Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

  • LocationLake Forest, IL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 120 students
  • SponsorSociety of the Sacred Heart

All-female

Official website

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest is an independent Catholic school for young women in grades 9 through 12, governed by its own board and guided by the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Students take three years of theology and complete 70 service hours. The school holds a weekly Wednesday chapel prayer service, a daily quiet reflection, and an annual retreat commitment, and a campus minister leads the Campus Ministry club.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miChurch of St. Mary: 1.2 mi1Saint Mary's Church: 1.2 mi2St. Patrick Church: 2.3 mi3Woodlands Campus Ministry: 0.2 miWoodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Church of St. Mary — 1.2 mi · 175 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest
  2. Saint Mary's Church — 1.2 mi
  3. St. Patrick Church — 2.3 mi · 991 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (The calendar lists a Mater Mass for the sophomore class on October 20, 2026, and graduation takes place within Mass.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Calendar | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mater Mass, followed by Sophomore Parent Reception”
      A Mater Mass for the sophomore class is on the school calendar for October 20, 2026.
    2. Woodlands Traditions | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/woodlands-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “At Woodlands Academy, graduation takes place within the context of Mass.”
      Graduation takes place within a Mass.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A Mass is confirmed. The campus minister is listed as a theology teacher.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Calendar | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mater Mass, followed by Sophomore Parent Reception”
      A Mater Mass for the sophomore class is on the school calendar for October 20, 2026.
    2. Faculty & Staff Directory | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/about/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Damariz Aparicio Theology Teacher, Campus Minister”
      Damariz Aparicio is listed as a theology teacher and campus minister.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredThree years (The theology department says students complete three years of theology, and the graduation table requires 3 credits in theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students complete three years of theology, exploring scripture, ethics, and global religious traditions.”
      Students complete three years of theology.
      “Theology | 3 credits | 3 credits”
      The graduation requirements table lists 3 required credits in theology.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
BCampus culture: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The curriculum page says students complete an annual retreat commitment. Kairos is offered to all juniors.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Curriculum | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “students complete annual service, retreat, and Global Odyssey commitments.”
      Students complete an annual retreat commitment as well as service and Global Odyssey commitments.
    2. Woodlands Traditions | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/woodlands-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Over the course of several days spent off-campus at a retreat center”
      Kairos is a multi-day retreat, offered to all juniors, held off campus at a retreat center.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is listed (Damariz Aparicio, who is also a theology teacher).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/about/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Damariz Aparicio Theology Teacher, Campus Minister”
      Damariz Aparicio is listed as a theology teacher and campus minister.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The Campus Ministry club is the one faith-based student group named.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Lead prayer services, retreats, and community outreach while deepening your faith and building a spirit of compassion on campus.”
      The Campus Ministry club leads prayer services, retreats and outreach.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Espacio, a brief daily quiet reflection at the start of the school day, and a Wednesday Chapel prayer service.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Woodlands Traditions | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/woodlands-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “takes part in espacio, a brief period of intentional quiet reflection and stillness.”
      At the start of each school day, the community takes part in a brief quiet reflection called espacio.
      “Every Wednesday, the Woodlands community gathers in the Chapel to start the day.”
      The school community gathers in the chapel every Wednesday for a prayer service.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Freshmen complete 10 service hours, and sophomores, juniors and seniors complete 20 each year, which totals 70 hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service & Ministry | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/service-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Freshmen are required to do 10 hours of service during their first year. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are required to do 20 hours of service per year.”
      Freshmen complete 10 service hours, and each older grade completes 20 hours per year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The GRA club focuses on social justice and advocacy, and the Service Club plans service projects for local and global communities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Focus on social justice, advocacy, and leadership through projects that respond to current events and community needs.”
      The GRA club focuses on social justice and advocacy projects.
      “Plan and participate in meaningful service projects that benefit both local and global communities.”
      The Service Club plans service projects for local and global communities.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students complete three years of theology and 70 service hours across high school.
    Sources (2)
    1. Curriculum | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students complete three years of theology, exploring scripture, ethics, and global religious traditions.”
      Students complete three years of theology.
    2. Service & Ministry | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/service-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Freshmen are required to do 10 hours of service during their first year. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are required to do 20 hours of service per year.”
      Freshmen complete 10 service hours, and each older grade completes 20 hours per year.
  • The school community gathers in the chapel each Wednesday, and a daily quiet reflection starts the school day.
    Sources (1)
    1. Woodlands Traditions | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/woodlands-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every Wednesday, the Woodlands community gathers in the Chapel to start the day.”
      The school community gathers in the chapel every Wednesday for a prayer service.
      “takes part in espacio, a brief period of intentional quiet reflection and stillness.”
      At the start of each school day, the community takes part in a brief quiet reflection called espacio.
  • A student-led Campus Ministry club and team plan prayer services, retreats and liturgical celebrations.
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs & Activities | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Lead prayer services, retreats, and community outreach while deepening your faith and building a spirit of compassion on campus.”
      The Campus Ministry club leads prayer services, retreats and outreach.
    2. Service & Ministry | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/service-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Team members meet weekly to envision, write, and implement diverse liturgical celebrations for the school community.”
      A student Campus Ministry Team meets weekly to plan liturgical celebrations for the school.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Woodlands Campus Ministry

  • Address: 760 East Westleigh Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: woodlandsacademy.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, woodlandsacademy.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, woodlandsacademy.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 1

  • Kairos RetreatOff campus
    Junior year
    A student-led multi-day retreat for juniors at a retreat center, with talks, small group discussion, prayer and quiet reflection.
    woodlandsacademy.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Campus Ministry clubOn campus
    Community Hour, during the school day
    Leads prayer services, retreats and community outreach. Clubs meet during Community Hour in the school day.
    woodlandsacademy.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Wednesday ChapelOn campus
    Every Wednesday, to start the day
    The school community gathers in the Chapel for a brief prayer service led by student members of Campus Ministry.
    woodlandsacademy.org
  • Campus Ministry Team
    Weekly meetings
    A team of students from all grade levels meets weekly to plan liturgical celebrations for the school community.
    woodlandsacademy.org
  • Mater Mass
    October 20, 2026, 1:45 PM (sophomore class)
    A Mass for the sophomore class, followed by a parent reception. This is a one-time event on the calendar.
    woodlandsacademy.org

Service 2

  • GRA (Girls Respond Actively)On campus
    Club A, during Community Hour
    Focuses on social justice, advocacy and leadership through projects that respond to community needs.
    woodlandsacademy.org
  • Service Club
    Club B, during Community Hour
    Plans and takes part in service projects that benefit local and global communities.
    woodlandsacademy.org

Faith formation 1

  • Espacio
    Start of the school day
    A brief period of quiet reflection for the whole community.
    woodlandsacademy.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. Service & Ministry | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/service-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Team members meet weekly to envision, write, and implement diverse liturgical celebrations for the school community.”
    A student Campus Ministry Team meets weekly to plan liturgical celebrations for the school.
    “Team members meet weekly to envision, write, and implement diverse liturgical celebrations for the school community.”
    A student Campus Ministry Team meets weekly to plan liturgical celebrations for the school.
  2. Clubs & Activities | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Lead prayer services, retreats, and community outreach while deepening your faith and building a spirit of compassion on campus.”
    The Campus Ministry club leads prayer services, retreats and outreach.
  3. Woodlands Traditions | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/student-life/woodlands-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Every Wednesday, the Woodlands community gathers in the Chapel to start the day.”
    The school community gathers in the chapel every Wednesday for a prayer service.
  4. Visit Campus | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heartwoodlandsacademy.org/admission/visit-campus · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Woodlands Academy, 760 East Westleigh Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.”
    The school is at 760 East Westleigh Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

Reach out

Contact details for Damariz Aparicio (Theology Teacher, Campus Minister) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
74 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.86%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.5.3 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Chicago, IL
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)120
Students in grades 9–12120
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio5.3 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges86%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Chicago

His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart a Catholic high school?
Yes. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Its sponsor is Society of the Sacred Heart.

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