What do Sasha Alsberg, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of ZENITH: The Androma Saga; Caitlin F. McCarthy, Director of Education, Associates, and Corporate Partnerships at the Environmental Law Institute; and Mary G. Berner, President and CEO of Cumulus Media, have in common?
Besides their impressive careers, all three are alumni of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart — a school dedicated to preparing young women for lives of courage, confidence, and service. Through a nurturing environment, Woodlands helps students discover their purpose, cultivate their talents, and develop a strong commitment to the world around them.
Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is a Catholic, independent college-preparatory day and boarding school for girls in grades nine through twelve. Aligned with the philosophy of Sacred Heart education, Woodlands Academy strives to develop global citizens who are ready to make a positive impact. Evidently, it has succeeded — Woodlands Academy has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked #1 Best All-Girls High School and #1 Best All-Girls Catholic High School in Illinois by Niche.Woodlands Academy is located on a stunning 41-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, just 30 miles from Chicago — recently voted the Best Big City in the US for the eighth year in a row. The location offers students easy access to a vibrant city filled with diverse communities, historical sites, and a thriving arts scene. This combination of excellence and convenience makes Woodlands Academy the ultimate place for young women to reach their full potential.

Woodlands Academy’s academic program nurtures intellectual respect, academic integrity, and a lifelong passion for learning, aligning with Sacred Heart education goals. Source: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Woodlands Academy stands out for its academic framework. The school uses a four-level system that includes Advanced Placement, Honors, College Prep 1, and College Prep 2 classes. Students are placed in these levels based on their demonstrated skills and intellectual maturity, ensuring they are challenged at an appropriate level.
A 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio further supports this personalized approach. Small class sizes allow teachers to get to know each student individually, tailoring instruction to meet each girl’s unique needs. This helps students excel academically while boosting their personal development.
Beyond the classroom, the school provides an extensive lineup of extracurricular activities, with over 18 clubs and organizations, such as chess club, Congressional debate team, and robotics. More than 70% of students participate in at least one sport, and there are more than 120 leadership positions available across the school. In fact, one-third of freshmen hold an elected position by the end of their first year. These experiences help students develop confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities that serve them well academically and professionally.

Woodlands Academy offers a challenging, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where young women can thrive during their high school years and beyond. Source: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Further ensuring post-graduation success is the school’s comprehensive college counseling program. The program provides tailored guidance through individual meetings, workshops, and information sessions, ensuring students are well-prepared for college applications. And since 90% of faculty members hold advanced degrees in their fields, they also serve as advisors, meeting with students daily to provide academic and personal support.
This explains Woodlands’ 100% college acceptance rate. Informed decisions have set students on a path toward success at top-tier universities like Yale University, Cornell University, Northwestern University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown University.
Being part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools is another unique advantage of attending Woodlands Academy. This global network connects students to 25 Sacred Heart schools across the U.S. and Canada and institutions in 41 other countries. The connections students make through this network lead to international internships, global friendships, and career opportunities. What’s more, Woodlands Academy hosts 20-30 exchange students each year and offers its students the chance to travel abroad to sister academies, broadening their global perspective and enhancing their educational experience.
The school also offers merit scholarships, which are awarded based on academic performance, community service, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education. These scholarships aptly recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional promise. Register your interest today.
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