Member Spotlight: Gretchen Radde, Director of Enrollment Management, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber:  Tell us about Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart and its unique commitment to educating young women in our community.

Gretchen Radde:  Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls, Catholic, independent high school in the heart of Lake Forest, where students don’t just go to school—they grow into confident, compassionate leaders. With small classes, big opportunities, and a beautiful 41-acre campus, Woodlands blends academic excellence with sisterhood, global travel, hands-on learning, and meaningful service. Rooted in Sacred Heart values and purposefully designed for girls, it’s a transformative place where young women are empowered to lead, explore, and truly be themselves. A Woodlands girl is known and loved.

 

LF/LB: Can you share a bit more about the special opportunities that Woodlands Academy offers its students?

GR: Center for Global Studies – Students engage in global issues through hands-on learning, speakers, workshops, and travel, preparing them to lead with compassion and awareness in a diverse world.

Global Exchange & Travel – As part of the Sacred Heart international network, students can participate in exchange programs with sister schools around the world—from France to Australia—broadening their global perspective.

Personalized, All-Girls Environment – Woodlands is purposefully designed for girls, and we are consistently ranked as the #1 all-girls high school in Illinois by Niche.com. Every aspect of Woodlands—be it in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in co-curricular activities—is specifically designed to help girls thrive in high school, in college, and beyond. Our small classes and supportive faculty create space for students to lead, find their voice, and excel academically and personally.

STEM & Innovation Focus – With cutting-edge labs, research opportunities, and mentorship from women in science, students are encouraged to pursue and thrive in traditionally underrepresented fields.

Whole-Person Development – Through the Sacred Heart goals, students grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, and ethically. Retreats, service learning, and daily reflection help them build strong inner lives and character. Woodlands is a place for students of all faiths and backgrounds.

College Counseling from Day One – Our College Counseling program begins freshman year spans all four years, ensuring that students are well-prepared for college with individualized support and guidance throughout their journey. A Woodlands student will spend more than 50 hours with our Director of College Counseling in her junior and senior years alone.

Boarding Program – While the majority of Woodlands students are day students, around 20% of our girls live on campus in our residence hall.  Boarding students come from places as nearby as the Chicago suburbs and as far away as China. Many people are not aware that Woodlands offers both five-day and seven-day boarding. We even offer limited-term boarding for student-athletes during their respective sports seasons. Our boarding students tell us that the experience of living at Woodlands made it so much easier for them (and their parents!) when it came time to go away to college.

Woodlands is a place where students are known, challenged, and supported—developing into confident, thoughtful young women ready to make a difference.

 

LF/LB: What is your hope and vision for the future of Woodlands Academy?

GR: My hope and vision for the future of Woodlands Academy is that it continues to be a place where young women are empowered to become confident leaders, compassionate global citizens, and courageous changemakers.

I envision a school that honors its Sacred Heart traditions while boldly innovating for the future—where academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a commitment to justice go hand in hand. A community that welcomes students from all backgrounds and equips them with the skills, values, and confidence to navigate a complex world with grace and purpose.

At its heart, the future of Woodlands is about staying true to our mission while expanding our reach—lifting more voices, opening more doors, and inspiring more girls to lead lives of integrity, curiosity, and impact.

 

LF/LB:  How does Woodlands Academy give back to the community?

 GR:  Woodlands Academy doesn’t view service as an add‑on. It’s an essential part of the student experience. Through structured service days, required hours, reflection, retreats, and individual initiative, students build empathy, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to justice. They serve locally (e.g. food banks, children’s charities, environmental groups) and have the opportunity to engage globally—all deeply rooted in the Sacred Heart mission.  Last year, Woodlands students supported 20 different service organizations.

 

LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about Woodlands Academy as we embark upon an exciting new school year?

GR:  How much time do you have?  If I could share just one thing, it would be this: Woodlands Academy is a truly special place. In 2025, it’s rare to find a community as inclusive, grounded, and supportive as ours. Today’s teenage girls face countless pressures from the outside world. But what sets Woodlands apart is our unwavering commitment to developing the whole person.

We believe that every student has a unique gift to offer, and it’s our mission within these short four years to provide the space, support, and encouragement to discover it. This is a place where you can try new things, uncover your passions (and yes, your dislikes too!), and leave with the strength, courage, and confidence to pursue your goals and chase even your wildest dreams.

I’m constantly reminded of how precious the high school years are. So why not take advantage of every opportunity to learn about yourself, explore the world, and prepare to launch into adulthood in a joyful, meaningful environment? At Woodlands, your voice is heard, your achievements are celebrated, and most importantly, you are seen and valued for exactly who you are.

We encourage you to visit us. Schedule a visit, give us a call, or simply inquire online. We look forward to welcoming you to our community! https://www.woodlandsacademy.org/