Before she started high school, Greer Talty was “this quiet girl who was often overshadowed by the other students in my grade.” But the minute she stepped through the doors of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, Talty knew she was in the right hands – she had never felt more welcomed.
Over time, Talty, who hails from Winnetka, Illinois, broke out of her shell. She took on roles that led to leadership positions as a freshman – something that helped her see the potential in herself and gave her the motivation to fulfill it.
“I met people from all across the world, participated in as many clubs and sports as I could have, and travelled to both London and Belize,” shares Talty. “It changed me not only as a person but my perspective on the world. I personally think Woodlands was the greatest decision I could have made for myself.”
It suffices to say that Talty’s time at Woodlands Academy has undeniable shaped her to be the person she is today: poised, confident, mature, and ready for the future.
From arts to sports, Woodlands Academy encourages you to step out of your comfort zones and do your best in everything. Source: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Guided by faith, driven by excellence
Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy has empowered generations of young women to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and impact. As part of the Sacred Heart network, the Catholic college-preparatory school for grades nine through 12 blends academic excellence with a faith-based community — a combination that has earned it recognition as the #1 all-girls Catholic high school in Illinois and a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.
“Woodlands Academy offers a unique and highly appealing high school experience,” says Head of School Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. “Every element is intentionally designed to help intelligent, interested, and energetic young women grow into the best version of themselves,” she adds.
For example, from the moment you walk through the doors, you’re met with a culture of care. With small class sizes, a low 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a teaching staff where 90% hold an advanced degree, it all adds up to one thing: meaningful mentorship. “One of the greatest things Woodlands has to offer as an institution is its staff. The teachers, coaches, and faculty have all been influential on my educational career,” says Talty.
Two individuals stood out to Talty in particular: Mrs. Briesch and Mr. Guo. “Mrs. Briesch was my volleyball coach during freshman year. While many found her intimidating, I admired her. She had a big heart, a competitive spirit, and a strong-willed attitude. They were qualities I wanted to develop in myself,” says Talty. “Mr. Guo, my math teacher in junior year, was equally memorable. On his first day, he had printed out the entire school roster and marked off every name he had learned. It really showed how much he cared about the students and the school.”
Learning for students of Woodlands Academy goes beyond the 41-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, north of Chicago. Source: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Learning for students of Woodlands Academy goes beyond the 41-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, north of Chicago. Source: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Where the world becomes your classroom
One of the highlights of being a Woodlands Academy student? Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. “Our students engage in both domestic and international student exchange opportunities as well as our signature Global Odyssey programme,” says Dempf.
Talty’s journey took her to Belize. “It was truly life-changing,” she recalls. “I stayed on an island off the coast with close friends and snorkelled in the Blue Hole. That trip helped me face fears and become more independent.” What made it even more meaningful was the focus on service. “We were required to complete 70 hours of service before graduation,” says Talty. “Not a lot of schools do that. It is something that I greatly appreciated and has definitely changed me as a person.”
Leadership and inspiration are nurtured in other ways at Woodlands Academy too, like the “Imagine Yourself in the C-Suite” series. It brings together girls from all over Chicago and puts them in the same room as real business leaders. “As a high schooler, I was always so inspired listening to those women talk about their lives and experiences,” says Talty. “They made me believe that I, too, could become as successful as them and one day return to Woodlands Academy to inspire others, just like they inspired me.”
Today, Talty is studying finance at the Hilton School of Business at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). “I know for a fact that if I did not attend Woodlands, I would not be going to school in California right now,” she says. “The biggest gift Woodlands gave me was personal advocacy. At LMU, I’ve been able to attend panels and connect with business leaders. That’s how I began to grow my network. I owe that first step, and all the growth since, to Woodlands Academy,” she adds.
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