East Lake Academy is Chicago's top independent Roman Catholic Academy beginning with preschool age 3 that offers accelerated academics, forms future leaders. The academic focus is on the fundamentals of reading, writing, and math and science skills which are a crucial aspect of academic development. The faculty's mission is to bring out the best gifts in every student thus encouraging them to work to their greatest potential.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 128 students
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
East Lake Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
2001
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
128 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Call us for a free tuition estimate. 847-247-0035 x204 Please visit our website under the Admissions tab for our Pre-Kindergarten tuition and extended day options.
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mrs. Elizabeth Simutis
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Apostolic Club, Boy's Club
Club or Organization:
Choir, ENCOUNTER for Men, ENDOW for Women, Engineering for Kids, Girl's Club, Holy Week Missions, Jr. Great Books Club, Knights of the Altar, Math Club, Mission Trips, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Classical Piano
Club or Organization:
Choir, ENCOUNTER for Men, ENDOW for Women, Engineering for Kids, Girl's Club, Holy Week Missions, Jr. Great Books Club, Knights of the Altar, Math Club, Mission Trips, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Classical Piano
School Notes
- East Lake Academy is a private, independent Roman Catholic academy in Lake Forest, Illinois that has canonical approval, support and encouragement of the Archdiocese of Chicago. East Lake is accredited by AdvancedEd. East Lake's Mission is to Teach, to Educate and to Form.
- To teach means to provide the student with the intellectual capabilities, content and skills needed to respond to the demands of today's society.
- To educate means to train the student in the habit of intellectual rigor, structured reasoning, and in the appreciation of beauty; it means to cultivate sensitivity, memory, imagination; and finally, to develop the art of communication and the ability to express oneself clearly and elegantly.
- To form is to lead the student to become a person for others, with an upright ethical code, sensitivity toward the needs of others - especially the most disadvantaged - and openness to human and spiritual values. In this way students are prepared not just for professional success, but also for their self-realization as persons and authentic Christians in the various facets of their personal and professional lives.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of East Lake Academy?
The acceptance rate of East Lake Academy is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 90%. East Lake Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.
What sports does East Lake Academy offer?
East Lake Academy offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country and Track and Field.
What is East Lake Academy's ranking?
East Lake Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for East Lake Academy?
The application deadline for East Lake Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 7/28/2022
We loved being at East Lake Academy for 8 years. My daughter started in 1st grade and my son started in 5th grade. When we started at ELA my children felt welcomed by their classmates and teachers. The teachers foster an environment in the classroom where newcomers are welcomed and positively acclimated to the classroom since the values of kindness, patience and virtue are reinforced constantly by the teachers and administrators. The strong academic, solid faith formation, and inclusion of sports and clubs make this school the solid foundation that has allowed both my children who are now alumni (Highschool sophomores and College sophomores) to flourish and succeed. It is also a great family community! Teachers work with and listen to parents - which we loved! Thank you East Lake Academy!
5 5/17/2016
After first searching for a school that did not follow the Common Core curriculum, we discovered East Lake Academy. With that box checked, we discovered the true spirit and passion of East Lake Academy. The faith-based education supports our family's values throughout the day, even at the teacher-led before- and after-care programs. We are continually in awe of the ELA teachers, with such a pure dedication to the children and learning. Our two boys love learning not only the academic subjects, but how to be good citizens and leaders of the world. It's a common sense approach to education and a continual search for how to do better that sets East Lake Academy apart. It's the best decision we ever made.
5 12/19/2014
I have three children than attend East Lake Academy. My oldest started at East Lake Academy in PK3, she is now in 6th grade. For nine years, East Lake Academy has been a blessing to our family.
You will not find a more committed group of teachers anywhere. Over the years each teacher has loved our children as if they were there own. They''ve comforted them when they''ve cried. They''ve celebrated when they''ve succeeded. They''ve challenged them to be their best. They''ve helped teach them their faith and make it their own. Through their example, they model behavior that my children can emulate as they grow older. The teachers are in constant communication with my wife and I. We are comforted that what we teach at home is enforced at school and vice versa. My wife and I are the primary educators of our children and the teachers respect and understand this. We work together for the best interest of the children.
If your thinking about East Lake Academy. Visit the school. Meet the children. Meet the faculty and meet the families. You''ll see why families move or commute hours to be part of the school. We love ELA!!!
5 12/19/2014
East Lake Academy has been a terrific experience to-date for our children and for us as parents. The teachers are the most dedicated we''ve ever met. The curriculum is impressive. The before care and after care programs are well run and helpful as working parents. Our kids come home happy and fulfilled. We''re lucky to be part of the ELA family.
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