Business Details
Nurturing Young Minds Since 1888
Lake Forest Country Day School has been nurturing a love of learning and building strong character in students since 1888. Our mission centers on inspired teaching and family partnership to prepare students to navigate their paths with purpose. We champion childhood through personalized attention in small classes, where experienced educators model curiosity and high standards. Our community-driven approach fosters honest relationships and belonging, while innovative programs like the Innovation Center extend learning beyond traditional classrooms. With a focus on social-emotional development and academic rigor, we cultivate students who demonstrate strong character, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning. 
Services
Early Childhood Education
Lower School Programs
Upper School Curriculum
Innovation Center Access
Social-Emotional Learning
Student Support Services
Athletics Programs
Fine Arts Education
Extended School Options
Community Engagement
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized education with small class sizes ensuring individual attention
- Our faculty combines experience with innovative teaching methodologies
- We emphasize character development alongside academic excellence
- Innovation Center extends learning through design thinking and technology
- Community-focused environment with strong parent-teacher collaboration
What people say
Loved and known by everyone
Faculty really care about students
Supportive involved members of community
Academics are spectacular
Immediate community welcome
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood program serves students aged 2 through Junior Kindergarten, focusing on foundational learning through play-based exploration and social development. Certified educators create nurturing environments that stimulate curiosity while developing early academic skills. The curriculum emphasizes emotional intelligence and prepares children for successful transitions to formal schooling.
Innovation Center
The Innovation Center features specialized labs for robotics, design thinking, and environmental science. Students engage in hands-on projects that integrate technology with creative problem-solving. This facility supports cross-disciplinary learning that prepares students for future technological challenges through practical application.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our Social-Emotional Learning program develops emotional intelligence through structured activities and community-building exercises. Students learn conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible decision-making within age-appropriate frameworks. This approach creates a supportive school culture that enhances academic performance and personal growth.
Student Support Services
We provide targeted support through reading specialists, learning specialists, and individualized education plans. Our resource teachers work collaboratively with classroom instructors to address diverse learning needs. This comprehensive approach ensures all students achieve their full potential through personalized academic strategies.
Extended School Options
Our extended school options include Prime Time care, House System activities, and enrichment programs. These offerings provide structured environments for homework completion, social development, and special interest exploration. The programs maintain educational continuity while offering flexible scheduling for families.
People
John Melton
Head of School
John Melton leads LFCDS with over 20 years of independent school leadership experience. He champions innovative education while maintaining traditional values. His vision focuses on creating learning environments that balance academic rigor with character development.
Abby Acuna
Head of Early Childhood
Abby Acuna brings extensive early childhood expertise to her role, emphasizing developmentally appropriate practices. She designs programs that nurture young learners through play-based exploration. Her leadership ensures continuity between preschool and formal education.
Greg McDonough
Innovation Space Director
Greg McDonough oversees the Innovation Center's facilities and curriculum integration. With backgrounds in both education and technology, he develops programs that combine design thinking with practical application. His work prepares students for future STEM challenges.
Ami Polonsky
Chair of the English Department
Ami Polonsky leads English curriculum development with a focus on literary analysis and creative writing. She brings expertise in differentiated instruction and student-centered learning approaches. Her leadership ensures strong communication skills across grade levels.
Ty Stuckslager
Upper School Mathematics Teacher
Ty Stuckslager teaches mathematics with over 25 years of experience at LFCDS. He specializes in making complex concepts accessible through real-world applications. His approach emphasizes problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.
Questions
What age groups does LFCDS serve?
We serve students from age 2 through Grade 8 in our co-educational independent school.
How does LFCDS support individual learning needs?
Small class sizes and dedicated resource teachers provide personalized attention for diverse learning needs.
What makes LFCDS unique?
Our combination of academic rigor, character development, and Innovation Center programs creates distinctive learning opportunities.
How does the school involve families?
We foster strong parent-teacher collaboration through regular communication and community events.
What after-school programs are available?
Our Prime Time care and House System activities provide structured enrichment opportunities beyond regular school hours.
How does LFCDS prepare students for future schools?
Our graduates consistently succeed in top high schools due to our focus on critical thinking and character development.
