Gerald Grossman, Head of School at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, has announced an unprecedented gift to the school. Anonymous donors have informed the Woodlands Academy Board of Trustees of their intention to donate the 23-acre parcel of property formerly known as Barat College to Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart.

The donors write, “We have seen the benefits of an all-girls, Catholic high school that pushed each student to reach her potential in both academics and citizenship. We believe in the mission of Woodlands Academy. We believe in the girls. We believe in the Administration, the faculty and staff, and we believe in the Board of Trustees.”

The Woodlands Academy Board of Trustees accepted this most munificent opportunity with enthusiasm and alacrity. The entire school community is thrilled that this property, which has been used to educate in the tradition of the Religious of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest beginning in 1904, can continue to be used for that purpose.

While the parties work to remove the contingencies and consummate the transfer to Woodlands Academy, the Board of Trustees and Administration will undertake a thorough process to identify the best use of the property in keeping with Woodlands' academic mission and taking into consideration the interests of the various constituencies within Woodlands Academy and the surrounding communities.

“This most generous gift is a profound affirmation of our mission as expressed in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria and our determination to be faithful to our heritage while always looking forward to ways we will continue to respond to the needs of the world in which we live and serve,” said Head of School Gerald Grossman.

This parcel, which is adjacent to the Woodlands Academy campus, will make for a reunion of properties purchased by the Religious of the Sacred Heart in 1903. At that time, the Society of the Sacred Heart moved their academy to Lake Forest from Chicago’s Taylor Street, the 1858 founding site.

In 1904 the Convent of the Sacred Heart Lake Forest opened as a boarding school for elementary and secondary students. In 1918, the Society of the Sacred Heart established Barat College on the campus, and all students attended classes in the Old Main building.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart was built in 1961 across the ravine on the same property, and the primary and secondary school moved to that location. Barat College of the Sacred Heart remained on the original site and was purchased in 2001 by DePaul University, which closed the school in 2006. A developer purchased the property from DePaul, but ultimately the property went into foreclosure and was acquired by Harris Bank.

This gift makes for one 40-acre campus on which to develop programs and expand the mission of Sacred Heart in Lake Forest. Serious in its studies, strong in its principles, and rich in the spirit of love and life, a Sacred Heart education at Woodlands Academy prepares young women for lives of courage and confidence. Students are educated to discover their purpose, to cultivate their talents and passions, and to commit themselves to service as citizens of the world.

The school prays for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as plans for this gift of land and opportunity go forward. “All of this for Honor and Glory to God alone!” said Mr. Grossman.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, a leader in the education of young women since 1858, is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school offering day and boarding programs for girls in grades 9-12. Woodlands is a member of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about Woodlands Academy, call 847-234-4300.