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Midwestern Heart. Global Mind. “ LFA opens the door to all students who want to try new things. The school gives you the tools to get started and make your passion into something bigger. Everyone is also welcoming and friendly. The first day I stepped on this campus, I felt like I was at home.”
—Dieter Villegas, All-School President 2017-18
Lake Forest Academy attracts students who seek rich and rewarding learning experiences and relationships. We call this approach to life the LFA Way. LFA’s culture of participation is evident in every aspect of our vibrant boarding environment. Both day and boarding students are given the chance to meet new challenges with openness and curiosity, and develop the confidence to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Students who embrace this open-minded nature hold a lifelong passport to new ideas and opportunities. LFA’s transformative boarding experience is characterized by rigorous academics, a global outlook, and Midwestern values. If you’re an open-minded explorer, we’re ready to help you chart your course.
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“ My favorite tradition is the All-School Handshake. It gives evidence to the fact that we’re not just a school; we’re a community.” —Daniel Blaine ’20
Setting the Stage Mission Statement Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
History Snapshot Lake Forest Academy was founded in 1857 as an independent, all-boys, college-preparatory school. In 1869, the Young Ladies’ Seminary at Ferry Hall was established as an independent girls school in Lake Forest. The LFA campus was originally part of the Lake Forest College grounds. In 1948, LFA moved to its current location, the former J. Ogden Armour estate, after a fire destroyed the Academy’s main building. LFA merged with Ferry Hall in 1974 and has been co-educational ever since.
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“Caxy, caxy, caxy.” 4
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What’s a Caxy?
LFA traditions include:
The LFA mascot is the “Caxy,” ancient Greek for “ribbet”—the croaking sound made by a frog. In the early 1900s, Aristophanes’ comedy, The Frogs, was the subject of a popular Greek literature class. The Frog Chorus croaked, “Caxy, caxy, caxy.”
• All-School Handshake
• Prom
• House Cup Competitions • Fall, Winter, and Spring Spirit Weekends
• Faculty v. Seniors Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer Games
Beloved Traditions
• LFA Charter Day
• Head of School Day
• Ferry Hall Anniversary
• International Talent Show
The Academy upholds many of the traditions established throughout the school’s 160-year history. For example, the Bowditch Bell is one of the few items to survive the 1946 fire; it now sits proudly in front of Reid Hall. Sports teams returning after an away victory ring the bell to share their good news. Meanwhile, at graduation, the bell is rung as each graduate’s name is announced. The school year opens with the All-School Handshake, where every single member of the LFA community—approximately 600-plus people, including students, faculty, and staff—gathers in the Formal Gardens in a large circle. Flipping a coin to determine which direction they’ll begin, the Head of School and the All-School President start in the middle, and lead the entire group in individually greeting one another. Move-Up Day, a tradition that originated at Ferry Hall, closes the school year with a ceremony that celebrates student accomplishments, the promotion of each class, and the winner of the House Cup.
• Service Learning Day
• Senior Night
• Homecoming Chariot Races
• Move Up Day
• February Frog Hunt
Leadership The Head of School is Dr. John Strudwick, appointed in 2001 after a 17-year career at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. Lake Forest 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.
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“ The technology at LFA makes classes and communication with teachers so much easier. You can access all of your courses and find out what homework is due, all in one app.” —Lauren Zengeler ’18
Academic Excellence and Variety • Academics • Academic Technology • E nglish Language Learning and Summer Program • The Arts • Athletics
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“ My tactic for completing work is using my free periods to finish assignments and get ahead on readings or math assignments on the weekends. If I know I have an especially busy week, I try to use every bit of my free time.” —Marilou Cameron ’17
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Academics LFA’s four-year sequential program will challenge students and prepare them for college. Classes are small, so they can really connect, learn, discuss, and question during class. Our courses are fundamental to a college-preparatory, liberal arts education. While the work is rigorous, no student is on this journey alone. 80% of the faculty and their families live on campus, which allows students to develop relationships with teachers beyond the classroom. Over time, LFA teachers become respected mentors and friends. Classroom teachers serve as coaches, dorm parents, advisors, and club sponsors—students can connect with faculty in many ways. Learning is a personal experience at LFA.
Time management is key for LFA students; most use their free periods during the day to study, work on projects, get a head start on homework, or meet with teachers. Our location gives us many opportunities to extend the classroom outside the school grounds, including field trips to museums and cultural resources in Chicago and Milwaukee. Proximity to O’Hare International Airport allows us to coordinate a variety of travel and service learning experiences during Spring Break. Independent Study courses provide students an opportunity to seek more in-depth subject matter, partner with local experts, or explore a subject not offered. Recent topics include biochemistry research, constitutional law, women’s studies, and art history.
Academics at a glance
Course selections depend on:
Diploma requirements (Minimum)
• 21 AP Courses
• Pre-LFA preparation and achievement
• 18.5 total credits over four years
• Average class size is 12
• Success in courses while at LFA
• English—four years
• 4-year sequential program
• Personal intellectual interests
• Mathematics—three years
• L iberal arts foundation, college prep focus
• Future academic goals
• H istory, Science, Language—three or more years in at least two of these disciplines, and two or more years in the third
• M ore than 100 courses offered • Independent study programs available
• F ine and Performing Arts—1.5 credits over four years
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/academics
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Academic Technology “ I can turn in my assignments and see my results on that specific homework. This is really useful in science classes, as I can download my labs, fill them out, and submit them without ever having to print anything. Apple TV allows us to have a much more dynamic classroom that encourages participation. Playing review games as a class, such as Kahoot, creates friendly competition and can be done entirely on our iPads.” —Marilou Cameron ’17
LFA’s Library Media Services offers an ever-expanding collection of digital resources—e-books, research databases, apps, and films. Each student receives a school-owned iPad for active learning, and tech support is available throughout the academic day.
The state-of-the-art J.C. Cowart Media Commons is where you’ll find: • P owerful desktop tools for multi-media design and production • Video/audio recording and production facilities • 3-D Printers • Interactive video monitors At the same time, the Library Reading Room, located in historic Reid Hall, is reserved for quiet individual study and group work, and provides access to traditional print media. An extensive digital and physical archive collection reflects the Academy’s unique history.
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English Language Learning and Summer Program For some students, the LFA experience begins here. Each year, 15-25 international students spend their academic day in an intensive full-time English reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening program, while also taking classes from the LFA curriculum. These students are full members of the LFA community, living in campus dorms, participating in school activities, and playing on school athletic teams. In addition, LFA offers a comprehensive Summer Program focused on English Language Learning. Established in 1979, the five-week program for students ages 13-19 begins in July and ends in August. The program features regular visits to the city of Chicago and a variety of student activities outside the classroom.
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/admissions/summer
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The Arts “ Along with the LFA choir, I have been able to take advantage of all the opportunities within the arts at LFA. I am part of our male a cappella group, the Cax Street Boys, and the Glee-type club VOX. I take AP music theory and I am an Arts Concentration student. I have also been in nearly every show at LFA, from Grease during my freshman year to Once on This Island, the winter musical, and Sonia Flew, which was the Fall Play.” —Dominic Scheerer ’18
Whether the stage is their second home, or they have not really considered the arts before, all students have every opportunity to explore the fine and performing arts at LFA. Students are required to take a minimum of three arts courses to fulfill their arts requirement for graduation. However, all are encouraged to participate in as many arts opportunities as they choose.
Arts offerings include • Fall Play • Winter Musical • One-Act Play Festival (student written and directed) • Stage Crew • Set Design/Construction/Lighting • Choir • Orchestra • Jazz Band • VOX (musical theater performance group) • Laptop Orchestra • Co-ax (student/faculty rock band) • 2D Art (Photography, Painting, Drawing) • 3D Art (Sculpture, Glass, Woodworking) • Digital Production
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“ I love the variety of arts at LFA; we offer everything from glass to sculpting which is really awesome. My favorite memory actually happened this year. In my photo class, we went to a nursing home to take portraits of the residents and talk with them, which was really fun.” —Chapin Grumhaus ’18
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.
Fine and Performing Arts space and equipment available: • Practice rooms with pianos
“ I took a woodworking class this year and I found out that I loved creating projects that required me to use my hands more in the classroom.” —Connor Hudziak ’19
• Recording studio
“ I participated in the last chamber concert of the year this year and I played in a string quartet with some pretty amazing musicians. It was really fun and I felt proud after we performed because it was a reflection of all the time we spent practicing.” —Isis Burgos ’18
• N eal/Cellmer Art Gallery, Lillard Family Lobby display areas, and other designated spaces throughout campus for student art exhibition
• Proscenium theater • Photo darkrooms • S tudio space for computer art, painting, drawing, pottery, photography
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/Arts
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Athletics “ I’ve enjoyed the relationships formed with teammates and coaches. One of my favorite LFA memories is going up to Canada for a basketball tournament.” —Andrew Ivinjack ’19
At LFA, a strong athletics program is a fundamental aspect of the educational journey. “Physical well-being, along with the lesson in commitment, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and teamwork that come from athletic participation are all part of the LFA experience,” notes Athletic Director Darrin Madeley.
Athletic Requirements:
“ I really enjoy the coaches and their enthusiasm for helping us grow as an athlete and a person.” —Camille Pastrana ’19
• All students—at least one interscholastic team sport per year. • F reshmen and sophomores—all three seasons (fall, winter, and spring). This can be an interscholastic sport or a PE option. • J uniors and seniors—two seasons are required, participation in a third season is optional. With varsity and junior varsity teams available in most sports, there is an appropriate level of instruction, coaching, and competition for each player’s ability and skill. Many LFA teams maintain a no-cut policy, ensuring all students the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of interscholastic play.
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Good to Know: • D uring the season, students are involved in games or practices every afternoon and sometimes on Saturdays.
“ The best part of any sports season at LFA is Senior Night; you come together as a team and celebrate the seniors and your season together.” —Maya Lieberman ’18
• W aivers are granted at the discretion of the Athletic Director for students who participate in a sport LFA does not offer. • O ur certified full-time athletic trainer and our certified strength and conditioning instructor work with individual student-athletes and teams on fitness, nutrition, and strength programs. • L FA participates in Screens for Teens, which includes an EKG for all participants and an echocardiogram for certain students. • L FA student-athletes undergo a preseason computerized baseline concussion test.
LFA Sports by Season FALL Interscholastic cheerleading (co-ed) boys cross-country girls cross-country girls field hockey football golf (co-ed) prep hockey
WINTER boys soccer girls swimming girls tennis girls volleyball PE Options fall play strength + fitness
Interscholastic boys basketball girls basketball boys hockey girls hockey prep hockey squash (co-ed) boys swimming
SPRING PE Options bowling jiu-jitsu strength + fitness yoga winter musical
Interscholastic girls badminton baseball boys lacrosse girls lacrosse girls soccer softball boys tennis
boys track and field girls track and field boys volleyball PE Options cycling strength + fitness
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/athletics
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“ At LFA, students develop an ethic of participation that makes them more compelling candidates when they apply to college.” —Andrew Poska, Dean of College Counseling
A Network for Life LFA’s transformative experience prepares students well for college and their future global work environment. As the college search is unique for everyone, college counselors meet with students individually beginning in junior year. With a four-person counseling staff, students enjoy the advantage of a small student-to-counselor ratio. Each counselor lives on campus and is an active member of the LFA community, so they know the students well. As a result, counselors are able to guide students through the process successfully, ensuring each has options that match their needs and interests. Although punctuated by specific activities and time-driven deadlines, the search for the right college is a culmination of careful thought, serious reflection, and the outcome of many decisions made throughout high school. This is when all the hard work and extracurricular activities pay off.
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Class of 2017 College Matriculation
STUDENTS
CA 10
INSTITUTIONS
NY 13
WI 6
TOP STATES
MA 13
IL 10
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TOTAL STATES
24% PUBLIC
76% will attend a PRIVATE college or university
10 STUDENT ATHLETES will continue their playing career in 6 different sports at 10 schools at the DI and DIII levels
The annual STUDENT AND ALUMNI NETWORKING NIGHT is an opportunity for current students to interact with young LFA alumni and learn about careers in a variety of industries, as well as ask questions about college majors, internships, and the typical day of young professionals.
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“ LFA does a great job in terms of the college application process. As early as the second term of our junior year, we are assigned to specific college counselors and start meeting with them to plan out a college list. In the fall, they help us with sending scores, revising papers, and preparing us for a higher education. I’ve done several college visits already and visited schools that my counselor has recommended, and I think such experiences are really helpful.” —Clint Shi ’18 Arizona State University Babson College Beloit College Bentley University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Bryn Mawr College Claremont McKenna College Colgate University Cornell College Cornell University Duke University Emory University Fudan University Furman University Georgetown University Grinnell College Hamilton College—NY Hong Kong Baptist University Howard University Indiana University at Bloomington Johns Hopkins University Knox College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Marquette University McGill University Memorial University of Newfoundland Miami University, Oxford Missouri University of Science and Technology New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Palm Beach Atlantic University Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Santa Clara University Southern Methodist University Swarthmore College Texas Christian University The University of Tampa Truman State University
Tufts University Tulane University University College London University of British Columbia University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, San Diego University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Denver University of Edinburg University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Miami University of Michigan University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Southern California University of Utah University of Wisconsin, Madison Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Western Michigan University Yale University
POPULAR COLLEGE DESTINATIONS over the past four years include: n University of Illinois n New York University n Northwestern University n Boston University n University of Michigan n University of Southern California n Cornell University n Tufts University n Purdue University n Johns Hopkins University
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“ I really enjoy all of the opportunities to succeed and try new things. Because of the immense diversity at LFA, I have become a lot more culturally aware and knowledgeable about the outside world.” —Erin Snoddy ’17
Global Outlook and Experiences A Pluralistic Student Body LFA students come from near and far—from Chicago’s suburbs and across the United States, to many different countries around the globe. No matter where they call home, students at the Academy are committed to excellence, possess a curiosity about the world, and are excited to learn in a diverse school community. This year’s student body includes students from 15 states and 38 countries and territories. Students of color comprise 29% of our community, and international students make up 26%. Head of School, Dr. John Strudwick, points out, “LFA is committed to the education of character, ethics, and a value system based in community, empathy, and support. The term ‘Midwestern Heart’ embodies cooperation, diligence, and an authentic approach to life. LFA is also committed to being a global educational community that embraces a diverse group of students and faculty from around the world, and, through its curricular and extra-curricular programs, encourages the development of a ‘Global Mind.’
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Head of School Symposium Each year, Dr. Strudwick selects a topic for the entire school community to explore through the Head of School Symposium. There are outside speakers, trips off campus, and a teach-in day, where all classes incorporate the topic into their lessons and discussions. In addition, a spring break travel opportunity is associated with the HOS Symposium. Since 2002-03, the topic alternates each year between a theme and a geographic region. The 2017-18 topic is “The Brain: Inquiry, Imagination, and Innovation.”
Previous topics include: • I mmigration, Emigration, and Migration: Culture, Citizenship, and Conflict • V ietnam, Cambodia, and Laos: Culture, Conflict, and Commerce • Tomorrow’s World: The Power of Science and Technology • B razil: Order and Progress • T he Caribbean: Climate, Commerce, and Culture
“ I did Bernie’s Book Bank for a service learning project with my Seminar class and it was a great experience. It was truly a bonding experience for the whole class, and we learned a lot. We packaged a lot of books that day!” —Kennedy Smith ’19
Service Learning Meaningful community service, instruction, and reflection are the key elements of our Service Learning Program. Through carefully coordinated service projects, students experience first-hand how they can impact—and be impacted by—the world outside the school grounds. Service Learning allows students to apply classroom concepts directly to programs and activities that address social concerns. These experiences expand world views while developing initiative, compassion, and commitment. All students participate in the Service Learning Program at LFA. For the 2017 Service Day, 435 students went out to 17 different sites throughout Lake County, Ill., to pack over 13,000 lbs. of food, fill 1,020 sandbags, plant hundreds of trees, and more.
Service Learning Opportunities include:
“ The HOS Symposium is a great way of becoming a global citizen. The topic of discussion changes every year, which allows students to view different aspects of the world around them.” —Ashly Frazier ’18
• Grade level initiatives • Seminar class projects • I ndividual volunteer activities • Community service clubs
• Interact (Rotary International student chapter) • Harvest Hope Project • All-School Service Learning Day
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“ We had a very tough hike [on the third day of the HOS Symposium trip], but we ended up finding a waterfall…we all jumped in [to swim]. We will remember that moment forever.” —Cameron Crowley ’18 and Louis Villemure ’20
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Prefects Peer Mentors Proctors Dorm Councils Student Council All-School President Class Presidents Class Representatives Discipline Committee Student Clubs Masters of the Houses House Captains
Student Leadership LFA provides a wealth of student leadership opportunities so students gain experience in managing groups, and organizing and planning events, activities, and projects.
Stuart Center for Global Leadership LFA is the headquarters for the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI), nationally recognized for its global educational programs. The flagship program is a three-year summer sequence focusing on building community (Year 1), looking within (Year 2), and giving back (Year 3). In partnership with the GYLI, the Stuart Center for Global Leadership is focused on programs for LFA students, faculty, and alumni. Executive Director Matt Nink acknowledges, “Global citizenship skills and capacities are important for LFA students in order to build stronger communities and make positive change in the world.”
Experiential Learning In developing global citizens, LFA makes the world part of the classroom. Through experiential learning—participating in service activities, traveling with a class, or spending a year abroad— LFA students are encouraged to widen their horizons. Recent trip destinations include Argentina, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Florida Keys, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Laos, New York City, Ireland, Taiwan, and many more.
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/GlobalEducation
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“ My favorite thing about being a boarder is being able to live with your friends and create memories together.” —Daniel Blain ’20
A Place to Belong Location plays a big role in student and campus life. Living so close to Chicago—just 30 miles north—means students can experience big-city life. LFA offers trips to museums, theater, symphony, opera, and even professional sporting events. Whether coming from out of town, out of state, or out of the country, O’Hare Airport is only 21 miles away; Academy Drive is one mile east of I-294, the Tri-State Tollway. Lake Forest has two train stations, where we run daily shuttles to and from to make it easy for students to commute from Chicago and the suburbs. The Academy is on the western edge of the city of Lake Forest, a small lakeside town on the shores of Lake Michigan. The 150-acre campus is private and peaceful, with extensive playing fields, wooded trails, gardens, and ponds. Located on the former J. Ogden Armour estate, the campus includes many of the estate’s original buildings. Most significant of these is Reid Hall, built in 1908 as the Armour family home and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside Reid Hall is the Library Reading Room, the English department, administrative offices, and the Admission office.
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Campus buildings include: • A tlass Hall and Warner House— boys dorms • F erry Hall, Field House, and McIntosh Cottage—girls dorms • C orbin and Korhumel academic buildings • The Cressey Center for the Arts • Glore Memorial Gymnasium and Pool • MacKenzie Ice Arena • C rown Fitness and Wellness Center —student athletic commons, multipurpose room, cardio and weight room, athletic department offices • J ames P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing —locker rooms, training room, team meeting room, concession stand
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The complimentary mix of old and new buildings creates a vibrant campus. Our newest building, the Student Union, opened in August 2016. This brand-new space is the campus hub, housing the dining hall, snack bar, campus store, mail room, and the Stuart Center for Global Leadership.
The LEED-compliant Reyes Family Science Center opened in 2013 and features seven lab-classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment, a robotics lab, a math lab, an environmental studies greenhouse, conference areas, and facilities for independent study and research.
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The Dorms Boarding students live in one of five single-sex dormitories; each dorm is supervised by a team of residential faculty members who live either in the apartments attached to the dorm or in faculty houses nearby. These faculty members are called “dorm parents,” providing support for all aspects of boarding life. Every night, at least one faculty member is on duty in each dorm, the library, and the Media Commons. They supervise evening study hours, organize weeknight and weekend activities, and are simply on hand when students need help with homework or just want to chat. In addition, each dorm has Proctors, senior boarders who provide guidance to their fellow boarding students. No two LFA dorms are exactly alike; they range in size from 9 to 72 students and each has its own personality and traditions.
Examples of Dorm Traditions • Warner—Festivus • Atlass—Yale Cog • Field—Easter Egg Hunt • Ferry—High Tea with the Head of School • McIntosh—Coffee Shop Study Hours
Examples of Dorm Activities • Foosball Tournaments • Screening of movies and TV shows • Dodgeball matches • Barbecues • Video game gatherings • Dorm “family dinners”
“ Having lived in the dorms for the last three years, I can honestly say that I have loved living right next to some of my best friends, who have become more like sisters, from all over the world.” —Erin Snoddy ’17
• Super Bowl parties • “Feeds” on weeknights after study hours • Spa nights Living at school means boarders gain independence as they learn to take care of themselves, manage their time wisely, and even how to do their own laundry. It’s a great way to get ready for college!
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How’s the Food?
Weekend Activities
The new dining hall serves three meals a day, Monday – Friday, and is open for brunch and dinner on the weekends. Meals include soup, salad bar, and a wide variety of entrees and desserts. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at every meal. Both boarding and day students have the option to eat all meals on campus. From all-school picnics to daily lunches and dinners, our kitchen staff is always on the lookout for an opportunity to create special meals or treats centered around themes and school events.
Every weekend, there are plenty of activities for boarding and day students. Activities are supervised by a faculty member, and while participation in these activities is optional, Academy students are always encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities.
Student Poll: Favorite Food at LFA?
• The Six Flags Trip!
• G reek lemon chicken with rice pilaf and Greek salad. It’s out of this world.
• I like the dorm events where you get to hang out with friends, eat food, watch movies, play games, and just relax
• K orean chicken
• I like the van runs to Chicago to do fun activities like shopping or eating
• C axy Burgers • P asta Day • E gg rolls and tofu • Q uesadillas • T he cookies. Enough said. • D efinitely the BBQ chicken pizza • C hicken tenders!!
Student Poll: Favorite Weekend Activities? • Day trips to ski or to waterparks • The sports events
• I really like the House Cup. It’s so fun and everyone really gets into it. • Free Suzy’s Swirl Dashes • Mitsuwa, Asian markets • Trips to the movies • Open dorms • Old Orchard mall • Nature trips like Starved Rock State Park • Rock climbing
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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.
“ I play a sport 2 out of my 3 seasons, and when I am not in season, I work out in the fitness center. So I am here almost every day after school. I am usually present at most sports games to support others, and I stay most days for study hours in order to do homework.” —Chapin Grumhaus ’18 “ I get involved after school or on weekends through sports games, concerts, and chilling with friends.” —Jasper Fisher ’18
Get the details: www.lfanet.org/StudentLife
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“ Do anything you think you might enjoy. Do not be hesitant to try something new. LFA is an amazing place with incredible opportunities; take advantage of all those opportunities as much as possible.” —Maya Lieberman ’18
A Culture of Participation • Advisory • Seminar Program • Dress Code • Clubs and Activities • House Competitions • Health Services • Counseling
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Advisory “ What surprises me is how much I really love school. People always think it is weird that I miss school over break, but I honestly can’t wait to get back. The LFA environment is so consuming it’s hard not to miss it over long breaks.” —Chapin Grumhaus ’18 “ I didn’t have any trouble finding activities at LFA because there was always an activity that was in my interest or even a little out of my comfort zone.” —Connor Hudziak ’19
This 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. Advisory meets regularly for announcements and to connect with one another. This is a time when an advisor can greet each student face-to-face, share school news, and discuss topics of student interest. Advisories share group and individual experiences, develop their own unique traditions, and create memories.
Seminar Program Student Seminar is a non-traditional class where students explore ideas about community, participation, leadership, wellness, and self. Seminar classes meet twice per cycle for freshmen and sophomores, and once per cycle for juniors and seniors. Each grade level covers its own specific topics throughout the year.
Dress Code Intended to reflect a purposeful sense of self and work, LFA expects boys to dress in shirt and tie, and girls to dress in a skirt, dress, or nice pants. Once the academic day ends, students are welcome to slip into a favorite pair of jeans or sweats.
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Clubs and Activities It’s easy for students to get involved in any number of clubs; they can even create their own club. All they need is a teacher to sponsor their idea. Meeting times vary, but the Academy’s schedule allows for opportunities to meet during the school day. Every year, new clubs are established, while many others are long-standing traditions like Cultural Diversity Club, Co-ax, and Interact.
Examples of LFA Clubs include: Amnesty International
Future Business Leaders of America
Photography Club
Asian American Association
Gender & Sexuality Alliance
Public Speaking Support Group
Asian Culture Union
Harlow Society
Robotics Team
Black Student Union
Interact
Rock Climbing Club
Caxy Keys (Student Ambassadors)
International Cuisine Club
Sailing Club
Christian Fellowship for Caxys
International Dance Club
Science Olympiad
Croquet Club
Jewish Student Union
Science on the Fly
Cultural Diversity Club
Math Team
Unidos
Film Society
Model UN
Video Club
“ Get involved as much as possible—go out of your comfort zone and try things you have never done before. You will be surprised how many doors open when you are involved in the community.” —Dieter Villegas ’18
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House Competitions “ I love House Cup competitions because they have really silly, yet fun games and it creates a lot of school spirit. You have to work together with your house and people you might not know to complete challenges and win the competitions.” —Elizabeth Christoph ’18
Just like the House Cup competitions in Harry Potter, when LFA students arrive on campus, they are placed in one of four houses: Bird, Lewis, Sargent, or Welch. Each House is named after an esteemed former LFA Head of School or Ferry Hall Principal. All year long, students compete for House points through a variety of activities, like winning a game show, acing a trivia contest, performing a random act of kindness, or displaying great school spirit. The winning House is awarded the House Cup trophy on Move-Up Day, and their color is displayed on the following year’s Student Handbook and Planner.
Health Services Our infirmary is staffed seven days a week with nurses from nearby Lake Forest Hospital. They’re here to treat sick students and supply over-the-counter medications. They can dispense prescription medication to students on a long-term or short-term basis. They will also take students to any medical appointments as needed, such as the dentist or doctor.
Counseling At times, a student may need the help of a professional counselor to explore and resolve personal difficulties. The 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. Get the details: www.lfanet.org/student_life/health
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“ I have always appreciated the beauty of the campus. The facilities are excellent. Through the generous financial support of donors, there have been major renovations to Cressey’s sound system and we’ve added new pianos for student use. I’m also excited about the new Student Union.” —Nick Lin ’17
Visiting Campus and Next Steps • Visiting LFA • Admission Details and Deadlines • Financial Aid • Tuition and Fees • Philanthropy
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Visiting LFA Find us online and on social media: www.lfanet.org Facebook facebook.com/LakeForestAcademy Twitter @LFAcad Instagram LFACADEMY Smugmug www.lakeforestacademy.smugmug.com
Whether you visit for an open house, campus tour, or a shadow day, when you come to campus, you’ll find a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community. Campus Tours are led by current students. Monday – Friday, by appointment only. Shadow Days give your student a snap shot of life at LFA. Prospective students take a tour, attend morning classes, and have lunch with an LFA student. They will also interview with the Admission office and have the opportunity to meet with coaches and faculty members of particular interest. Parents may also meet with the Admission office and have a campus tour. Open Houses are scheduled for November 5, 2017 and April 22, 2018; we hope you will join us for one of these events. Plan to arrive at 1 p.m. for a student-led tour, and informative program.
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AT A GLANCE
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Co-educational college preparatory boarding + day school
Student body size
48% n Boarding n Day
Students from
39 15
COUNTRIES + TERRITORIES
STATES
30% of
Students Receive Financial Aid
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30 miles from Chicago
Average class size
12
Student:Teacher Ratio
Advanced Placement Courses
27 VARSITY SPORTS
Admission Details and Deadlines
Online Financial Aid Application
Each year, LFA welcomes approximately 130 new students into the community. Typically this includes 90 freshmen, 25 new sophomores, and 15 new juniors and seniors.
• Beginning November 1, 2017, go to www.sss.nais.org.
How do I apply?
To be eligible for financial aid at LFA you must complete your application and submit all supporting documents by January 15, 2018. Decisions about financial aid are sent with admission decisions in the first week of March.
• C omplete the online application: www.lfanet.org/admissions/applyonline • Submit your teacher and school recommendations • D ownload your student essay questions and submit your completed essays • Schedule your student interview • Login to your account regularly to see what items are still needed • Complete this process by February 1, 2018 The Admissions Committee meets in February to review applications from more than 700 students, so you must have your file complete by February 1. Decisions are released the first week of March.
Successful applicants demonstrate:
• C lick on the prompt to begin the financial aid application (also known as the Parents Financial Statement or PFS).
Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees for the 2018-19 school year will be set by the Lake Forest Academy Board of Trustees in January 2018. The tuition increases each year by a small percentage. The current 2016-17 tuition is: Day Students
Tuition (includes meals): $43,150
Boarding Students
Tuition, room, and board: $57,700
International Student Fee:
$2200
• Exceptional academic ability
Additional Expenses
• Good citizenship
Expenses normally incurred by all families include textbooks/e-books ($400 - $800 per year), snack bar (approx. $25 per month), and SAT/ACT/AP testing fees (varies according to student). Boarding students will need to cover the travel costs of three round trips each year and pay for their laundry. The cost of athletic uniforms is included in tuition, but specialized equipment may be necessary for some sports. An insurance plan is required, as it helps in the case of illness or emergency, especially if your insurance carrier does not have a U.S. billing number.
• Varied extra-curricular accomplishments • An eagerness to be part of a diverse school community Our goal is to build a community of students with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, skills, and interests, as well as particular commitments to athletics, the arts, and more. Once a class is fully enrolled, LFA creates a waiting list of students. Applicants are notified of their waiting list status and offered admission should space become available.
Testing Applicants to grades 9 or 10 should take the October, November, December, or January Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). The SSAT is an international exam and is offered worldwide. Register for the SSAT: www.ssat.org. SSAT test results should be submitted to Lake Forest Academy using our school code: 4450. Spots fill up quickly, so register early! Applicants to grades 11, 12, and post-graduate students should forward the results of their PSAT, PLAN, SAT, or ACT to the Academy.
Financial Aid LFA is committed to providing more than $5.1 million of financial support to qualified students to ensure that we maintain a diverse and inclusive community. Lake Forest Academy awards a small number of Head of School Scholarships ($7,000 - $10,000) to recognize students of high academic achievement regardless of financial need. Recipients of these awards are selected by the Dean of Admission and the Head of School. Lake Forest Academy does not award athletic scholarships or any other non-need-based extracurricular scholarships.
Philanthropy As an independent school, Lake Forest Academy relies on and benefits from extensive and ongoing charitable support to help sustain its mission of excellence. Generations of loyal LFA and Ferry Hall supporters have created the educational legacy we enjoy today. Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the Academy Fund, LFA’s annual fund, which supports the school’s operating budget. The Parents Association Spring Gala, LFA’s largest fundraiser, uses a Dutch auction to provide funds for specific budget-offsetting projects each summer. LFA parents also have the opportunity to volunteer their time and talent through a variety of Parents Association events and activities, in addition to making a gift to the school.
Admission Contact Information Office of Admission 847.615.3267 admissions@lfanet.org
Lake Forest Academy 1500 W Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 847.615.3267 www.lfanet.org