LFA Viewbook 18-19

YOUR TIME HERE STARTS NOW

Midwestern Heart. Global Mind.

YOUR TIME HERE STARTS NOW

Midwestern Heart. Global Mind.

WELCOME TO LAKE FOREST ACADEMY! LFA attracts students who seek rich and rewarding learning experiences and relationships.

Take glance AT at Aa TYPICAL typical day TAKE Aa GLANCE DAY in IN the THElife LIFEofOFanANLFA LFAstudent!

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.

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 The Head of School is Dr. John Strudwick, who was appointed in 2001 after 24 years of teaching, including a 17-year career at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. Lake Forest Academy is governed by a board of trustees and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the National Association of Independent Schools, and the State of Illinois.

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ENGLISH 9 LFA ACADEMICS AT A GLANCE

22

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

9

10

11

12

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.

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 Curran ’19

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 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 ends.

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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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

16 STATES

33 COUNTRIES + TERRITORIES

31% STUDENTS OF COLOR

26% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

HEAD OF SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM Each year, Dr. Strudwick selects a topic for the entire school community to explore through the Head of School Symposium. There are outside speakers, trips off campus, and a dedicated HOS Symposium Day. In addition, a spring break travel opportunity is associated with the symposium. The 2018-19 topic is “Russia: Revolution and Resurgence.”

PREVIOUS TOPICS INCLUDE: · Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos: Culture, Conflict, and Commerce · Immigration, Emigration, and Migration: Culture, Citizenship, and Conflict · The Caribbean: Climate, Commerce, and Culture · The Brain: Inquiry, Imagination, and Innovation

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 Kuhns ’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 Economics of Latin America, Mobile App Development, and Criminal Profiling.

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 is housed under the Global Department, which offers interdepartmental courses. For 2018-19, students can consider taking The Good Life: An Exploration and Study of Global Happiness or Opium and Opioids: The History, Chemistry, and Economics of Pain Relief.

I FEEL LIKE I AM SURROUNDED BY FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN I AM AT LFA. THE COMMUNITY IS VERY WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY. - So Eun Moon ’21

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ADVISORY OR MORNING MEETING STUDENT-FACULTY RELATIONSHIPS 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.

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 RELATIONSHIP MADE WITH TEAMMATES, CLASSMATES, TEACHERS, AND COACHES. - Paul Makovec, Math Faculty

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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ORCHESTRA In March 2018, the LFA Orchestra took a fourday curricular trip to Nashville. The students recorded a song at the iconic RCA Studios, took a line dancing class, and had a master class with a professor at Vanderbilt University. This trip was one of many curricular trips that LFA students participate in. LFA also offers non-curricular activities during spring and summer vacations.

ADDITIONAL CURRICULAR TRIPS INCLUDE: • AP Environmental Science - Visit to Puerto Rico, New Mexico, & Washington State • Le Monde Francophone - Host family stay in Morocco or Guadeloupe • Contemporary Civilizations and Cultures of Latin America - Service trip to Panama • Choir - Master classes with professional artists in New York City

SEE OTHER TRIP DESCRIPTIONS FOR 18-19 AT LFANET.ORG/STUDENT_LIFE/SPRING_BREAK

THERE ARE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAVEL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE SPRING BREAK TRIPS AND I ACTUALLY PARTICIPATED IN ONE LAST YEAR TO GHANA THROUGH OUR CLUB, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, WHICH WAS A REALLY AMAZING EXPERIENCE. - Ava Ascroft ’19

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, Cambodia, Laos, China, Cuba, Greece, Guadeloupe, Ireland, Japan, New York City, 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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LUNCH THE STUDENT UNION LFA’s Student Union houses the 300-seat ReidAnderson Family Dining Hall, 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 UNION 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 Sebolt ’21

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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 2018 PREFECTS POSED FOR PHOTOS DURING AN AFTERNOON BREAK.

GETTING INVOLVED AT LFA IS REALLY EASY AND THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT INTERESTS. JOINING CLUBS WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS, AND I JUST JOINED WHAT INTERESTED ME. - Ava Ascroft ’19

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 longstanding 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 43 for more details regarding House Cup Competitions.

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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 2018 MATRICULATION SEE LFA’S INTERACTIVE COLLEGE MATRICULATION INFORMATION AT LFANET.ORG/COLLEGEMATRICULATION

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 inperson 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.

THE COLLEGE COUNSELORS AT LFA ARE VERY EXPERIENCED IN WHAT THEY DO. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY ARE GOING TO LEAD ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN MY COLLEGE CAREER. - Sydney Olinger ’19

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR COLLEGE DESTINATIONS University of Illinois New York University Northwestern University Boston University University of Michigan University of Southern California Stanford University Babson College Purdue University John Hopkins University

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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.

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.”

I REALLY ENJOY THE COACHES AND THEIR ENTHUSIASM FOR HELPING US GROW AS AN ATHLETE AND A PERSON. - Camille Pastrana ’19

I’VE ENJOYED THE RELATIONSHIPS FORMED WITH TEAMMATES AND COACHES. ONE OF MY FAVORITE LFA MEMORIES IS GOING UP TO CANADA FOR A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT. - Andrew Ivinjack ’19

#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 trainer 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.

A FULL LIST OF OUR TEAMS, SPORTS SCHEDULES, AND TEAM RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.LFACAXYS.ORG.

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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 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,

435 students went to more than 17 local community centers to pack 11,000 meals, package 10,000 lbs. of food, fill 250 sandbags, and more.

I THINK ALL SERVICE HERE AT LFA IS TRULY BENEFICIAL TO THE STUDENT BODY AND THOSE WE HELP. BEING ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS A PILLAR OF OUR COMMUNITY. [AFTER PARTICIPATING IN SERVICE DAY], I REMEMBER FEELING ACCOMPLISHED ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE IN A WAY THAT I’D NEVER BEEN BEFORE. - John Kuhns ’19

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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

ARTS AT LFA ALLOW YOU TO MEET AMAZING PEOPLE AND TO GAIN NEW FRIENDS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER MET OTHERWISE. MOREOVER, IT IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO RELAX AFTER A SCHOOL DAY AND CONSTRUCT SOMETHING WITH YOUR OWN HANDS OR BODY, WHETHER IN WOODWORKING, CERAMICS, OR DRAMA. - Michael Lentskevich ’20

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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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 J.C. 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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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 9 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

I LOVE THE FREEDOM THAT BOARDING GIVES ME. I HAVE THE SPACE TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS AND LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. - Gigi Taillon ’21

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE DORMS IS BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. - Conor Hudziak ’19

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

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

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 Nash ’20

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 November 4, 2018 and April 14, 2019.

Plan to arrive by 1 p.m. for a student-led tour and informative program.

CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE PREPARATORY BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL

GRADES 9–12 9

10

11

12

STUDENTS FROM

33 16 Countries + Territories

States + Territories

31% of DAY

BOARDING

Students Receive Financial Aid $5.2 Million Awarded Annually

26% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

27 VARSITY SPORTS

Find us online and on social media: www.lfanet.org Facebook.com/LakeForestAcademy Youtube.com/LFA1857 @LFAcad (Twitter) LFACADEMY (Instagram) www.lakeforestacademy.smugmug.com

1500 WEST KENNEDY ROAD

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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