Lake Forest Country Day School

School Profile

Founded in 1888, Lake Forest Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school with over 470 students age 2 through Grade 8.
The School is located on a 29-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb approximately 30 miles north of Chicago.
The student body represents 34 different communities from the northern and western suburbs of Chicago.
The school-wide student teacher ratio is nine-to-one.
The LFCDS Mission Statement and Core Values reflects a shared belief in cooperation and involvement among students, faculty and parents which provides a basis for each child's individual behavior which is a vital aspect of school life and personal development.

Financial Data

The LFCDS budget for the 2010-2011 school year is $9,947,985.
The Endowment Fund Balance as of June 2010 was $19,549,461.
The average full day tuition including fees is $19,865. The average cost per student is $23,573.
Annual Giving constitutes 6.9% of the yearly operation budget.
The financial aid budget of $772,604 is available to students in Preschool through Grade 8.

Faculty & Administration

Approximately 70% of the School's faculty holds a masters degree or higher; the average length of service is 11 years.
Upper School faculty members act as advisors to an average of six students offering guidance in areas of academics, behavior and peer relations.
The School is a member of The National Association of Independent Schools, The Independent Schools Association of the Central States, The Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools and The Secondary School Admission Testing Board.
LFCDS is directed by a Board of Trustees who are elected at an annual meeting held in May each year. The trustees of the School hold regular meetings once each month except during July and August. At these meetings financial statements are reviewed, committee reports are received, and questions of policy are discussed and acted upon.

Academics

The school-wide average class size for instructional purposes is 12 students.
In 2008, Lake Forest Country Day School launched the 1st STEP Program-a school-based learning environment for two-year-olds.
Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten center on decision-making opportunities, critical thinking activities and experiential learning approaches which promote confidence and self-esteem. The full-day Senior Kindergarten program prepares children for the challenges that lie ahead as they progress through the grades.
The school-wide curriculum offers classes in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language (French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), Fine Arts, Physical Education and Information Literacy. From the course content to the classroom layout, classes are designed to incorporate a rigorous curriculum in an engaging format.
Accelerated programs in Math and English are offered to high achievers in the Upper School, while elevated expectations are set forth for advanced learners within all classrooms.
The School's advanced technology platform and commitment to interactive, multi-media learning places Lake Forest Country Day School among the top 10 percent of elementary schools nationwide.
The Learning Development Department provides comprehensive diagnostic, remedial and classroom support to students with different learning styles.

Co-Curricular & Special Programs

The arts program offers beginning and symphonic band instruction, choral music, studio and performing arts. Concerts, exhibits and performances are presented throughout the year.
Physical education begins in preschool. Students in grades 1-4 take physical education five times a week; grades 5-8 four times a week; sixth through eighth graders participate in team sports practice after school four times a week.
The School offers nine interscholastic sports across three seasons.
Outdoor education teaches students teamwork and cooperation in physically and mentally challenging outdoor problem-solving activities.

Student Activities

A literary magazine, newspaper and yearbook are written, edited and published by Upper School students.
All Upper School students must fulfill a community service requirement for graduation.
The Student Activities Board offers leadership roles for students in the upper grades.
More than 70% of students in grades 6-8 compete in three sports a year; 80% participate in two sports a year.
Upper School students participate in an annual public speaking unit and Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest.