A child’s education is the foundation for a successful future. Both in and out of the classroom, a private school setting can mean enhanced learning opportunities, engaging extracurricular programs and at parochial institutions, a profound connection with faith, service and community.
The right tools
At many private schools, a focus on small class size allows each student to learn in a way that’s best suited to them. Lake Forest Academy, a boarding and day school founded in 1857, has an average of 12 students per class, representing 14 states and 37 countries.
“Classes are small, so they can really connect, learn, discuss and question,” shares Dean of Communications Cathy Morrison.
LFA, like most private schools, focuses on rigorous curriculum in an environment that supports exploratory learning. From state-of-the-art lab equipment to a Global Youth Leadership Institute headquartered on LFA’s campus, students have the tools they need to realize their dreams.
“LFA was the perfect combination of scholarship, athletics and community that I was looking for,” says Morgan Baylor, a 2016 graduate who currently attends Dartmouth.
Extracurriculars drive curiosity, innovation
For students of all ages, enriching programs outside the classroom build confidence and cultivate leadership abilities. At Roycemore in Evanston, about 75 percent of students pre-kindergarten through grade 12 participate in extracurricular programs ranging from Mandarin, theater and athletic teams, to cooking, engineering and Tai Kwon Do clubs.
In high school, students are encouraged to pursue a three-week program between semesters that focus on a passion in-depth. Past projects include creating 3D animation, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and interning at an art gallery —and all promote a culture of life-long learning.
“This is a time for exploring career interests, learning a new skill or strengthening an old one, participating in a service project, or trying out an area of interest for which there has never been time,” Roycemore leadership explains.
Faith-based learning
For many, a holistic education includes a strong focus on faith. Students at parochial schools like Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview benefit from challenging scholastics paired with a commitment to service and personal responsibility.
“The call to service is one of the essential components of the OLPH experience,” says Principal Amy Mills. “One of our primary goals is to instill a sincere commitment to serving less fortunate, locally and globally.
“At a very young age, children understand that their life is a gift from God and what they do with it matters.”
