Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

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Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

The main building at the Sacred Heart Academy, c. 1915 – later used by Barat College.

The 1961 mid-century modern chapel was designed by architects Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett.

The 1961 mid-century modern chapel was designed by architects Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart came to Lake Forest from Chicago in 1901 to find a more isolated location to reduce distractions for their students. The Academy settled on 43 wooded acres in south Lake Forest. In 1904, the first school opened for girls of elementary and high school age. Initially a boarding school, day students were admitted in 1931.
The program expanded to include a two-year junior college program and in 1918, Barat College was established as a four-year institution for women. In 1961, the Academy and Barat College created separate campuses with new buildings for secondary school. The name Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart was chosen in a contest.