Student Profiles Viewbook 2022-24

MEET THE CAXYS

Introduction

Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.

Character encompasses respect for others and their beliefs, dedication to honesty in every sphere of life, realization of moral clarity and conviction, and pursuit of virtue and value in life.

Scholarship encompasses acquisition of knowledge, development of critical thinking, enthusiasm for discovery and learning, and exercise of a powerful imagination.

Citizenship encompasses appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, involvement in the LFA community, participation in service to others, and commitment to global awareness and understanding.

Responsibility encompasses development of self-reliance, ability to seek guidance, dedication to cooperation and teamwork, and action based upon informed decisions.

Choosing a high school is one of the most important decisions your family will make. These formative years set a foundation for a lifetime of personal and professional accomplishment and success.

At Lake Forest Academy (LFA), we are your partners from the moment you inquire, to far beyond high school graduation.

Each year, our student body hails from approximately 15 states, 40 countries, and across the Chicagoland area. Under the guidance of brilliant and seasoned faculty, LFA students:

• Engage in thoughtful classroom discussions that foster critical thinking and analysis

• Charter their own interest paths through over 60 clubs, and co- and extracurricular activities

• Forge friendships that begin in the classrooms and the dorms, and last a lifetime

• Grow as individuals and as a collective; asking big questions, engaging in civil discourse, and acquiring life skills that will serve them personally and professionally

• And much more

In the following pages, you will read the profiles of a number of our students–some who recently began their LFA journeys, some who are looking to the next step. While their passions and strengths may differ, they have found challenge and support; have tried new sports and overcame fears; have stayed on campus late in the evening to study and persevered in house cup competitions; and truly take advantage of everything that LFA has to offer.

Our home is your home. We look forward to welcoming you to campus for a tour so, you too, can envision your own LFA journey of infinite possibility.

Saanvi ’23

“While I found my voice at my previous school, LFA taught me how to use it.”

Boarding Student from Palos Park, Illinois

Introduction

I grew up in Palos Park, Illinois, about 40 minutes south of Chicago, and feel privileged to live the best of both worlds as a LFA student. I learn and grow alongside peers from all over the country and world during the week, and am also able to travel home on some weekends to attend family events.

Until 8th grade, I attended a K-12 school that happens to be in the same athletics league as LFA! There were only about 30 kids in my grade so we truly grew up together. By the time I finished middle school, it was time for a new challenge as I had already exhausted part of the high school curriculum. I am grateful for these eight years of my life as it gave me a rock solid foundation to then succeed at LFA. While I found my voice at my previous school, LFA taught me how to use it.

A Student-Centered Environment

One of the reasons why I love LFA is because of its small class size. I have not been in a class with more than 15 students. Not only does this foster an individualized experience, but it also allows, and in some ways, forces, each of us to be an active learner. There is no hiding at LFA!

LFA is intentionally designed to facilitate positive relationships between students and faculty members. Not only can I approach my assigned teachers with a question or concern, but I can talk to, and ask any faculty or staff member for help. Teachers are dorm parents, they are available in the evenings, and we live, eat, and play sports with them.

Threading Academics and Extracurricular Interests

I took a class in human rights at Columbia University in New York City the summer before my sophomore year, which propelled me to continue coursework in this area at LFA.

Curriculum

LFA’s students enroll in a four-year, sequential program that is tailored to meet their interests and goals. Course offerings are a mixture of 150+ core courses, electives, and independent studies. In order to graduate, students must take 18.5 credits over four years, including Health, Wellness and Community classes with grade-specific lessons every year. LFA also offers 23 Advanced Placement courses and various advanced-level and post-AP classes.

Clubs and Organizations

Lake Forest Academy fosters a culture of participation and allows students to develop as leaders. With over 60 different clubs on campus, students can share their passions with the community or join to learn something entirely new. Every year, new clubs are established while many others are long-standing traditions like Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America, and affinity groups such as Black Student Union, the Asian Culture Union, and UNIDOS, LFA’s Latinx and Hispanic group. Students also have the opportunity to compete with peer schools on academic teams including Math Team and Science Olympiad, while Student Council organizes community-building and fundraising initiatives.

Learn more about LFA’s culture

When planning my schedule for senior year, I elected to enroll in an independent study focusing on cultural relativism and human rights. Given the strong student and faculty relationships at LFA, I have maintained a connection with my freshman year world history teacher who serves as my independent study advisor. I am excited to cap my LFA experience with a topic that I have been passionate about since my early LFA days. Not only have I taken every course that is adjacent to the topic of human rights–including History, AP World History, AP US History, and others–but I have also centered my extracurricular involvements accordingly.

My junior year human rights class partnered with the nonprofit organization Amizade to participate in a service learning trip to the Navajo Nation. Throughout the year, our class learned about the systemic and historic oppression faced by indigenous peoples around the world. In a beautiful way, the trip extended beyond physical service, as we discussed our relationship with our backgrounds and understanding of community. It was truly an enlightening, life-changing experience which motivated me to view service differently.

In my time leading Amnesty International (AI) alongside a few other students, we have focused our fundraising efforts on

supporting local NGOs in order to know exactly where our money goes and what it does. In addition to local work, our club participates in AI’s annual Write for Rights campaign which seeks to free global prisoners of conscience. Through this club and LFA’s efforts in promoting multiculturalism, I’ve learned that not everyone has the opportunity or privilege to speak out, and that it is imperative that those who do, are a voice for the voiceless.

Looking to the Next Step

I came to LFA looking for challenge and motivation. I found it in my coursework and in my peers. Every student at LFA is eager, passionate, and unique. There are so many resources and opportunities, and being open-minded is so important. My friends love learning and are curious, and while we share many commonalities, we are all very different.

I am working with the LFA college counseling team to find the college environment that is right for me. In addition to rigorous academics, kindness and motivation to make a difference is a must. LFA has been the best place to try new things and to try everything, and I strive to continue on that path.

“LFA has been the best place to try new things and to try everything, and I strive to continue on that path.”

Luke ’23

Boarding Student from Waterdown, Ontario, Canada

Introduction

Academics and hockey were my main motivators for coming to LFA. I grew up in Waterdown, a town about 40 miles from Toronto. In Canada, elementary school spans from JK-8th grade, and I attended the same school for 10 years. After starting 9th grade, I knew early on that it was not the place for me. I was ready for smaller class sizes and a more motivating work environment.

Student-Athlete Balance and Family

I had a former teammate who went to LFA, and so I applied, along with other schools that were in the same hockey league. Many of my friends back home have hockey practice very early in the morning or late at night due to rink time. My practices start 30 minutes after classes end, then I have dinner with my friends and teammates, a team workout, followed by mandatory study hours. The structure facilitates discipline and ensures that all students achieve a healthy school/sport/life balance.

The LFA hockey team dynamic can be best described as a family. I have remained in close contact with my teammates that have graduated during my time here and have gone onto the armed forces, junior hockey, college, and other new adventures.

The athletic program is an amazing feature of LFA and infuses energy into the school. I love being a part of it as an athlete, and supporting other teams as well. Coaches know how to bring out the best in you as both a student and an athlete.

Trying New Things

You can try anything you want at LFA, and you learn to think and approach academics, athletics, and other extracurriculars very differently. Before I came to LFA, I neither liked, nor understood, science. My first science teacher here was awesome and inspired me to take Engineering. Additionally, I never thought I would have played another sport at LFA; however, I have played Varsity lacrosse for the past two years, which I really enjoy!

The school 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 at LFA. The Frog Chorus croaked, “caxy, caxy, caxy!”

LFA’s mascot is a beloved symbol of the LFA community, and all members of the community are proud to be Caxys!

“The structure facilitates discipline and ensures that all students achieve a healthy school/sport/life balance.”

What is a Caxy?

Access to the College Counseling Team

You are assigned a college counselor during your junior year at LFA. While you have one counselor to primarily work with, you have access to the entire team to ask questions and gain insight.

My assigned college counselor also happens to be LFA’s assistant hockey coach. Given the many athletes before me, he understands the dual intentions of being a scholar and an athlete at university.

Each college counselor is a guide. They lay out varying scenarios, present different options, and allow you the freedom to take the path that feels right for your ultimate goals.

A Collegial Environment

The teachers are very generous with their time, and similar to the college counselors, you can email any teacher. I feel comfortable reaching out to teachers to meet during study hours, during a free period, or have a “working meal” to maximize my opportunities to ask questions and feel confident and successful.

There is a mutual respect among the student body and no divide among day and boarding students, or among competitive athletes and students who intend to pursue other passions.

From the campus to the athletic director to the faculty to my peers to dorm life, I love being at LFA. The number of resources and support have lent themselves to so many positive and fulfilling experiences.

“LFA is a true community, and everyone is friendly toward each other.”

Student-Athlete Balance

The essence of LFA’s athletics program is the promotion of sportsmanship and the practice of participation. Student-athletes at LFA come from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels. Whether they have been playing a sport since childhood, or decide to pursue a new interest, students can participate in one of the 27 varsity teams or 10 physical education options. All students must play on at least one interscholastic team per year, though 60% of students join a second team throughout the academic year. Freshmen and sophomores must either be a part of a team or enroll in a physical education course in all three seasons (fall, winter, and spring), while juniors and seniors are only required to participate in two seasons.

Some LFA sports teams play in the Independent School League (ISL) and have games against local and regional peer schools. Over the past five years, graduates have attended 53 different institutions to play a sport at the Division I, II and III collegiate level. Other students develop their leadership skills by serving as captains or team managers along with coaches. As the teams practice and travel together, lifelong memories and relationships are created.

Learn more about LFA’s athletics program and offerings at lfacaxys.org.

Gabi ’24

Day Student from Gurnee, Illinois

“LFA has helped me realize the impact that I am having on the world around me.”

Introduction

Many of my formative years were spent attending events at LFA when my cousin was a student. As I approached high school, I wondered what it would be like if I applied, as well as what it would be like if I left my friends at my former school.

Taking a Leap

Once I was accepted to LFA, it took a lot to separate what was best for me and fears I had about leaving the comfort of my friends and social life. However, it has turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

As a day student commuting from Gurnee, Illinois, I spend a lot of time on campus, especially in the dorms with friends after school hours hanging out and doing homework.

Challenging Academics

My classes at LFA have kept me challenged, interested, and on my toes. I constantly have “things to do,” which works well with my all-in personality.

As I enter my junior year, I am exploring different subjects and hoping to zero in on what I want to pursue in college. I love political science and dissecting how the government works. LFA’s AP Government class allows me to continue probing into this area. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I really enjoyed Chemistry, especially the labs and experimentation.

All of the teachers at LFA are brilliant, passionate, and incredibly helpful. I have gotten to know all of my teachers through both in class and outside conversation, as well as other teachers whom I don’t learn with everyday, but are still available as a resource. It’s a level of comfort that I knew I could have.

Day Students at a Boarding School

Half of the students on campus are boarders and half are day students, but what does that mean? The only difference is that day students commute to campus. Day students can spend the whole academic day on campus and play in sports, attend after school activities and extracurriculars, eat in the dining hall, and work with teachers and peers during evening study hours. Day students are welcomed back on campus on the weekends to participate in weekend activities and spend time with friends in the dorm. Alternatively, boarding students can sign out off campus with friends or family members.

Beyond Academics

I play volleyball, hockey, and participate in shot put and discus on the track team. Before LFA, I was a competitive cheerleader, and now I coach cheer for girls in grades 3-5. Seeing how happy they are after practice is so fulfilling. Until recently, I didn’t know that I served as a role model and am changing the lives of the participants.

You can do anything you want at LFA from an extracurricular perspective. The club fair at the beginning of each year is a genuine showcase of the diversity and uniqueness of the school. If there isn’t a club for something that you are interested in, you can start one and will be supported by teachers, staff, and peers. I am involved in Caxy Keys (Student Ambassadors), Black Student Union (BSU), Peer Mentoring, and I run Prom Salon.

LFA has helped me realize the impact that I am having on the world around me.

A Summer Abroad

LFA does an amazing job of showing students about the opportunities that are available on- and off-campus. If it wasn’t for LFA who hosted a session about study abroad programs, I never would have spent the summer in Spain. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know what I was getting into. Of course I went to school, but I also went on day trips, navigated foreign cities on my own, walked A LOT, experimented with different foods, and gained a wealth of basic skills that I didn’t have before.

The Experience of a Lifetime

The LFA community is welcoming, supportive, and fosters growth beyond your comfort zone.

I feel so fortunate for a school community that cares so much and encourages each student to take risks, explore the world around them, and find interests and passions, both academic and extracurricular, that feel authentic to them.

Global Education and Service Learning

LFA’s global education extends outside the classroom and LFA’s JC Cowart Student Center houses the Stuart Center for Global Leadership, which organizes curricular and non-curricular travel and class retreats. The Stuart Center offers students impactful and reflective experiences to grow perspectives, hearts, and minds. Students are introduced to LFA’s core pillars during the Freshman Retreat, and the Senior Retreat offers a point of reflection for the senior class to model and shape the character of the student body. It oversees all students travel at LFA where students learn and grow contextual knowledge of global issues.

Students also engage with the Stuart Center as the hub of service learning. Meaningful community service, instruction and reflection are key elements of LFA’s Service Learning Program. All students participate in the program and experience first-hand how they can impact the world. Opportunities include grade-specific initiatives and fundraisers, service clubs, and the Harvest Hope Project, which involves a school-wide food drive and a day of engagement in the fall for families at a nearby elementary school in North Chicago. Interact is LFA’s main umbrella service club. Students lead trips and events at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children and Nuestro Center, where students tutor younger children.

“The LFA community is welcoming, supportive, and fosters growth beyond your comfort zone.”

Emma ’25

Boarding Student from East Troy, Wisconsin

“Dorm life at LFA is so fun! Not only am I learning independence and self-discipline, but I am also part of a community with many traditions.”

Introduction

From the moment I was introduced to LFA, I knew in my gut that it was the right place for me. I attended the same Montessori school from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and the only option for high school was a small school in my town (East Troy, Wisconsin) with little to no diversity.

I also looked at two boarding schools in the Northeast and one in Wisconsin. Financial assistance and proximity to home were both factors. I have two younger brothers that I want to be able to see frequently, and LFA provides me that opportunity. Enrolling at LFA would allow me to do everything!

A Reassuring Transition

I was excited to come to LFA and admittedly a little nervous! However, the freshman retreat took place right out of the gate, and eased many of my jitters. The first part of the retreat takes place on campus where we gathered in small groups for a scavenger hunt, drum circle, and other teambuilding activities. We then went off campus to a high ropes course in Wisconsin where our bond grew tighter through forging obstacles and problem solving.

Dorm Life

As the school year kicked off, these new friendships were so helpful in the first few weeks of classes and dorm life–especially knowing that there were people at LFA who were going through the same transitions.

Acclimating to Campus Life

When I came to LFA, I knew one person and she was placed in a different dorm. However, I quickly learned that everyone is accepting and warm towards each other. I became close with my roommate and made other friends in the dorms, including older students. Playing on the field hockey and basketball teams, as well as running track has also opened up many social opportunities for me.

Dorm life at LFA is so fun! Not only am I learning independence and self-discipline, but I am also part of a community with many traditions. There are small touches like Mug Monday where we gather as a community to snack and chat. There are Dorm Cup challenges, Just Dance competitions, and movie nights. There is so much energy in the common areas when it’s time to be, and then it calms down for study and other quiet hours.

Each dorm also has its own staff of dorm parents, many of whom live in apartments attached to the dorms. Faculty members supervise evening study hours, sponsor weekend activities, and are on hand whenever students need assistance.

Study hours take place from 8-10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday evenings. The Writing Center is open for students to work with an English or history teacher on technical skills and assignments, STEM Help is available for math and science assistance, and the dorm commons are collaborative spaces for students to meet individually with their teachers or classmates during study hours.

LFA has five single-sex dormitories across campus, which range in size from 10 to 72 students. Students from all backgrounds and grade levels live with one another, and each dorm develops their own traditions, ranging from Mug Mondays in Marshall Field House to fire pit gatherings in Atlass Hall. Staples of dorm life that all dorms cherish are dorm dinners and participation in the monthly Dorm Cup competition.

Many teachers are dorm parents, as well as athletic coaches. Living on campus has allowed me the opportunity to build strong relationships with teachers. If I’m struggling and/or have questions, I can schedule a meeting at varying points during the day and evening.

Additionally, my advisor has been such an important part of my LFA experience. We discuss how classes are going and talk/work through challenges one-on-one. We also meet multiple times a week in a group advisory, which includes seven other students and another advisor. In this session, we discuss what’s happening around LFA, play games, and each student gets to talk about how they are doing. It is comforting to have another adult that I can lean on.

A Non-Frontal Classroom Environment

Many of my classes predominantly involve classroom discussions as opposed to a PowerPoint that the teacher speaks from. Life is not about frontal teaching, it’s about hearing each other out, advocating for yourself, and learning valuable lessons. Academics at LFA are representations of the real world.

You are pushed to think bigger at LFA. Despite my classmates and I coming from different schools, firstyear classes provided a strong foundation for the next three years, and they taught us each how to manage schedules and workload.

Moving Past the First Year

There was a lot to learn when I first started at LFA. I only knew one person, I had never lived on my own, my previous school was totally different…from sports to classes to the dorms and clubs, I have loved being a part of the LFA community and being surrounded by the energy of the teachers and the student body.

In my short time at LFA so far, I have gained independence, learned self-advocacy, and realized that it’s okay to stumble and fall. A willingness to try new things, meet other people, and get involved has helped broaden my perspective on life at LFA and in building my own identity.

Advisory System

An advisory is a student’s “family” within the larger LFA community. With just five to eight students in an advisory, it’s easy to bond with the group. Advisories usually meet on Monday and Thursday mornings, and sit together during All-School Meetings and Morning Meetings. Advisories share group and individual experiences, develop their own unique traditions, and create memories from members of all grades. Advisors are in constant communication with parents and guardians regarding students’ academic performances and act as key supporters of their advisees during their time at LFA.

“In my short time at LFA, I have gained independence, learned selfadvocacy, and realized that it’s okay to stumble and fall. A willingness to try new things, meet other people, and get involved has helped broaden my perspective on life at LFA and in building my own identity. ”

Michael ’23

Boarding Student from Chicago, Illinois

Introduction

I grew up both in Chicago and abroad in Hong Kong. When it came time to choose a high school, I knew that I wanted to go to school in the United States given the open communication style of and idea sharing in American schooling.

After applying to six schools, I honed in on Chicago knowing that I would have a support system and was already familiar with the area.

Finding a Niche with Ease

I found myself almost immediately freshman year by getting involved in the Robotics team and diving right into AP Computer Science. My final project in this class charted my career path, which involved building a website where students could view, sign up for, and request weekend events. LFA is now using this tool school-wide.

Soon thereafter, I founded the Hackclub, where I brought our team to many hackathons and led them to create many projects such as an online business reviewer and a school spirit app. Taking this interest a step further, we launched a startup with two main projects – a web annotation Chrome extension, now with over 1000 users(!), and a contract to create a currency app for small communities to reduce the impact of financial crises.

Another application I developed while at LFA allows boarding students to sign off campus and communicate with dorm parents.

It is not often that you have an opportunity to make an impact and see the aftereffects and benefits in real time. The ideas that I have proposed, with the intention of propelling LFA forward for every student and faculty member, have been welcomed with open ears and arms, and have yielded me and my classmates hands-on, skill-building experience.

Building Leadership and Advocacy Skills

LFA has taught me to take initiative. I have spent countless hours staying up late to prep robotics projects, helping members of my coding clubs when they hit snags, and

Leadership

Leadership comes in many forms at LFA. The Prefects are a small cohort of seniors tasked with finding ways to improve the community experience for their peers, and support and lead community initiatives that advance the school’s mission. Proctors are junior and senior leaders in the dorms and serve as the liaison to the dorm parents to best support their peers in the five dorms. LFA offers leadership opportunities for all grade levels, so even freshmen and sophomores can begin developing their leadership skills the moment they step on campus.

“It is not often that you have an opportunity to make an impact and see the aftereffects and benefits in real-time.”

College Counseling

LFA has a 100% college matriculation rate, and the college counseling process is designed to support students as they find the best fit for them. As juniors, students are assigned a college counselor to help guide them on their application and school research journey. In addition to a 29:1 student to counselor ratio, LFA’s four college counselors live on campus and serve as advisors, coaches, and dorm parents. This means that the counselors and students have already developed meaningful relationships by the time the college process begins.

Along with cycle meetings with counselors, students can attend the annual College Night in the fall to meet 130+ representatives from various colleges and universities over the course of the evening. LFA also hosts 200+ college representatives during the academic year for more intimate Q&A sessions.

The Junior College Workshop is an annual event that takes place in January. LFA invites admission directors from a wide range of colleges to lead current juniors and their families through a mock admissions committee workshop, which prepares juniors to understand the college counseling process more thoroughly.

“I am fortunate to have found my passion that I want to turn into a career, much in part due to my experiences at LFA. ”

traveling with my teammates to away basketball games. I have also learned that leadership doesn’t mean being in the spotlight, but taking initiative every day to go beyond what’s required.

In both robotics and basketball, I have found groups of people who work well together and build on each others’ strengths. LFA doesn’t just have talented people, but people who are willing to learn and work together towards a shared vision.

The long nights teach you grit, the projects teach you initiative, the interesting classes allow you to explore your curiosity and dive deeper. Staying behind after class to talk with teachers is eye-opening.

Learning Self-Discipline

I love being a boarding student. My close friends and the tight-knit LFA community have given me the opportunity to learn from and engage in discussions with many people with the ultimate goal of making each other better.

Living mostly independently has empowered me to manage a schedule between academics, extracurriculars, and sports. It can be challenging, but once I learned how to prioritize and think about what’s most important to me every day, I can go to sleep every night knowing I did my best.

Speaking of sleep, LFA’s structured study hours and lights out rules help keep us in check!

Looking Ahead

LFA’s college counselors are really helpful at guiding you through the exploration process, especially giving honest feedback. My college counselor and I meet weekly, where he provides feedback on my college essays and we also ensure that my classes are balanced with my extracurricular activities.

As I look to move on from LFA, I will take the same approach as I have throughout my years here–going into every class with an openmind, understanding what is being taught, and accepting and retaining information. I am fortunate to have found my passion that I want to turn into a career, much in part due to my experiences at LFA.

Teagan ’24

Day Student from Highland Park, Illinois

“We all fit together as a school body, teaching each other, and doing our best to ensure that everyone succeeds.”

Fine and Performing Arts Program

Students have a myriad of opportunities to express themselves in and out of the classroom. Students take a minimum of three art courses for graduation, but many choose to take more classes during their experience. Instrumental artists can join Orchestra, Jazz Band, and chamber groups, while singers perform in an a capella group, Choir and VOX, LFA’s musical theater performance group. The Orchestra and Choir go on curricular trips to New York City, Saint Louis, Indianapolis and more to perform and meet with esteemed musical experts for special classes.

Those interested in working behind-the-scenes can take the Theater Tech class and run the logistics behind every performance, Morning Meeting, All-School Meeting, and special events in The Cressey Center for the Arts. The arts center is outfitted with several HD cameras, stateof-the-art sound and lighting equipment as well as video recording capabilities.

LFA also produces a fall play, winter musical, and spring student showcase annually. Play and musical practices occur after school, while directing, performing, and acting classes take place during the regular academic schedule.

Students interested in visual arts may take courses in ceramics, design, glass, photography, and woodworking.

Learn more about LFA’s arts program at lfanet.org/arts.

Introduction

Theater is my passion. The program at my previous school did not suit my needs and only had virtual learning at the time. As a result, I transferred to LFA in the middle of 9th grade.

Diving into the Theater Program

I immediately joined the winter musical, where I made my friends at LFA. Not only did I make friends with my freshman peers, but also students of all ages. Many of my older peers have served as a resource–questions about navigating LFA, class recommendations, and more.

While rehearsals are long and very time-consuming, everyone loves being there. There is one theater director who oversees the entire program and a number of supporting faculty members who help us learn music and choreography. All of these factors combined make for a tightknit group of people.

Global and Art Concentrations

Arts Concentration

The Arts Concentration offers the opportunity to further develop one’s talents in a particular area. Students will 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.

Global Concentration

Students in the Global Concentration begin as a cohort as juniors and continue researching a topic of their choosing until the final capstone project at the end of senior year. Examples of past projects have included The Plastic Problem, Tech and Teenage Sleep Quality, and Education in Response to Crises.

Outside of auditioning and preparing for performances, there are performance-focused clubs that allow us to interact and collaborate year-round. I am very involved in VOX, which is a student singing group. We meet weekly, and perform at two concerts a year, as well as major LFA events. It is therapeutic to gather with this community every week and sing! I am also a part of LFA’s a cappella group, which is a smaller offshoot of VOX.

Being involved in this immersive program has taught me a great deal about time management. When preparing for a musical or play, we rehearse every day after school until 5 p.m., and there’s still dinner to be eaten and homework to be done.

I have made great use of the LFA planner–I schedule out my homework each week, including what will be done in the evenings, during free periods, and other pockets of available time.

Sophomore Year Role Reversal

While I could not have asked for a more seamless transition to LFA mid-year, I still had to put myself

out there and make an effort to introduce myself and get to know people. With this in mind, I took my knowledge of and comfort with LFA and put it to good use.

I approached others, especially those in the theater program, and introduced them to other students and faculty members. I showed them the ropes of where they can find places on campus. It was fun to see new students fit in and find their place in the LFA community.

A Rigorous, Yet Accessible Academic Environment

I attended a Montessori school from 2nd through 8th grade, where the environment was less structured than it is at LFA. This was a welcome change, yet it did take some time to get used to! As an added bonus, I had a wealth of class options at my fingertips, many of which are interestadjacent classes, like AP Music Theory.

The teachers, regardless of subject area, also teach in a way that the information will be useful later in life. Not only that, given how small our classes are, teachers have noticed when I don’t understand the material. They truly care and have my best interests at heart. All have approached me to set up meetings outside of class time to ensure that I am successful.

While I don’t live in the dorms, you can find me on campus more often than not! I frequently stay for dinner, as do many of my day student peers, and studying/homework time with friends. A group study environment, while it takes discipline, is more fun than studying by yourself.

An Infusion of Midwestern Culture

I grew up in the Midwest, where everyone worked hard, cared for their community, and always helped others. These values are truly emulated at LFA, regardless of nationality, background, and culture. We all fit together as a school body, teaching one another, and doing our best to ensure that everyone succeeds.

Deborah O. MacKenzie Turf Fields Soccer Fields

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