Ways for Families to Connect with the LFA Community
LFA’s All-School Handshake - a beloved opening-of-school tradition
Inside, you’ll find information about signature family events, the Parents Association and its Executive Board, volunteer opportunities, LFA’s funding model and giving priorities, and recognition programs.
GET INVOLVED Parents and guardians play an important role in strengthening the LFA community. Whether you take on a formal volunteer position or help with a particular activity, there is a place for you to participate.
Parent & Family Volunteer Roles
Fall Social
Domestic Parent Ambassador International Parent Ambassador Academy Fund Co-Chair Gala Co-Chair Class Year Parent Representative Alumni Parent Representative Admission Liaison Athletic Concessions Liaison
Athletic Liaison Faculty & Staff Appreciation Liaison Fine & Performing Arts Liaison International Student Host Liaison Multicultural Liaison Stuart Center Liaison Student Life Liaison
Join the Parents Association Board
The Parents Association Board (PA) is a volunteer engine for LFA, with more than 40 roles for Class Representatives and Parent-to-School Liaisons representing areas across the Academy.
Serve on the PA Executive Board
Selected representatives of the PA Board serve as thought partners to the Head of School and the Office of Advancement, helping strengthen the school, engagement, and philanthropy.
Become a Volunteer Parent Ambassador
Parent Ambassadors welcome new families, answer questions, and help new parents build connections.
Champion the Gala as a Co-Chair
Gala Co-Chairs help promote the event, encourage attendance and sponsorships, and build support for the annual Gala project.
Find Your Role
Parents can get involved in many other ways throughout the year, from serving as a sports team parent to connecting with prospective families at admission events.
Consider how your interests, experience, and available time could support the LFA community and get in touch with us at (847) 615-3212.
Attend Events & Gatherings There are many opportunities throughout the year to meet other families, engage with LFA leadership, faculty, and staff, and experience the life of the Academy.
Parent Class Coffee
Summer: New Family Gatherings
New families get acquainted with one another and LFA leadership, faculty, and staff while celebrating the start of a new school year.
Fall: Family Weekend
All current families are invited to campus to experience student life, meet faculty and school leaders, and enjoy the LFA community.
Fall: Parents Association Social
New Family Reception
Parents and guardians gather for a Friday night out featuring dinner on campus. Theme to be announced.
Spring: Annual LFA Gala
The LFA community gathers for the school’s premier philanthropic event, which raises support for a special project.
Spring: Pre-Prom After-Party
Gather for pictures before students head to the dance, and then stay to connect and mingle with other parents after the students leave.
Spring: Teacher Appreciation Week Parents host activities thanking LFA’s faculty and staff.
Pre-Prom After-Party
Keep Connecting Throughout the Year
Campus events, class-year gatherings (1–2 per class per semester), and events hosted in homes and internationally help LFA families stay connected.
Visit lfanet.org/parents for event dates and registration information.
Learn About Giving Like many independent schools, LFA is funded by tuition, auxiliary revenue, gifts, and an annual endowment draw. Giving priorities include the Academy Fund for school operations and the Gala project for special initiatives. WHY INDIVIDUAL GIFTS MATTER
77
%
of LFA’s operating revenue comes from tuition Tuition does not cover the full cost of an LFA education.
23% Ancillary revenue
Academy Fund gifts
Annual endowment draw
The remaining revenue comes from facility rentals, private gifts (donations), and a draw from the endowment.
Special initiatives, such as new campus construction or academic programs, are funded through gifts (donations) received at the annual Gala.
The Academy Fund The Academy Fund provides flexible and immediate operating support for academics, financial aid, athletics, the arts, faculty excellence, and student life.
One Day. All Caxy
Fundraising for the Academy Fund officially launches in the fall with LFA’s Giving Day—One Day, All Caxy—which brings the community together for 24 hours in support of the Academy Fund.
Annual Gala
Annual Gala Project Each year, the Board of Trustees selects a strategic priority to benefit from fundraising through the Gala, culminating in a paddle raise at the event. Gifts support the project, while sponsorship underwrites the event. Fundraising takes place in the spring.
CELEBRATE YOUR IMPACT LFA recognizes and celebrates the parents, volunteers, and donors whose involvement strengthens the Academy.
Spring PA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
This gathering celebrates and recognizes parents whose volunteer service strengthens the student and family experience at LFA.
Spring: Leadership, Loyalty & Legacy Reception This special event with the Head of School honors Leadership Society members, loyal donors, and Richards & Tremain Society members.
PA Board Reception Luncheon
LFA Giving Societies
Every gift, of every size, makes a difference for LFA and its students—and every gift is recognized and deeply appreciated. Through the Cornerstone and Leadership giving societies, Lake Forest Academy recognizes, stewards, and celebrates the generosity of its donors.
LFA Leadership Society Donors who give $10,000 or more annually are recognized as members of the LFA Leadership Society.
LFA Cornerstone Society
Donors who give $1,000 to $9,999 annually are recognized as members of the LFA Cornerstone Society.
Visit lfanet.org/support-lfa to learn more about LFA’s giving societies and recognition opportunities.
Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
Helpful Links To get involved with LFA: lfanet.org/parents
To support LFA:
lfanet.org/support-lfa
New Family Information:
lfanet.org/admissions/newstudents
Parent Information and Events: lfanet.org/parents
Student Information and Opening Schedule: lfanet.org/student-life/opening-schedule
Residential Life:
lfanet.org/student-life/residential-campus-life
Giving:
lfanet.org/support-lfa
The Office of Advancement Parent and Family Engagement
Lake Forest Academy
1500 West Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 (847) 615-3212 lfanet.org
The Office of Advancement advances LFA’s mission by helping families connect with the community, get involved, and support LFA, while celebrating the impact of parents and families along the way.