 | The entire Lake Forest Academy curriculum is designed to be a challenging preparation for college, and all courses are taught at what would typically be considered “honors” level at most schools. All courses are taught at a level that will prepare students for the challenges of work in Advanced Placement courses. Academic expectations of students are high from freshman through senior years. |
LFA Departments and their Courses | | | | | Modern and Classical Languages | | English as a Second Language | |
Information You Should Know Support
The Academic Support Program is designed to meet the constantly changing needs of both students and teachers. The foundation of the program is for teachers and students to work together as a team in the learning process; by providing proactive support. If a student is having academic difficulty for any reason, that student or his or her parent(s), advisor, or teachers may contact the Learning Resource Coordinator. Once a referral is made, an informal individual plan is developed for each student to determine and, if necessary, assist in working with possible learning difficulties. This may involve attempting alternate teaching strategies, focusing on time management, or working on developing stronger study habits and skills in meetings with the Learning Resource Coordinator. |
Schedule
LFA has developed an innovative class schedule that rotates classes and allows for non-class time within each student's school day. This schedule adds an energizing twist to each student's school day and offers free periods to get a head start on homework, attend a club meeting, get extra help from a teacher or just hang out with friends. We divide our school year not by weeks, but by cycles, which feature seven school days (A Day, B Day, C Day, D Day, E Day, F Day and G Day). Classes meet at a different time on each day, occasionally for double or even triple periods. |
Requirements
Our students normally carry five courses each year. A minimum of 18 total credits over four years is required for graduation. In the four-year program, students should distribute these courses to satisfy the following departmental requirements:
• English: 4 years (each year at LFA)
• Mathematics: 3 years (including at least algebra I, geometry, and algebra
• History, Sciences, Language : 3 (or more) years in at least 2 of these subjects, and 2 (or more) in the third – including at least two full-year laboratory sciences. (This is the “3–3–2” requirement.)
• Fine arts: 1.5 years for all incoming freshmen |
| |  Philip SchwartzAcademic Dean and Fine and Performing Arts Instructor 847-615-3242 Phil’s primary responsibilities include general oversight of the curriculum, academic advising, and scheduling functions, as well as tracking student academic programs and performance. Phil also provides expertise on learning styles and academic technology. Phil earned his BA at Elmhurst College, majoring in Geography and Environmental Management and History. His experience includes five years of teaching and coaching at Hill Middle School and Crone Middle School (both in Naperville IL). After receiving his MA in Technology and Curriculum Coordination from Benedictine University, Phil worked for Co-nect (Cambridge MA), a national organization that provides scholastic improvement services. Phil came to the Academy in the fall of 2000 as chair of the Academic Technology Department. In addition, Phil has worked in cooperation with the Information Services department to provide technology training sessions to faculty and staff, as well as assisting with the development and maintenance of the LFA web site. |
 Jeffrey BellAssistant Academic Dean and English Chair 847 615 4798 |
 Matthew LessDean of Faculty and Mathematics Instructor 847-615-4800 |
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