YOUR TIME HERE STARTS NOW
Midwestern Heart. Global Mind.
YOUR TIME HERE STARTS NOW
WELCOME TO LAKE FOREST ACADEMY! LFA attracts students who seek rich and rewarding learning experiences and relationships.
Take a glance at a typical day in the life of an LFA student!
MISSION STATEMENT Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
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MIDWESTERN HEART. GLOBAL MIND. 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 opened as an independent girls school in Lake Forest. LFA merged with Ferry Hall in 1974 and has been co-educational ever since.
LEADERSHIP LFA’s Head of School is José De Jesús who previously served as Head of the Upper School at Packer Collegiate Institute in New York City, NY. 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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8:10 AM
ENGLISH 11 LFA ACADEMICS AT A GLANCE
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
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10
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FOUR YEAR SEQUENTIAL PROGRAM
LIBERAL ARTS FOUNDATION WITH COLLEGE PREP FOCUS
100+ COURSES OFFERED, INCLUDING ELECTIVES
MORE DETAILS AND FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ARE AT LFANET.ORG/CURRICULUM.
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LFA IS UNIQUE BECAUSE YOU GET SO MUCH MORE THAN THE TYPICAL CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL WOULD OFFER. WITH FEWER KIDS IN EACH CLASS, YOU’RE ABLE TO KNOW EVERYONE PERSONALLY AND GET MORE ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH YOUR TEACHERS. IT MAKES THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT MORE COMFORTABLE. - Grace ’19
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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, such as community service for sophomores or the transition to college for seniors.
DRESS CODE LFA’s dress code is 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. Students are welcome to change after the academic day.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (MINIMUM)
18.5
TOTAL CREDITS OVER FOUR YEARS
ENGLISH FOUR YEARS
MATHEMATICS THREE YEARS
HISTORY, SCIENCE, LANGUAGE
THREE OR MORE YEARS IN AT LEAST TWO OF THESE DISCIPLINES, AND TWO OR MORE YEARS IN THE THIRD
FINE ARTS 1.5 CREDITS OVER FOUR YEARS
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8:55 AM
AP WORLD HISTORY 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.
ENROLLMENT PROFILE
13 STATES
35 COUNTRIES + TERRITORIES
33% STUDENTS OF COLOR
26% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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HEAD OF SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM Each year, the entire school community explores a specific topic through the Head of School Symposium. There are outside speakers, trips off campus, and a dedicated HOS Symposium Day. In addition, a spring break travel opportunity is associated with the symposium. The 2019-20 topic is “Inequality and Global Poverty.”
PREVIOUS TOPICS INCLUDE: · Russia: Revolution and Resurgence · Immigration, Emigration, and Migration: Culture, Citizenship, and Conflict · The Caribbean: Climate, Commerce, and Culture · The Brain: Inquiry, Imagination, and Innovation
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THE DIVERSITY HERE IS UNMATCHED IN THE MIDWEST. LFA HAS PEOPLE FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD, AND THE ATMOSPHERE HERE IS TRULY COSMOPOLITAN. - John ’19
INDEPENDENT STUDIES 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 Software and Hardward Integration, The Venetian Renaissance, and Kinesiology.
GLOBAL CONCENTRATION PROGRAM LFA offers the Global Concentration Program, a twoyear academic experience for juniors and seniors who are interested in political, historical, and cultural issues at the international level. The program culminates with a capstone project and is housed under the Global Department, which offers interdepartmental courses. For 2019-20, students can consider taking The Good Life: An Exploration and Study of Global Happiness, Global Poverty: The Challenges & Possible Solutions, or Environmental Psychology.
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I FEEL LIKE I AM SURROUNDED BY FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN I AM IN LFA. THE COMMUNITY IS VERY WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY.
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ADVISORY OR MORNING MEETING STUDENT-FACULTY RELATIONSHIPS Close to 80% of LFA faculty and their families live on campus, which allows students to develop relationships with teachers beyond the classroom. Teachers meet with students during free periods and regularly attend athletic and arts events. LFA faculty become respected mentors and friends as they fulfill their roles as coaches, dorm parents, advisors, and club sponsors.
- So Eun ’21
ONE OF THE THINGS I ENJOY MOST ABOUT LFA IS HOW MUCH EVERYONE CARES ABOUT EACH OTHER. IT’S APPARENT THAT KIDS UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING, BUT WHAT SETS LFA APART IS THAT STUDENTS TRULY CHERISH RELATIONSHIPS MADE WITH TEAMMATES, CLASSMATES, TEACHERS, AND COACHES. - Paul Makovec, Math Faculty
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ADVISORY
MORNING MEETING
An advisory is a student’s “family” within the larger LFA
All students and faculty gather in The Cressey Center for
community. With just five to eight students in an advisory,
the Arts to hear special announcements during twenty-
it’s easy to bond with the group. Advisory usually meets
minute “Morning Meetings” on Wednesday and Friday
on Mondays and Thursdays. Advisories share group
mornings. Morning Meetings are run by the student
and individual experiences, develop their own unique
Prefects and allow the LFA community to be in the loop
traditions, and create memories. Advisors are in constant
on upcoming food drives, athletic tournament results,
communication with parents and guardians regarding
weekend activities, and more. All-School Meetings,
students’ academic performances and act as key
concerts, and evening events also take place in Cressey.
supporters of their advisees during their time at LFA.
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10:00 AM
CHOIR In March 2019, the LFA Choir visited New York City to attend master classes with professional artists, see Broadway shows, and visit iconic landmarks such as the New York Stock Exchange. This trip was one of many curricular trips that LFA students participate in. LFA also offers non-curricular activities during spring and summer vacation.
OTHER CURRICULAR TRIPS INCLUDE: • AP Environmental Science - Conservation and ecosystem visit to Washington State • Le Monde Francophone - Host family stay in Morocco or Guadeloupe • Contemporary Civilizations and Cultures of Latin America - Service trip to Costa Rica • AP Art History - Visit to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. • Orchestra - Recording session at RCA Studios and visit Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee
SEE TRIP DESCRIPTIONS FOR 19-20 AT LFANET.ORG/STUDENT_LIFE/SPRING_BREAK
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THERE ARE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAVEL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE SPRING BREAK TRIPS AND I ACTUALLY HAD A CHANCE TO GO TO GHANA THROUGH OUR CLUB, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, WHICH WAS A REALLY AMAZING EXPERIENCE. - Ava ’19
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING In developing global citizens, LFA makes the local Chicago area and the larger 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 Australia, California, China, Cuba, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Peru, the United Kingdom, Yosemite National Park, and many more.
STUART CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP LFA is the headquarters for the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI), nationally recognized for its global educational programs. GYLI 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 LFA global leadership and travel programs. The Stuart Center runs the 9th Grade Retreat in the beginning of the year as well as various roundtable discussions about current political and global issues.
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12:15 PM
LUNCH THE STUDENT CENTER LFA’s JC Cowart Student Center houses the 300-seat Reid-Anderson Family Dining Hall and the Stuart Center for Global Leadership as well as an active student commons, mailroom, campus store, and student bank. An outside terrace with sweeping views of Crown Fitness & Wellness Center and student dorms provides additional seating and the opportunity to gather. LFA offers three meals a day, Monday – Friday, and brunch and dinner on the weekends. Meals include soup, salad bar, and a wide variety of entrees and desserts. Vegetarian and glutenfree options are available at every meal. Both boarding and day students have the option to eat all meals on campus.
THE STUDENT CENTER PROVIDES US WITH A SPACE TO INTERACT, SOCIALIZE, AND GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER. IT’S ALSO A PLACE TO STUDY AS WELL AS PLAY POOL AND PING PONG. - Noah ’21
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1:00 PM
BREAK LFA’s schedule accommodates a series of breaks, usually 20 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon, depending on the cycle day. Students use breaks to meet with teachers, hold club meetings, or grab a snack at Sonia’s Snack Bar in the Student Union.
PHOTO: LAST YEAR, LFA’S CLASS OF 2019 PREFECTS POSED FOR PHOTOS DURING AN AFTERNOON BREAK.
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IF YOU’RE COMMITTED, I REALLY THINK THAT YOU CAN DO IT ALL AT LFA. - Ani ’21
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CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES Students can choose to participate in as many clubs as they want as well as create their own club. Every year, new clubs are established, while many others are long-standing traditions like Cultural Diversity Club, Model UN, Robotics Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Film Society.
A FULL LIST OF CLUBS IS AT LFANET.ORG/STUDENT_ LIFE/CLUBS.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP LFA students develop as leaders by planning student council initiatives, running food drives, and facilitating multicultural dialogues during All-School Meetings. Leadership roles include, but are not limited to, the following: · The All-School President presides over Student Council, which consists of Class Presidents and Representatives. · Prefects assist with major school events, such as the Opening of School, and serve on committees related to discipline and student activities. · Proctors run Dorm Council and help their fellow boarding students manage safe, successful routines in the dorms. · Masters of the Houses and House Captains help foster school spirit during House Cup Competitions* throughout the year. *See page 44 for more details regarding House Cup Competitions.
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2:15 PM
CYCLE MEETING WITH COLLEGE COUNSELOR LFA’s college counselors meet with students starting the second semester of junior year. With a four-person counseling staff, students enjoy the advantage of a small student-to-counselor ratio. The counselors live on campus and get to know their students. As a result, counselors are able to guide students through the process successfully, ensuring each has options that match their needs and interests.
CLASS OF 2019 MATRICULATION SEE LFA’S INTERACTIVE COLLEGE MATRICULATION INFORMATION AT LFANET.ORG/COLLEGEMATRICULATION
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STATES
COUNTRIES
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FINDING THE RIGHT FIT Juniors and seniors meet with their college counselors for 45 minutes once every cycle to go over their college lists, essays, and other supplemental materials. Students have a multitude of opportunities to meet college representatives on campus and attend events to help them in their college process. Admission officers from over 150 colleges across the country and around the world come to visit LFA every fall. LFA also hosts an annual College Night, an evening where representatives from 130 universities set up booths to talk in-person
LFA COLLEGE COUNSELING IS ONE OF THE MOST PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT YOU WILL HAVE. LFA HAS PREPARED ME VERY WELL, AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE WHAT LIES AHEAD.
with students. In January, juniors and their parents attend the Junior College Workshop for a Q&A session with college reps. Attendees also act as college admission officers during a mock admission process.
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- Michael ’20
TOP 10 MOST POPULAR COLLEGE DESTINATIONS Boston University Emory University New York University Northwestern University Tulane University Tufts University University of California-Berkeley University of Illinois University of Michigan University of Southern Calirfornia
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3:30 PM
SPORTS PRACTICE LFA ATHLETIC 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.
A FULL LIST OF OUR TEAMS, SPORTS SCHEDULES, AND TEAM RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW. LFACAXYS.ORG.
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WHAT’S A CAXY? 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.”
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I HAVE ENJOYED MEETING AMAZING PEOPLE AND HOW THE SPORTS TEAMS BECOME FAMILIES. - Eden ’21
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LFA’S FIELD HOCKEY TEAM COMPETES IN STATE, AND OUR COACH DEDICATES TIME TO EACH INDIVIDUAL TO BENEFIT OUR OWN EXPERIENCES AND TEACH US NEW SKILLS. - Mimi ’22
#GOCAXYS The essence of our program is the promotion of sportsmanship. Whether it be varsity athletics, intramurals, physical education, or general recreation, we honor participation, achievement, and effort.
GOOD TO KNOW: · Waivers are granted at the discretion of the Athletic Director for students who participate in a sport LFA does not offer. · Our certified full-time athletic trainers and our certified strength and conditioning instructor work with individual student athletes and teams on fitness, nutrition, and strength programs. · LFA participates in Screens for Teens, which includes an EKG for all participants and an echocardiogram for certain students. · LFA student-athletes undergo a preseason computerized baseline concussion test.
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4:00 PM
SERVICE ACTIVITIES SERVICE Meaningful community service, instruction, and reflection are the key elements of our Service Program. All students participate in the Service Program and experience first-hand how they can impact the world outside the school grounds. Service Learning Opportunities include grade-level initiatives, Seminar class projects, service clubs, Interact, the Rotary International student chapter, and the Harvest Hope Project.
SERVICE DAY All faculty and students also participate in the annual Service Day. This year,
434 students went to more than 17 local community centers to pack meals, connect with veterans, care for elementary school children, and more!
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ALL OF THE SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCES AT LFA ARE SPECIAL IN THEIR OWN WAYS. MY FAVORITE PART IS THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT I DEVELOP WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS. CREATING LESSONS AND PREPARING FOR HARVEST HOPE* PROVED TO BE SO REWARDING. - Michael ’20 *The Harvest Hope project takes place in the fall. The LFA community participates in a food drive throughout October, and on one date in November, students, parents, and members of the Parents Association run a pancake breakfast, STEM classes, and a food bank event for young students and families at a partner school in North Chicago, Illinois.
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7:00 PM
WINTER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE THE ARTS While many arts classes meet during the regular school day, students often use evening 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.
ARTS OFFERINGS INCLUDE · Fall Play, Winter Musical, and Stage Crew · Choir, Orchestra, and Jazz Band · VOX (musical theater performance group) · Co-ax (student/faculty rock band) · Photography · Sculpture · Ceramics
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THE ARTS PROGRAM AT LFA HAS HELPED ME BOOST MY CONFIDENCE. I PERFORM IN VOX CONCERTS AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ORCHESTRA AS A VIOLINIST. THE ARTS ARE AN IMPORTANT OUTLET, AND IN THE END, IT BUILDS CHARACTER. - Mariana ’22
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ARTS CONCENTRATION PROGRAM 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 · Recording studio · Proscenium theater · Photo darkrooms
· Studio space for computer art, painting, drawing, pottery, photography · Neal/Cellmer Art Gallery and Lillard Family Lobby display areas
CONCERT VIDEOS AND VISUAL ART PHOTO GALLERIES ARE AVAILABLE AT LFANET.ORG/ARTS
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8:00 PM
STUDY HOURS LEARNING AT NIGHT After extracurricular activities and sports games, students head to designated studying areas around campus. Students can go to Math Help, the Writing Center, or meet with teachers in dorm common rooms to work on papers or to study for a test. LFA’s Library Media Services offers an expansive collection of digital resources, and the one-toone 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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10:00 PM
DORM ACTIVITIES THE DORMS 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 72 students and each has its own personality and traditions.
EXAMPLES OF DORM ACTIVITIES · Foosball Tournaments · Screening of movies and TV shows · Dodgeball matches · Video game gatherings · Dorm “family dinners” · “Feeds” on weeknights after study hours · Spa nights
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I LOVE THE FREEDOM THAT BOARDING GIVES ME. I HAVE THE SPACE TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS AND LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. - Gigi ’21
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MANY OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS ARE BOARDING STUDENTS, SO I REALLY APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES WITH THEM OUTSIDE OF CLASS. - Mimi ’22
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Every weekend, there are plenty of activities supervised by a faculty member on campus and around the Chicago area. All students, day or boarding, are welcome to join in.
STUDENT LIST OF FAVORITE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES: · Day trips to ski resorts or water parks · Sporting events · The annual Six Flags Trip · Open dorms to eat and hang out in the commons · Van runs to Chicago to shop on Michigan Ave or visit museums · Trips to Mitsuwa and nearby Asian markets · Nature trips like Starved Rock State Park
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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.
STUDENT HEALTH & COUNSELING LFA’s infirmary is staffed seven days a week with nurses from Lake Forest Hospital. 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 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.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.LFANET.ORG/STUDENT_LIFE/HEALTH
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RINGING THE BELL The Bowditch Bell is a symbolic part of LFA and sits proudly in front of Reid Hall. Sports teams returning after an away victory ring the bell to share their good news; at graduation, the bell is rung as each graduate’s name is announced.
ALL-SCHOOL HANDSHAKE 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 to shake hands with each other.
MOVE-UP DAY 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.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS All students and faculty are placed in one of four houses:
BEYOND THE CLOCK
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 minicompetitions throughout the year. 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.
The Academy upholds many of the traditions established throughout the school’s history.
MY FAVORITE LFA TRADITION IS THE ALLSCHOOL HANDSHAKE BECAUSE YOU SHAKE HANDS WITH EVERYONE AND CAN GET A FEEL FOR THE PEOPLE AT LFA. - Emily ’20
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NEXT STEPS - VISITING LFA LFA is on the western edge of the city
Campus Tours are led by current students during the week by appointment.
of Lake Forest, a suburb of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. The 150acre campus is located on the former J.
International Student Campus Visits are by appointment only.
Ogden Armour estate and includes many of the estate’s original buildings such as Reid Hall.
Prospective students take a tour, attend morning classes, and have lunch with an LFA student during Shadow Days. They
O’Hare International Airport is only 21 miles away from LFA, and Academy Drive is one mile east of I-294, the Tri-State Tollway. Lake Forest has two train stations and students can take advantage of LFA shuttles to and from
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.
the stations to campus. Open Houses are scheduled for October 6, 2019 and April 26, 2020. Plan to arrive by 1 p.m. for a student-led tour and informative program.
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CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE PREPARATORY BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL
GRADES 9–12 9
10
11
12
STUDENTS FROM
35 13 Countries + Territories
52% DAY
48%
BOARDING
States
30% of
Students Receive Financial Aid $5.5 Million Awarded Annually
26% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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27 VARSITY SPORTS
1500 W. KENNEDY RD.
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LAKE FOREST, IL
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60045
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847-615-3267
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WWW.LFANET.ORG