Lake Forest Academy history

The boys’ preparatory department, Lake Forest Academy, opened in the fall of 1858, and was the first school of any kind to open in Lake Forest.

Classes were held in Clark’s Hotel (the first public building in Lake Forest) until the Academy Building was ready in 1859.

In 1856, Sylvester Lind of Chicago pledged $100,000 in matching funds to the project, and so Lind University was chartered on February 13, 1857. As a result, the school was renamed Lake Forest University in 1865 (and later changed to Lake Forest College).

22d, 1869." In contrast to LFA, Ferry Hall maintained the tradition of tracing the school’s founding to the opening year of 1869 for anniversary celebrations.

June 28, 1871, marked the first commencement ceremony, with four students graduating.

In 1887, the school faculty voted to drop the name “Young Ladies’ Seminary” and the school became known simply as Ferry Hall.

In 1925, under the leadership of Richards and Tremain, both Lake Forest Academy and Ferry Hall legally separated from Lake Forest College.

The school opened for classes at the new campus in fall of 1948.

A merger of the schools to form the coeducational Lake Forest Academy-Ferry Hall School took place in 1974.

In 1987, the Wetzel-Schoellhorn Track was dedicated and construction began on an enclosure for the MacKenzie Ice Rink.

In 1988, the school decided to phase out “Ferry Hall” from its name, and use the name Lake Forest Academy.

In 1999, a newly built dormitory named Atlass Hall opened for boys.

In 2001, the Cressey Center for the Arts opened, providing a venue for performances and assemblies.

In 2011, LFA launched a one-to-one iPad program and wireless internet connectivity, embracing the importance of 21st century technology skills development among students and faculty.

Funds raised from the 2015 Spring Gala went towards improving the lighting, sound, and production capabilities of The Cressey Center for the Arts.