Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1858, is an independent, Catholic, day and boarding, college preparatory school for young women, grades 9-12, who wish to pursue a course of study committed to academic excellence within the context of a faith-based community.

As a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada, Woodlands Academy commits itself to educate to our five goals: a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, the building of community as a Christian value, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is 158 years old with a 112-year history in Lake Forest, Illinois. Woodlands is one of 24 affiliates in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States & Canada and one of 127 Sacred Heart schools around the globe.

When families join our Sacred Heart school, they are joining a strong global community with a proud history of achievement and service. Since 1800, when Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the first Sacred Heart school in France, Sacred Heart education has continued to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity, and to serve.

Our complex world today demands that young women develop strength of character and a sense of their own worth and abilities. Current research demonstrates the benefits of single sex education, and the contemporary world of business, politics, and the professions shows that a significant number ofdistinguished leaders are graduates of girls’ schools.

Woodlands Academy builds its curriculum and all student activities on best practices for girls. We graduate global citizens prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the most rigorous colleges and universities. We draw upon solid research and continue to explore new ideas to ensure that our students are not only successful, but are prepared to meet future challenges with courage and confidence.