a board of trustees and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the National Association of Independent Schools, and the State of Illinois.
Highlights
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LFA Caxys
pg. 3
Academics
pg. 5
College Counseling
pg. 8
Culture of Participation
pg. 9
Health, Wellness, & Support
pg. 12
Residential Life
pg. 13
History Lake Forest Academy was founded in 1857 as an independent boys’ college-preparatory school. In 1869, the Young Ladies’ Seminary at Ferry Hall opened as an independent girls’ school in Lake Forest. LFA merged with Ferry Hall in 1974 and has been co-educational ever since.
Traditions The Academy upholds many of its traditions that were established throughout its history: • Ringing the Bell – Sports teams returning after an away victory game ring the bell to share their good news; at graduation, the bell is rung as each graduate’s name is announced. • All-School Handshake – At the start of every school year, the entire LFA community gathers in the Formal Gardens in a large circle to shake hands with each other. Many students pick this event as one of their favorites because of the community spirit! • House Cup – All community members are in one of the four houses: Bird, Lewis, Sargent, or Welch. Each House is named after an esteemed former LFA Head of School or Ferry Hall Principal. Students compete for House points during mini-competitions throughout the year. • Move-Up Day – A tradition that originated at Ferry Hall, the event celebrates student accomplishments, the promotion of each class, and the winner of the House Cup.
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Student Demographics
Grades
Day
Female
55% 56% 44% Male
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435
Students
53% 47% 49% 51% Boarding
Global Perspective LFA students come from near and far – from Chicago’s suburbs and across the U.S. to many different countries around the globe – to pursue unique academic programs that go beyond the regular classroom.
34% 35 countries
15 states
Domestic Students of Color
25%
International Students
Stuart Center for Global Leadership The Stuart Center for Global Leadership, named after alumnus Jim Stuart ’59, creates transformative and sustainable co-curricular programs for students. The center arranges travel opportunities such as spring break trips and runs the annual ninth grade retreat. The Global Youth Leadership Institute, which is also run by the Stuart Center faculty, offers a three-year high school sequence that LFA students and peers from all over the United States can participate in to become fully engaged citizens of the world.
4
Mathematics
4 years
3 years
3+ years in at least two of these disciplines, and 2+ years in the third
18.5
ts
5
English
History, Science, Language
Requi rem tion a u en
LFA’s academic program is individualized for our students’ development and prepares them for college-level courses. In addition to regular graduation requirements, all students must participate in Student Health, Wellness & Community courses with members of their class. Each year, the Health, Wellness & Community classes focus on specific topics relevant to their grade level, such as community service for sophomores or the transition to college for seniors.
Gra d
Academics
total credits over four years
Fine Arts 1.5 credits over four years
22
Advanced Placement Courses
AP enrollment 260 Students
Average Class Size
100+
12
courses offered, including electives
Independent Studies Independent studies provide students opportunities to work with LFA faculty to pursue more advanced level course work, seek additional in-depth subject matter, or explore a subject not offered. Recent independent studies courses include Musical Theater, Baroque Architecture, History of French Film, Mobile App Development, Kinesiology, Advanced Directing, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Advanced Musician Studies.
Global Concentration Program Students in the Global Concentration program begin their experiences as juniors and continue researching a topic of their choosing until the final capstone project at the end of senior year. The program is housed under the Global Department, which offers interdepartmental courses. For 2020-21, students can consider taking The Good Life: An Exploration and Study of Global Happiness or Environmental Psychology.
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6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
71% of Faculty Live on Campus
Academic Resources and Support Students have an array of resources to help them with their assignments. Faculty and students can meet during free periods for extra help one-on-one during the day. Two Learning Resource Specialists also work with students to create individualized accommodation study plans. Boarders and day students can take advantage of Math Help, Science Help, the Writing Center, and impromptu meetings with teachers in dorm common rooms during study hours from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday.
LFA’s Library Media Services offers an expansive collection of digital resources, and the one-to-one iPad program encourages interactive learning activities within the classroom. The JC Cowart Media Commons offers 3D printers, recording and production facilities, and desktop tools for multi-media design and production. At the same time, the Library Reading Room is reserved for quiet individual study and group work.
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27:1 Student to College Counselor Ratio
Class of 2020 Matriculation
64 Colleges/Universities
25 States plus D.C.
3 Countries
7 Junior Hockey
Top 10 places: Boston University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Miami University (OH), New York University,
Northwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of California, Berkeley, University of Southern California.
Students begin meeting with LFA’s college counselors at the start of the second semester of their junior year. LFA’s four college counselors live on campus and build relationships with their students as advisors, dorm parents, and coaches. As a result, counselors are able to guide students through the process successfully, ensuring each student has options that match their needs and interests.
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A Culture of Participation Students can choose to participate in as many clubs as they want as well as create their own club to pursue their interests. Every year, new clubs are established while many others are longstanding traditions like Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America, and affinity groups such as the Black Student Union, the Asian Culture Union, and UNIDOS, LFA’s Latino heritage club.
INTERACT is the main service club for LFA and has seven different initiatives. All students participate in service through grade-level projects, Health, Wellness & Community class projects, and fundraising activities. For the past 20 years, on Service Learning Day in the spring, all faculty and students go on one of 17 different service trips around the local Chicago area.
LFA fosters a community where students can help make decisions and shape their own experiences as leaders. Leadership roles include, but are not limited to, the following: Student Council, Prefects, Proctors, House Captains, Multicultural Dialogue Facilitators, and more. Learn more about LFA’s culture of participation at lfanet.org/clubs.
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60+ Clubs
7
40+
Service-Oriented Initiatives
Student Leadership Positions
Athletics LFA Athletics Requirements • All students play at least one interscholastic team sport per year. • Freshmen and sophomores participate in an interscholastic sport or a PE option during all three seasons (fall, winter, and spring). • Juniors and seniors are required to participate in two seasons. A third season is optional. • Many LFA teams maintain a no-cut policy, ensuring all students the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of interscholastic play.
27
Varsity Sports
10
PE Options
50+
Class of 2017-2020 Alumni Athletes in College
Learn more about LFA’s athletics program at lfacaxys.org.
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Arts While arts classes meet during the regular school day, students often use evenings and weekends to perfect their vocal techniques, finish ceramics projects, or practice their instruments in preparation for concerts. Students are required to take a minimum of three arts courses to fulfill their arts requirement for graduation.
If the arts are a passion, the Arts Concentration Program offers the opportunity to further develop one’s talents. Students may specialize in a particular area, create a portfolio, perform in senior recitals, or display their work in exhibitions. This program prepares student-artists for entry into prestigious arts colleges and university programs.
Arts Offerings Include • Fall Play, Winter Musical, and Stage Crew • Orchestra, and Jazz Band • VOX (musical theater performance group) • Choir, and a cappella groups • Photography • Glass, Sculpture, and Ceramics 11
Learn more about LFA’s arts program at lfanet.org/arts.
Health, Wellness, and Support
Advisory An advisory is a student’s “family” within the larger LFA community. With just five to eight students in an advisory, it’s easy to bond with the group. Advisories usually meet on Monday and Thursday mornings, and sit together during All-School Meetings. Advisories share group and individual experiences, develop their own unique traditions, and create memories. Advisors are in constant communication with parents and guardians regarding students’ academic performances and act as key supporters of their advisees during their time at LFA.
7: Average number of students per advisory 70+ Advisories
Student Health and Counseling LFA’s infirmary is staffed seven days a week by the Director of Health Services and one of four rotating nurses. They treat sick students, supply over-the-counter medications, and dispense prescription medication. They will also take students to any medical appointments as needed, such as the dentist or doctor. At times, a student may need the help of a professional counselor to explore and resolve personal difficulties. The two counselors at LFA are available to provide clinical assessments, short-term therapy, educational resources, and referrals to outside agencies or therapists. Counseling is available to all LFA students and can be initiated by parents, faculty, or students themselves.
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Residential Life Boarding students live in one of five single-sex dormitories; each dorm is supervised by LFA faculty. Every night, at least one “dorm parent� is on duty in each dorm to supervise evening study hours and organize weeknight and weekend activities. No two LFA dorms are exactly alike; they range in size from 10 to 70 students and each has its own personality and traditions.
70 36
13
Boarders in Atlass Hall
Boarders in Ferry Hall
10
60
Boarders in Marshall Field House
Boarders in McIntosh Cottage
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Boarders in Warner House
Examples of Weekend Activities
Screening of Movies and TV Shows
Dodgeball Matches
Apple Orchard Trips
Museum Visits
Video Game Gatherings
Dorm Family Dinners
Spa Nights
Van Runs to Chicago
See a sample of our weekend activities at lfanet.org/weekend.
How do day students fit in? The primary difference between day and boarding students? Day students sleep at home. They spend a long day here, coming for breakfast, playing sports after school, and staying for dinner and study hours. All students can enjoy weekend activities, meals, and access to teachers in the evenings. Day and boarding students quickly make friends with one another.
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Alumni Network
LFA students have frequent opportunities to network with alumni from all professions and backgrounds. The LFA alumni network includes more than 6,000 people around the world and across the United States. LFA alumni often return to campus as speakers in the classroom and as lecturers at community events. Students in the Entrepreneurship class, for example, can learn from alumni guests who have started their own companies and organizations. At the annual Josh Rothstein Young Alumni-Student Networking Night each spring, students in all grades are invited to chat with alumni about college, internships, and careers. In addition, once students graduate from LFA and join the alumni community, they are invited to stay connected with the Academy by serving on alumni panels and in affinity groups; by being a member of the Alumni Advisory Board (AAB); and by attending College Dinner Series events, Alumni Weekend and other on-campus gatherings, and regional receptions.
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Visit Us Lake Forest Academy is located 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois and just 21 miles away from O’Hare International Airport, one of the biggest airports in the United States. Lake Forest Academy’s campus is easily accessible and is located less than a mile from the I-294 tri-state tollway. Students can also take advantage of LFA’s shuttles to and from the two Metra stations in Lake Forest. LFA’s location provides our students the opportunity to explore the great city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs and neighboring areas in the Midwest. Curricular trips include visits to the Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, the DuSable Museum of African American History, and local colleges like Northwestern University in Evanston (IL), and the University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign (IL). Students in extracurricular clubs like Model UN, Robotics, or Science Olympiad also participate in conferences that take place in Chicago, and our service program allows students to engage with residents and neighbors around the Lake Forest area. On weekends, both day and boarding students can hop on van runs to Michigan Avenue for shopping in downtown Chicago, watch Cubs games at Wrigleyfield, or practice their photography at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. The options to explore are truly endless! Please check www.lfanet.org/visit to review our visit options. We look forward to connecting with you!
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We can’t wait to meet you! Please inquire and apply at www.lfanet.org/apply 1500 W. KENNEDY RD. | LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 | 847-615-3267 | WWW.LFANET.ORG
