In eighth grade, our faculty creates a bond of trust and respect with students—and these relationships last long after graduation. We believe that open, coordinated communication leads to the most effective team of faculty, parents, and students. Our goal is to increase student self-advocacy as they take on more responsibility.
We prepare students to succeed in secondary school, college, and beyond. Students graduate from LFCDS with superior academic preparation in all subjects (including fully integrated foreign language and arts programs), consistently earning them placement in advanced classes. Equally important, we produce graduates who have the skills to succeed as twenty-first century learners. Our graduates exude the self-confidence and intellectual curiosity necessary to flourish, cultivate new interests, and think critically. As a learning community, we value these achievements and are proud of our students’ success.
Experiences such as the Washington, DC trip, world language trips, various Chicago field trips, the eighth-grade drama production, and the "This I Believe" project allow students to explore their world as they begin to venture out in their own thoughts and risk-taking. These projects allow them to express their thoughts in academically meaningful ways as they explore using their own voice and gain poise as public speakers and global thinkers.
LFCDS graduates are extraordinary individuals, learners, and citizens of a global age. They are independent thinkers who are well-equipped to flourish in future academic and career settings. Our graduates know how to use state-of-the-art technology to find, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information. They have learned time-management skills, take organized notes, and express themselves expertly both orally and in writing. In-depth studies of foreign languages and world cultures prepare them to become global citizens. Hands-on participation in the fine arts and visual arts teaches them the skills to be lifelong students of culture.
Highlights of the Eighth-Grade Experience
List of 9 items.
World Language Experiences
Travel and practice a world lanaguage with French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese native speakers
Personal Mission Statement
Reflect on personal values and write a thoughtful "This I Believe" statement
Experience Shakespeare
Read and view a Shakespeare play performed by the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Advanced Math
Study linear regression in Algebra
Advanced English
Read and discuss Lord of the Flies
Speaking Experience
Have the opportunity to give a speech at an all-school event
Bringing History to Life
Argue a position in First Amendent mock-trials
Experiencing Washington, D.C.
Embark on the Washington, D.C. field trip, visiting important landmarks such as Gettysburg, the Library of Congress, the Holocaust Museum, war memorials, the Lincoln Memorial, and Captiol Hill
Performing Artists
Take performing to new heights in the Eighth-Grade Drama Production
Curriculum Guide
Faculty
List of 18 members.
Scott Baeseman
Chair of the Fine Arts Department, Music Teacher, Chorus
(847) 615-6185
Nan Caldwell
Chair of World Language, Spanish Teacher, US Coordinator of Community Service
(847) 615-6166
Thomas Crofts
Social Studies Teacher
(847) 615-6177
Mark DeBernardi
Visual Art Teacher
(847) 615-6179
Laura Gabriel
French Teacher
(847) 615-6240
Jason Gronkiewicz-Doran
Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
(847) 615-6164
Amy Hintzman
Upper School Science Teacher
(847) 615-6115
Egan Kim
Upper School Mathematics Teacher
(847) 615-6155
Marcia Mann
Chair of the English Department, Upper School English Teacher
(847) 615-6157
Greg McDonough
Innovation Space Coordinator, STEM+ Teacher
(847) 615-6220
Mari O'Connell
Upper School English Teacher
(847) 615-6212
Nicky Pitman
Drama Teacher
(847) 615-6181
William Scroggins
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6232
Andrew Sperling
Head of Upper School & Upper School Math Teacher
(847) 615-6167
Suzanne Stanczak
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6122
Ted Stewart
Director of Student Programs and Engagement
(847) 615-6132
Taylor Stuckslager
Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Math Department Chair
(847) 615-6134
Nancy Watson
School Social Worker - LCSW/CADC
(847) 615-6163
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8. Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888. Schedule a tour!