Lake Forest Country Day School

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Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is a private K-8 school located in Lake Forest, Illinois, USA. The school was founded in 1888, and is affiliated with the Country Day School movement.

[edit] History

1888 - The Alcott School founded

The Alcott School welcomed its first students in the fall of 1888 in a three-room cottage on land that is now part of the Lake Forest College campus. Accounts differ on whether the name was chosen in memory of "the children's friend" Louisa May Alcott, who had recently died or her father, Bronson Alcott, who was said to have founded the first private day school in America. The school's first graduating class consisted of two students.

1904 - Allen Chartis Bell joins the faculty

Allen Chartis Bell joined the Alcott School as a substitute teacher and within a year became the school's principal and owner. This marked a new era that lasted more than half a century and whose influence is felt even today. An early brochure declared "the entire curriculum is arranged to make moral character efficient through mental discipline." In a continuing tradition, teachers specialize by subject rather than teaching all subjects to a particular grade level.

1928 - The Lake Forest Day School is founded

In answer to the needs of a growing Lake Forest community for a progressive school, the Lake Forest Day School opened its doors with a clear purpose: to develop character, impart knowledge and develop resourcefulness. The school was not for profit and emphasized the fundamental importance of parent cooperation. It employed a consulting physician and psychologist, exemplifying the school's commitment to educating the whole child.

1934 - The Alcott School changes its name to the Bell School

Over the years, the Alcott School and Mr. Bell had become so associated that many people began to refer to it as the "Bell School." When Bell's oldest son, Alexander (Lex), joined the faculty in 1934, the name change became official.

1958 - The Bell School and the Lake Forest Day School consolidate to form Lake Forest Country Day School.

After years of discussions, the two schools joined, merging their strong educational backgrounds rooted in family and community. The School continues its tradition of welcoming students of varying abilities and of educating generations of the same families. The practice of strong parent participation touches every aspect of Lake Forest Country Day School and is one of its greatest strengths.