Apply to the Caxy Life
We look forward to working with you throughout this process! If you have any questions, please contact the Admission Office. The application deadline for the 2021-2022 School Year is January 15, 2021. Applications received after the January 15 deadline are considered on a rolling basis, dependent on space and availability.
Step 1: Inquire
To learn more about Lake Forest Academy, request more information, and begin the admission process, please complete our inquiry form. You will be emailed login information to access the admission portal where you will complete the application process.
Step 2: Application Form & Fee
To begin the application process, submit the application form and pay the $60 application fee in the admission portal. Once this is complete, all other requirements for the application process will be available in your portal. To access the admission portal, please use link here.
Step 3: Testing
Lake Forest Academy practices a holistic application review in order to determine a student’s fit in our community. It has always been our philosophy to review all aspects of a student’s application without relying solely on test scores.
Due to recent concerns with accessibility and reliability of standardized testing, Lake Forest Academy has made the decision to go test optional for the 2021-22 application year. If you decide not to submit a standardized test score, we ask that a graded essay is submitted for review by the Admission team for additional context towards the student’s academic record. Students who decide not to submit test scores will not be penalized in the application review process.
Students may still elect to submit test scores to be reviewed in their application process. All acceptable tests can be found below.
Please contact the Office of Admission if you have any questions about our test optional policy for the 2021-22 application year.
9th Grade Applicants
SSAT
ISEE
PSAT
10th Grade Applicants
SSAT
ISEE
PSAT
11th Grade Applicants
SAT
ACT
ACT-Plan
PSAT
12th Grade/
PG Applicants
SAT
ACT
Step 4: Recommendations & Transcripts
Recommendations
Applicants are asked to provide three letters of recommendations:
- English Teacher
- Math Teacher
- School (Principal, Counselor, Advisor)
Letters of recommendation may be completed by your current or last year teachers and a current school official.
Please note that recommendations are available in the admission portal to be shared electronically with teachers and school officials once your application form has been submitted. Access the admission portal here.
Transcripts
Transcripts and academic records are required from the past two consecutive years of schooling. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the applicant’s school to LFA’s Admission Office.
Parents should also complete the Confidential Records Release Form and submit it to the applicant’s current school. Please also send a copy to Lake Forest Academy’s Admission Office.
Step 5: Essays
Student Essays
The essays give applicants the opportunity to tell the Admission Committee who they are and what is important to them. These are helpful for the committee to get to know them and better understand their fit at LFA. Essay prompts can be found in the admission portal.
Parent Essays
Parents are asked to answer two questions on their student’s application, which will provide the admission counselors with another perspective about the applicant. The parents’ essay prompts are also located in the admission portal.
Step 6: Apply For Financial Aid
Lake Forest Academy awards $6 million in financial aid annually to families with demonstrated financial need. Completing the financial aid application is required in addition to the LFA admission application, and both must be submitted before January 15, 2021. You can find more information about LFA’s financial aid program and how to apply by visiting our Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Step 7: Schedule an Interview
We want to learn more about you and how you will contribute to the LFA community! This year, all student interviews will be conducted virtually with a member of the Admission Office. To schedule your interview, please email admissions@lfanet.org. We can’t wait to talk with you!
Step 8: Supplementary
Character Skills Snapshot
SSAT offers the optional Character Skills Snapshot, which measures eight essential character skills: resilience, open-mindedness, responsibility, teamwork, social awareness, self-control, intellectual curiosity, and initiative. You are able to take this assessment free-of-charge after you register for the SSAT.
Arts and Athletic Supplements
Please complete this optional Arts Supplement and/or Athletic Supplement if you have a specific talent or interest that you would like to highlight. Please upload the completed forms to the admission portal.