We are very proud of both our social and economic diversity. Currently, we have students who come from 13 foreign countries and 16 states. Thirty percent of our students are students of color. Also, 35% of our student body is receiving financial assistance. Our total financial aid budget is $1.7 million.

Student Life
Student life at Lake Forest Academy includes just about everything you do during your years as an LFA student-- from classes to sports, to clubs and other extracurricular activities.

There is always something fun to do on campus or in an off-campus, school-sponsored event. A typical week might offer a concerto concert, home sporting events, a student poetry reading at a local coffee house or an independent-study in theater production

Weekends
On weekends, faculty provide activities open to boarders and day students alike. The list will include standard favorites such as trips to the mall and the movies and items of special interest to particular teachers, such as dinner at Thai restaurant or an exhibit in the Art Institute of Chicago. View a list of past weekend activities

Clubs
Every year students form about 30 clubs, each with an active faculty sponsor. Some clubs, such as the student- faculty rock and roll band, happen every year. Others come and go with student interest. Nearly every Lake Forest Academy students participates in these extra- curricular activities, and our innovative, seven-day schedule offers daily all-school breaks and standard meeting times for clubs. View a list of the current clubs

Events
Lake Forest Academy plans many all-school events throughout the school year. In August, the academic year begins with an all-school handshake in the formal garden, during which every member of the school community shakes hands with every other teacher and student.

Every academic cycle (7 class days), the school community meets for an all-school meeting, with topics ranging from school issues to entertainment.

Four times throughout the school year, we gather for a formal all-school dinner in Reid Hall.

Community Events
Community service is becoming an increasingly integral part of the LFA student experience. Although not required for graduation, students and faculty take advantage of many opportunities to volunteer.

LFA maintains ties with a shelter provider and youth tutoring program and provides weekly transportation for students who want to participate.

In addition, each spring LFA's students and teachers take a day off from classes to participate in Service Day, which places them in one of about 30 volunteer sites throughout Chicagoland.

Dorm Life
Half of LFA's students are boarders, living in one of our dormitories on campus. Dorm living gives boarders an even greater sense of community at LFA. The students who live with you often become your closest friends, confidants and soul mates.

Teachers and their families also live in the dorms, so an adult is always nearby. The dorms really come to life at night, when all boarders must be in by 8 p.m. Mandatory evening study hall (except for those students who earn honors) gives students a concentrated time to hit the books Sunday through Thursday each week.

“What are the dorm rooms like? Would I live with another person?” Though all of our dorms have rooms
for just one student, the majority of rooms on campus are designed for two students. LFA provides the beds,
desks, chairs and closets while the students are responsible for decoration. Each room is equipped with
internet access and a telephone.

Food
Our food is very good! Our meals are prepared in our professional kitchens by the catering staff of the Sodexho Corporation. We provide three meals a day, which includes a soup and pasta bar, full salad bar and a wide selection of entrees and desserts. On weekends we serve brunch and dinner. Day students are welcome to enjoy all meals, seven days a week, at no extra charge.

Homework and Classes
On average there are 12 students in a class. Most classes, except for English, have a combination of 9-12th graders. Classroom instruction is student-centered. Discussion and collaboration are common. Laboratory work involves observation and interpretation. Writing is an important part of learning in all disciplines.

“How much homework is there?” It depends on the grade and the courses you take, but teachers on average assign about 45 minutes of homework per class each night. Freshmen can count on at least 3 hours on the
average night, but sometimes more and sometimes less. The homework load tends to increase in higher grades. Taking an Advanced Placement course in any grade would significantly increase your homework time.

Sports
We offer a wide variety of sports. Almost all of our coaches are faculty members, many of whom played competitively in high school and college. All students are required to participate in the sports program. Freshman and Sophomores must participate in at least one interscholastic sport each year. They may fulfill the remainder of their 3 season requirement by participating in a  PE options, interscholastic sports, or the school Musical Production in the winter season. Juniors and seniors must also participate in at least one interscholastic sport each year, but then have the option to take a season off once per year.

Dress Code
“What is your dress code?” The school dress code is in effect during the academic day. (It also applies at other special designated school functions.) Students are expected to understand that attire which reflects respect and seriousness of purpose is the goal of the dress code. Students should be neat, clean, and well-groomed at all times.
More about the dress code