PRIVATE SCHOOL ADVANTAGE

The North Shore has a strong tradition and reputation for providing quality private school education options for parents and students, many of its institutions dating back generations. Over time these parochial schools, day schools, and boarding schools have adapted to the enormous societal changes that impact how our children learn.

Through it all, however, a number of constants remain—guiding principles that have endured and continue to form the foundation on which students can grow and thrive.

For this special issue of The North Shore Weekend, we talked with top private school administrators in the region who highlighted the Top 8 qualities that make a private school education a good investment for parents and students.

Continuity is Key

Private schools offer a consistent, stable environment for students who benefit from a steady learning process. Low faculty turnover, a well-structured schedule, and a deliberate enrollment approach that ensures a school is a good match can all contribute to a positive atmosphere where students can thrive.

Alex Sheridan, Associate Head of School for Advancement at Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS), says continuity can be an important component of the education experience and it’s something on which LFCDS has traditionally placed a focus.

“An LFCDS student begins here when they’re 2 years old and finish when they are 14 or 15, so that’s a pretty significant stretch of a student’s academic experience but also … of life,” Sheridan says. “For us, the environment is really critical to be able to maintain a sense of community and familiarity.”

Sheridan says the retention rate for families at LFCDS is somewhere between 90 and 95 percent, in large part due to the experience faculty is providing to kids in the classroom.

“When families start with us and believe in our mission, we can expect with a high degree of confidence that they will graduate,” he says. “Students are willing to extend themselves when they have a sense of comfort and when they’re in an environment where they feel loved and feel supported.”

Schools Know Their Students

Private schools generally can hire quality teachers and maintain small class sizes, which means they can offer more personalized attention and teach in different ways. Small classes offer a student-centered learning that can’t be found with larger class sizes, says Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day School (NSCDS) in Winnetka. And it’s not just knowing what kids are doing while they’re in school.

“We get to know our students as people as well as learners and tailor our approach to each kid. That means not just how each student learns the best but who are they?” Flemma says. “Outside of class they do ballet or travel baseball, or they may have certain family traditions because of their culture or religion. When a student is known, the teachers have more tools in the toolkit, and that can really amplify the learning that happens.”

Flemma emphasizes that having parents involved as members of a “collaborative team” is key—in particular because NSCDS sets high expectations for its students, and there are no barriers preventing them from getting involved in school activities.

“We provide a huge range of opportunities, and we expect participation in a lot of those activities,” he says. “Athletics, theater clubs, and arts are part of our core program. You’re not worried about being cut from a team or if you’ll be part of the theater production team. Kids find amazing ways to grow that they didn’t even expect.”

Instilling Leadership

Most children carry the values they are taught at home and school throughout the rest of their lives. Private and parochial schools provide opportunities for students to not just excel at school but become leaders within their communities. Service to the broader community is a key principle taught to students at School of St. Mary in Lake Forest.

“For more than a century, the School of St. Mary has remained dedicated to instilling its children with values for a lifetime,” says Kathy Thompson, Principal of School of St. Mary. “Students are inspired to learn, to serve, and to lead with a steadfast commitment to a lifelong journey of service. That is the core of our mission.”

Thompson says the school emphasizes the crucial difference between serving others and seeking to be served. This may include sending heartfelt notes of encouragement to other children around the globe or collecting food donations for families in need. The goal is to teach children to place the needs of others above their individual interests.

“Grounded in Christian principles, we look to Jesus as the ultimate example of servant leadership, as seen when he washed the feet of his disciples,” says Thompson. “In today’s world, true servant leaders are those who listen actively, empathize with the struggles faced by individuals worldwide, seek meaningful solutions, and cultivate friendships. They abide by the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.”

Preparing for College

For many students, admission to the college of their choice after high school is an important next step in their growth. Ensuring students are academically prepared for college and that they are equipped with the right tools to navigate the college admissions process can be a difference maker as they move on from high school.

At Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, college counseling begins the first week of freshman year and continues through to the day students decide which college to attend in May of their senior year.

“Students and their families are accompanied by the college counselor as they navigate the college application/selection process,” says Susan Tyree Dempf, Head of School at Woodlands. “Our low student-to-counselor ratio translates into individualized attention and a focus on helping students to know what they are seeking from a college or university. This results in acceptances at students’ first choice schools and ultimately successful college/university outcomes.”

An Emphasis on Service and Community

A supportive community of parents, grandparents, former students, and even residents of the surrounding neighborhood offer a solid footing for kids as their education progresses. Providing opportunities for students to serve their communities is a strong contributor to the students’ growth, according to Thomas Meagher, Principal at The School of Saints Faith Hope & Charity in Winnetka.

The school is an extension of Saints Faith Hope & Charity Catholic Parish in Winnetka, which means the school is an integral part of a broader, like-mind neighborhood community that Meagher can lean on for support.

“You see people coming to events or parish-related activities and I can reach out to them. They are familiar with our mission and who we are and what we do,” Meagher says. “The connection with the parish is super important.”

He says the school has experienced some tragedies over the years, which pulls people together like a family.

“The community supports not just our students, but our teachers, and lifetime bonds are being built here,” he explains, adding that he and the staff are also emphasizing service projects throughout the school. It’s an actionable part of the focus on faith-based growth.

“In our Catholic teaching, we have to have faith in God and that God is going to lead us on the right path,” Meagher says. “But we are also called to take action to support the community, and we do that in a number of ways.”

One particular action is for kids to volunteer for Hearts for Kids, the Lake Forest-based charity that collects needed items for low-income children and families, and for Just Harvest, a similar charity in Rogers Park and the surrounding area.

“The idea is to get our kids to start to recognize the need to be generous because for those of us who have a lot, much is expected of us,” he says. “We want to build the spirit of service projects into our school day and into our community.”

Educating the Whole Child

While providing academic learning is the key objective of any private school’s focus, these institutions also help students develop socially, emotionally, and in other ways that consider the whole child.

Sacred Heart School in Winnetka has introduced a number of activities that prompt students to develop social skills by interacting with their fellow students and students of different grade levels.

“Our first and second graders are combining on a few things this year and those areas are the social parts of the day or the project-based parts when both classes are actually sitting together and working together,” says Jody Reuter, Principal of Sacred Heart School. “Students are building relationships and friendships with each other and teachers as well.”

Sacred Heart also has a buddy system in place in which individual students in the older grades and younger grades get together throughout the year. It may be just to play outside or do a special project during a particular time of year. Interpersonal communications are part of students’ everyday life at Sacred Heart.

“From the moment kids arrive at school there are teachers literally opening the car doors and interacting with our kids and families,” says Reuter. “We really teach our kids to advocate for themselves and interact with other teachers, not just their homeroom teacher.”

The Value of Diversity

Attending school in an environment that reflects the broader world can provide students with a well-rounded education and a global perspective. Lake Forest Academy (LFA) is both a day school and boarding school for grades 9-12, and international students make up about 25 percent of the students population.

Tom Johnson, Interim Head of School at LFA, says it’s an attraction, especially for students, to study with peers that are from around the United States and around the world.

“It’s a big driver for why students come here but even more so it defines their experience here in terms of the multicultural exchange, sharing, and learning that happens with diverse perspectives in classrooms about global issues,” Johnson says. “I would say it’s the defining characteristic of our school community.”

In addition to its cultural diversity, LFA also attracts students from a range of economic backgrounds, another important aspect of the school’s mission. The school provides about $6.5 million annually, or roughly 20 percent of its operating budget, in financial aid to about a third of its students.

“It allows us to bring the best students possible who are going to be great community members here and also do great things afterword,” Johnson says.

Focused on Innovation

Many private schools have both the resources and the freedom to innovate when it comes to shaping how their students learn. This is especially true with the development of curriculum.

At Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Head of School Kate Ciccelli says the school’s approach is an “integrated curriculum” where teachers can come together and cross domains to create real world learning experiences that touch on all aspects of learning.

“Our swimming program is on a weekly basis and starts at pre-K and runs all the way through eighth grade. For third, fourth, and fifth-graders, we focus very much on water safety and understanding the science of swimming safety,” she explains. “I was talking with the swimming teacher, and she was describing an activity around buoyancy and if students fell into the water fully clothed how to remove their clothing and stay afloat.”

Another activity involves using pumpkins in the water to observe flotation patterns, which led to discussions between the fifth-grade teaching team and the science team who came up with multiple lessons around scientific observation patterns. “Now we’re going to be growing pumpkins in the garden on our property and this spring the students will plant pumpkin seeds for the following year,” she says. “It’s a great example of when teachers come together and explore in a number of domains at the same time. We’re not just learning about one thing in isolation but about many things through collaboration.”

Ciccelli explains that this collaborative approach is at the heart of a progressive education that’s been at the center of the school’s education philosophy for more than a century—creating school experiences that are reflective of life

“We prepare kids for life by making school a true demonstration of life,” she says. “Our kids head into the world ready to take on what lies ahead, and that’s really critical right now.”

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LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

WEBSITE: lfcds.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 400
GRADES: Age 2 to Grade 8
TUITION: $5,925-$37,710
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: John Melton, Head of School
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None
ADMISSIONS: The LFCDS admission process seeks to identify families who value the spirit of partnership with their school and are drawn to a program that develops the whole child. For additional information, prospective families should contact the admission office at 847-615-6151.
CONTACT: Alex Sheridan, Associate Head of School for Advancement
EMAIL: [email protected]

ABOUT US: For over 130 years, LFCDS has offered a program that is rich in tradition and honors the progressive roots of the Country Day school movement. Students benefit from an experience that blends philosophies and pedagogical approaches, strikes a balance in academic and social-emotional development, and nurtures palpable feelings of belonging.

ACADEMICS: A blended approach to learning allows LFCDS to subscribe to best practice while offering a curriculum that meets each child where they are. Small by design, with classes between 12 to 15 students and 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the school, size enables LFCDS the ability to individualize and differentiate based on student interest and need.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: The LFCDS program builds participation in the arts and athletics directly into the school day. Students participate in visual arts and music at every grade level, and drama is added for students in the Upper School (Grades 5-8). The athletic program is also a requirement for Upper School students, who are able to participate on three different teams during the course of the year. Teams meet at the end of the school day before dismissal, which not only gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and hone their sense of sportsmanship, but also to appreciate the value of participation and inclusion.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: There is a strong sense of connectedness that lives across the school’s 33-acre campus and 150,000 sq. foot building that binds the entire LFCDS community. Relationships among students, parents, and teachers live at the center of the LFCDS experience and carry on long after graduation.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFCDS has families from over 30 zip codes, commuting from as far south as Willowbrook and as far north as Lake Villa.

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WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

WEBSITE: woodlandsacademy.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 115
AGES: 14-18
TUITION: $32,985 (day student)
HEAD OF SCHOOL: Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Prospective students and their families start by filling out an Admission Inquiry form on the school’s website. They can then schedule a personal tour and student visit day, allowing the prospective student to experience the spirit and energy Woodlands Academy students possess in the classroom. The next steps are to fill out an online application, apply for financial aid (optional), and register for an entrance exam. These steps can be completed by clicking on “Admission” at the top of the school’s homepage, and then selecting “Visit and Apply.”
CONTACT: Gretchen Radde
PHONE: 847-234-4300
TOURS: Personal tours of the school are available most days classes are in session.
Contact [email protected] to schedule a visit.

CURRICULUM: Consistent with the Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart education, Woodlands Academy’s academic program instills a deep respect for intellectual values, allowing students to engage in challenging experiences that inspire intellectual curiosity, a global mindset, and a life-long love of learning.

ENRICHMENT: The Woodlands Academy Center for Global Studies is a comprehensive academic and experiential program that provides EVERY student with a global education during her time at Woodlands. Students will have multiple opportunities to become culturally competent, globally minded citizens by exploring their world through group and individual exchange programs, group trips, and a locally based global-focused curriculum. Woodlands’ beautiful 41-acre Lake Forest campus is dotted with trees and green spaces, along with five newly constructed tennis courts and an enhanced athletic field. Extracurricular opportunities include a wide range of sports, more than two dozen student-run clubs—including competitive engineering and math clubs multiple choirs, a theater program, and a full orchestra.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding high school designed to cultivate the gifts of each student and to allow intelligent, interested, and energetic young women to thrive. It is part of a network of 25 Sacred Heart schools in the U.S. and Canada and more than 155 schools worldwide. Woodlands is a place where young women can find a learning environment that is demanding, comfortable, joy-filled, and inspiring.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Woodlands Academy has once again been named Illinois’ top all-girls high school in the 2024 report by Niche, an independent research company, which additionally ranks Woodlands #1 Best Catholic High School in Illinois and among the top 10 of all private high schools in the state. Woodlands was also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.

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THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

WEBSITE: faithhopeschool.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 273
GRADES: Pre-k (ages 3 and 4), K-8
TUITION: Varies
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Meagher Ed.D., Principal
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish
ADMISSIONS: New families are invited to schedule a tour of the school and campus. Inquiries and applications may be made via the school website.
CONTACT: Linda Ransford, Recruitment Manager
EMAIL: [email protected]

ABOUT US: The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity offers students an exceptional academic experience, grounded in faith. A two-time National Blue Ribbon School, FHC consistently helps our students achieve academic success, while developing character through our faith-based approach.

ACADEMICS: Beginning in kindergarten, we follow the Science of Reading approach to Reading, Writing and Phonics. Math classes are vertically aligned through all grades with a focus on students having the ability to master Algebra 1 prior to graduating. iReady Assessments are utilized to measure students’ academic attainment and growth. Faith is woven into each school day, and a school mass is celebrated once a week.

ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer an extensive interscholastic athletic program, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, volleyball, track, cross-country and golf; as well as boys’ football and girls’ cheerleading. A variety of after-school enrichment programs are also available. Our Fine Arts program offers students high quality music, art, and world language instruction (French & Spanish).

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: We’re supported by an extremely dedicated and caring community of families; and we connect new families with current families in similar grades. Events and programs such as Spirit of Service, Field Day, May Crowning and Hope Ceremonies help bring our community together.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• 2-time recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School Award
• 90% of students achieve iReady scores at or above grade level
• Spiritual nourishment that supports the whole child.
• Experienced faculty, staff and leadership team.
• Nurturing, community-based environment
• Engaging and challenging academics.
• Families that connect closely with our school.

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NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY

WEBSITE: nscds.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 510
GRADES: JK-12
TUITION: $24,425-$41,425
HEAD TEACHER: Tom Flemma
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: As part of the admissions process, all families submit an application, transcript, letters of recommendation, and participate in a student interview, shadow visit, or readiness screening. The application and information collected vary by the student’s grade of entry.
CONTACT: Mullery Doar, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
EMAIL: [email protected]
OPEN: nscds.org/admissions/visit-us
In-person tours and shadow visits are offered on weekdays during school hours. Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule.

CURRICULUM: Through a comprehensive and skills-based education, NSCD students not only excel in core subjects, but also cultivate their analytical thinking, communication and creative-problem solving skills through engaging assessments and projects. Our rigorous college preparatory program takes it a step further by encouraging active participation in the arts, athletics and community service, empowering students to explore the depth and breadth of their abilities. It’s about more than just academics; it’s about cultivating well-rounded leaders prepared to make a difference in the world.

ENRICHMENT: By participating in arts, athletics and co-curricular activities, NSCD students gain confidence and leadership skills, while forging lifelong friendships. Our lower school offers several after-school enrichment programs, and the middle and upper schools offer more than 28 student-led clubs and affinity groups. North Shore consistently punches above its weight in high school athletics, leading the way in individual and team conference and state titles compared to other schools of its size. Many graduates also continue on to play sports in college.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Rooted in the progressive education movement, our school community is a testament to the enduring power of our mission and vision. Generations of alumni, families, faculty and staff have nurtured and sustained this legacy, guiding us through more than a century of growth and excellence. Here, every student is known, valued and empowered to become the amazing people they are meant to be.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: As the premier independent school in the Chicagoland area, we equip every student with the values, skills and confidence to lead in a complex world.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Student-centered education for 510 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade; students are from 47 ZIP codes around the Chicagoland area, and 45 percent identify as students of color; 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 52:2 student-to college counselor ratio; 1 in every 5 students receive need-based financial aid. Our school motto is “Live and Serve.”

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SCHOOL OF ST. MARY

WEBSITE: schoolofstmary.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 430
GRADES: PreK 2-through 8th Grade
TUITION: Tuition varies within the range of $4,000 – $13,000. Multiple siblings, military, and parishioner discounts are available.
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Kathy Thompson
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic
ADMISSIONS: Online applications open in November (see website)
CONTACT: Mandy Castle, Director of Admissions
EMAIL: [email protected]
TOURS: Call to schedule or complete the online inquiry form on our website.

CURRICULUM: From the youngest Primary Grade Center preschooler to the most mature 8th-grader at the Upper Grade Center, a School of St. Mary (SOSM) Crusader demonstrates genuine school pride, a sense of community, personal confidence, Catholic values, and a deep commitment to serving others. Since 1917, SOSM has remained committed to educating the whole child within and beyond the classroom.

ENRICHMENT: Accelerated reading and math programs in middle school allow students to move beyond grade level as they prepare for high school. Extracurricular activities allow students to further their interest areas and focus on their non-academic pursuits, including sports, forming well-rounded individuals.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: The School of St. Mary partners with parents, parishioners, and staff to form a vibrant school community that engages, motivates, and supports students to be the best they can be! An active Parents Association and leadership team coordinates special events to engage students, build relationships, and broaden the community. Teachers pair Upper Grade Center students with buddies from our Primary Grade Center to mentor and assist them at school-related activities, including praying together at Mass, socializing at lunch, and sharing service projects.

LEADERSHIP: Mrs. Kathy Thompson, the principal, has served in many capacities at the school for twenty-eight years. In April of 2022, she received the prestigious Lead, Learn, Program Award from the National Catholic Education Association. Overseeing two age-appropriate campuses, Mrs. Thompson regularly collaborates with a strong administrative team and student services department to focus on the development of the whole child, assuring faith formation, academic excellence, service learning, social and emotional wellness, as well as values for life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award in the category of academic excellence. Only 38 private schools in the country have ever received this award three times.
• Two campuses provide age-appropriate learning as well as social-emotional well-being.
• Our 100-year history of maintaining tradition and adjusting curriculum to meet current standards.
• Small class sizes mean students get differentiated curriculum to reach their highest potential.
• Resource room to accommodate most student needs.
• Covering two-year old through 8th grade allows students to stay within SOSM Family for their elementary years. Allowing them to be known and nurtured as they grow into their true selves.
• Social Workers and resource teachers to accommodate students’ needs.

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL

WEBSITE: shwschool.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 152
GRADES: 3-year-old Preschool through 8th Grade
TUITION: $8,138 before new family incentives, military discounts and sibling discounts. Financial Aid also available.
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Jodi Reuter, Principal
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Schedule a tour and apply online.
CONTACT: Mrs. Jodi Reuter, Principal
EMAIL: [email protected]
OPEN HOUSE & TOURS: Open House, Sunday November 17 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

CURRICULUM: Sacred Heart provides children with a rigorous, values-based educational experience where teachers and parents strive to ensure that students in PreK-8th grade discover – and retain – the joy of discovery and learning. All students experience music, art, PE, library, STEAM, and Spanish as a part of the regular school day. In addition to exceptional academics, as recognized by our National Blue Ribbon of Educational Excellence, 9X Apple Distinguished School designation, and consistent A+ rating on Niche, we also place great importance on faith-inspired values including kindness, compassion, empathy, and peaceful problem-solving. Acceptance into top-choice high schools and colleges is just the beginning. Creating an exceptional, well-rounded human being is the end goal.

ENRICHMENT: We offer year-round, no-cut sports, a renowned theatrical program in collaboration with a London-based playwright, a variety of after-school enrichment programs (beginning in 3-year-old Preschool), and a teacher-staffed Homework Lab. For students who need a little extra help, whether it’s temporary or long-term, we also have a robust student services department, inclusive of a school counselor, math and reading specialist, speech pathologist, and our newest addition, Bernie, the Certified Therapy Dog.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Sacred Heart is more than just an elementary school—we are a thriving community where deep, lifelong friendships flourish among students and parents alike. We foster a culture of support and care. We look out for one another. We step up to help whenever help is needed. Rooted in our faith, we guide our children to embrace our core values: Love, Serve, Engage, Discover, Persevere. We teach our students that challenges are opportunities in disguise. And though we are a Catholic school, we warmly welcome students of all faiths, embracing diversity with open arms and open hearts.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: Vaders Football is BACK, bringing a renewed sense of team spirit and competition to our athletics program. Our support services team has welcomed Bernie, a certified therapy dog and we are reinforcing our existing no-personal-tech policy to encourage more focus and interpersonal interaction throughout the school day. And the biggest news — our beautiful new playground and an enormous turf field, offering our students more outdoor space to play, explore, and grow.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: As a National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school, our school is built on a foundation of academic excellence, rooted in faith and community, and recognized for cultivating future leaders. Sacred Heart consistently receives accolades for its rigorous academic programs, but it’s the heart of our community that truly sets us apart. From award-winning teachers, who go above and beyond to engage and nurture each child, to our thriving arts, music, and athletics programs, Sacred Heart creates well-rounded students prepared for success in all facets of life. We’re proud of our “Viking Spirit”—a blend of strong character, integrity, and a commitment to service that radiates throughout everything we do. Parents, students, and staff work hand-in-hand, creating a family-like atmosphere where lifelong relationships are formed and every individual is valued. Whether in the classroom, on our state-of-the-art playground and turf, or through our many service projects and extracurricular programs, Sacred Heart fosters a love for learning, personal growth, and a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference in the world.

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BAKER DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL

WEBSITE: bakerdemschool.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 200
GRADES: PK-8
TUITION: $20,000-$38,000
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Kate Cicchelli, Head of School
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A
ADMISSIONS: Our personalized admissions process allows for you to explore our extraordinary school community and for our team to explore your hopes and dreams for your child’s education. Our focus in the admission process is to learn about your priorities for your child’s education and about your child’s social, emotional and intellectual needs. Through our personalized approach, you’ll be guided through the admission process, step by step.
CONTACT: Igho Orakal; Director of Admissions
EMAIL: [email protected]
TOURS: Call to schedule or complete the online inquiry form on our website.
ABOUT US: At Baker Demonstration School, every aspect of a student’s journey – from academics to school clubs, activities and sports – is thoughtfully designed to inspire awe, wonder, and intention. Our expert teachers and administrators carefully craft engaging, holistic experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity and growth in every child. At Baker, teacher’s have the freedom to be Innovative in Curriculum and Learning Opportunities to meet the demands of an ever changing world. For over a century, Baker Demonstration School has been a nationally-recognized leader in exemplary progressive education, a community that is truly global in perspective, diverse in composition, and reflective of the world. We continue to carry out the vision of our first school director, Clara Belle Baker, ensuring academic excellence through our dynamic, experience-based curriculum that responds to the unique needs and strengths of each and every child.

ACADEMICS: At Baker Demonstration School, experiential learning has been at the heart of our approach for over 100 years. Here, preschool through 8th-graders, hailing from Chicago, the North Shore, and around the globe, become passionate learners and capable leaders. Over 95% of our teaching faculty hold an advanced degree and guide the Baker Learner to be their best self and develop skills for a journey of lifelong learning that is authentic and with purpose. Our successful alumni affirm our commitment to providing a progressive approach to education, one that harnesses the spark of your child’s imagination to power a lifetime of exploration, empathy and innovation.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: Baker students enjoy drama, art, technology, music, science dance, physical education and swimming in state of the art laboratories, learning labs, and an indoor pool. In Middle School, students participate in Arts Core where they select their own electives in music, dance, art and technology. Students in grades 1 through 8 participate in five days of movement including physical education or swimming each day. Baker’s campus has beautiful facilities including the 165-seat auditorium, renovated gymnasium, 14,000-square foot athletics field along Sheridan Road, a 4-lane twenty-yard indoor lap pool, art studio, maker lab, and digital storytelling suite. Baker sponsors sports teams for students in 4th through 8th grade including interscholastic basketball, flag football, soccer, and track and field. Teams practice after school and compete against peers from other local schools.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Baker’s mission is to champion an exemplary progressive education, which cultivates an intrinsic motivation to learn, values differences, nurtures the whole person, and encourages courageous choices. The school environment is vigorous, joyful and supportive and values the teacher-parent-student relationship.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• 95% of Faculty Hold an Advanced Degree
• Middle School Curricular Choice in the Arts and Technology
• World Language offering Spanish and Latin
• Hands-on experiential learning for PK-8
• Multiple outdoor learning spaces for preschool through 8th grade

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LAKE FOREST ACADEMY

WEBSITE: lfanet.org
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 452
GRADES: 9-12 grades
2024-25 TUITION: Day Student: $53,200/Boarding Student: $73,400
DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Johnson, Interim Head of School
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A
ADMISSIONS: Application requirements are on the Apply Page at www.lfanet.org. We require standardized testing including the SSAT or ISEE, a student interview, transcripts, teacher recommendations and essays from the students and parents. Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2025.
CONTACT: Carolyn Gorowski, Dean of Admissions
EMAIL: [email protected]

ABOUT US: Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed boarding high school serving academically bright and motivated students from across the globe. The school’s mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
ACADEMICS: 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 Health, Wellness & Community courses with members of their class.

ARTS & ATHLETICS: Instrumental artists can join Orchestra, Jazz Band, and chamber groups while singers perform in an a capella group and Choir. Theater Tech runs the logistics behind every performance, Morning Meeting, All-School Meeting, and special events as well as the fall play, winter musical, and spring student showcase. Visual arts courses include ceramics, design, glass, photography, and woodworking. LFA’s athletics program promotes sportsmanship and participation. Student-athletes come from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels and can participate in one of the 27 varsity teams or 10 physical education options.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: LFA fosters a vibrant culture and close-knit community that values inclusivity and encourages global perspectives. Faculty engage students in small classes, nurturing individual potential. LFA’s culture celebrates diversity, fosters academic rigor, and cultivates lifelong connections.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFA welcomes students from diverse backgrounds that include 47 local communities, 19 states, and 40 countries. The Academy offers rigorous college-preparatory education with dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and advanced courses, preparing students for success in higher education. LFA values inclusivity and fosters a close-knit community where students feel supported and connected and also focuses on instilling values like integrity, respect, and responsibility, nurturing well-rounded individuals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Average class sizes of 12 students and a 7:1 student/faculty ratio with 24 AP courses and 73 percent of faculty live on campus to provide support before, during, and after the school day.