The New Normal: Math Department “Skill Checks”
In the new school year, the math department has introduced a major change in its assessment approach: weekly “Skill Checks.” These short pop quizzes are designed to reinforce recently taught…
2025
Why Windy City Smokeout Triumphs Over Other Music Festivals
Among the blazing heat of the summer, the weather was not the only thing sparking up conversation; Windy City Smokeout blew away festival attendees with flaming hot barbecue, beloved country…
Working and School: What I’ve Learned as a Hostess
It’s 10:17pm on a Thursday night, the man at table fourteen needs silverware and Uncle Dave at the bar is still waiting for his takeout. All the cutlery is in…
LFA Makes an A+ a 98: The Issues With Raising the Bar
In recent years, LFA has standardized its grading system, ensuring for the 2023–24 school year that the score required for an A in one class is the same as in…
Spectator Summer: School of the New York Times
Kayla Moore ’26 Over the summer holiday, I travelled to New York City (NYC) to learn more about The New York Times and what it takes to be a journalist…
Taking in the Study Abroad Experience in Barcelona
Over the summer, I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain with CIEE Global Navigators: a program that takes high school and college students abroad. Studying Spanish Language and Culture, our group…
Spectator Summer at the University of Chicago
This summer, I participated in the course Human Rights: Foundation Concepts, Global Challenges, in the three-week Immersion residential program at the University of Chicago. In this course, we explored questions…
The Signatures that Killed: How Parents are Enabling Mass Shootings
On a Tuesday morning in Highland Park, the sound of drums and laughter from the Fourth of July Parade was replaced by screams and gunfire. Amid the chaos, few knew…
Fresh Starts and Final Years: LFA Class Retreats Create Lasting Memories
Every year, Lake Forest Academy freshmen and seniors participate in class retreats, creating lasting memories. Being one of the many beloved school traditions, the freshmen and senior retreats are a…
Pumpkin Season is Brewing Again: A Taste of Starbucks’ 2025 Fall Menu
As the air turns more crisp and the leaves start to change colors, one thing has become clear: fall has arrived, and so has Starbucks’ seasonal menu. The return of…