How LFC Has Transformed Post-COVID

Five years ago, in March 2020, life in Chicago came to a standstill. Just days after our annual Soirée, LFC had to close its doors as we faced the uncertainties of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight, we pivoted to online learning, ensuring continuity in education while prioritizing the health and safety of our community.

By fall 2020, thanks to careful planning and the implementation of critical safety measures—including the now-memorable cohort system—we successfully reopened for in-person learning, while many schools remained closed for an entire year.

This was only possible because of our community’s remarkable dedication: the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff, the tireless efforts of the Covid Response Council and our two parent medical advisors, and the patience and resilience of our students and parents.

Together, we overcame challenges that once seemed insurmountable. The pandemic left an undeniable mark on all of us, but it also strengthened our resolve. At LFC, we have emerged more united, rethinking how we teach, how we support student well-being, and how we foster meaningful connections.

A New Approach to Teaching and Learning

The abrupt transition to remote learning forced us to adopt new technologies overnight. Terms like “distance learning,” “Zoom meetings,” and the oft-uttered “You’re on mute” quickly became part of our daily vocabulary. But beyond the initial challenges, this experience opened the door for meaningful innovation.

Rather than returning to traditional methods, we have embraced a digitally integrated approach that enhances learning. All students from Grades 1 to 12 have access to digital devices, enabling more dynamic and interactive lessons. In Grades 9 and 10, students follow a digital citizenship curriculum, equipping them with the skills to navigate the online world responsibly.

Virtual platforms like Zoom remain valuable tools—not as replacements for in-person learning, but as enhancements that foster greater flexibility and engagement. They allow teachers to connect students with authors, artists, and alumni, expanding learning beyond the classroom.

Faculty professional development now includes artificial intelligence tools for education and Responsive Classroom strategies to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. The pandemic accelerated the evolution of teaching, but it also underscored the importance of balance—ensuring that teachers feel empowered and supported as they continue to adapt.

None of this progress would have been possible without the commitment of our educators, who worked tirelessly to reinvent their teaching methods, and the trust of our families, who embraced new approaches to learning.

Prioritizing Student Well-being

The pandemic deeply affected students’ social and emotional well-being, increasing stress and challenges related to concentration and peer interactions. We recognize that true learning happens when students feel safe, supported, and connected.

This commitment has taken shape through key initiatives like BASE, a social-emotional learning (SEL) platform, as well as targeted assemblies focused on SEL, bullying prevention, and conflict resolution. Our Health Office is currently developing a whole-child initiative addressing issues such as screen time and healthy eating.

We have also strengthened student engagement initiatives in secondary school. Programs such as the Mental Health Club, DEI Affinity Groups, and Vie de Classe SEL lessons create spaces where students feel heard and valued.

Finally, the importance of fresh air and outdoor space remains central to our student wellness strategy. Thanks to the generosity of our LFC families, we constructed a préau, a covered outdoor space that allows students to enjoy fresh air year-round, rain or shine. This investment reinforces our belief that well-being extends beyond the classroom.

Connecting with Families

The pandemic also reshaped how we communicate and engage with families. Some of the adaptations we made out of necessity have since become valuable enhancements to our school community.

One of the most significant changes has been the shift to virtual and hybrid meetings. Parent-teacher conferences and informational meetings, like our Lycée Insights series, are now primarily held online, making them more accessible to busy families. Our annual State of the School address is now hybrid, offering in-person engagement with virtual access.

A particularly meaningful change is that Generations’ Day is now held virtually every other year in response to parent feedback. This format allows far-away family members from around the world to virtually “visit” their child’s classroom.

To support families in adapting to post-pandemic challenges, we have expanded parent education opportunities. These include Tween and Teen Cafés led by LFC counselors, as well as expert-led sessions on topics such as fostering emotional intelligence and digital safety. Through our recent membership in the Family Action Network (FAN), families have year-round access to expert insights on education, parenting, and well-being.

We recognize that community engagement is evolving. In-person event attendance has been slower to return, and digital information overload presents new challenges. But we also know that our school is at its best when our families, faculty, and staff work together. By continuing to adapt and find new ways to connect, we will ensure that LFC remains a strong and engaged community.

Looking Ahead

The past five years have tested us in ways we never could have anticipated, but they have also showcased the resilience, adaptability, and strength of our community. The lessons we have learned continue to shape our future, making us a stronger, more connected, and forward-thinking school.

At LFC, our commitment to educating impactful global citizens remains steadfast. While the world around us keeps evolving, one thing is certain: we will continue preparing our students for an ever-changing future—together, as a community.