There is no better way to understand the spirit of Loyola Academy than to experience it for yourself. 

We invite you to discover firsthand what makes our Jesuit, college preparatory education transformative—where academic excellence is paired with a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership.

Whether you walk our halls during a Shadow Day, attend a special Admissions event, or explore our beautiful campuses with your family, you’ll gain a genuine sense of our community: one that is welcoming, faith-filled, and formed by the Ignatian tradition. These visits provide prospective students and their families the opportunity to witness the energy of our classrooms, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the mission that shapes every aspect of life at Loyola Academy.

Begin your Rambler journey today by exploring the many ways to visit and engage with us—we look forward to welcoming you!

Throughout the year, Loyola Academy hosts a variety of events designed to introduce prospective students and their families to our vibrant Jesuit community. 

Log into My Loyola for more information and to register for events.


Shadow Program

At Loyola Academy, we believe that the best way to understand who we are is to experience it for yourself. Our Shadow Program invites prospective students to walk alongside current Ramblers, engage in classroom activities, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of a typical school day—gaining authentic insight into life at Loyola.

Drop Off and Pick Up
The shadow day begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 2:15 p.m. Students should enter through the main entrance and proceed to the Marillac Room (Room 250). Pickup will take place at 2:15 p.m. in the visitors’ pickup line.
Attire
Shadow students are asked to dress neatly in a collared shirt or blouse and khaki, navy, or black pants. Sandals, flip flops, blue jeans, and skirts are not permitted.
Lunch
Lunch is provided in the Loyola cafeteria. Shadow students may also use cash or credit to purchase additional food or beverages. A Rambler water bottle will be provided.
Parent Tours

We offer an optional 30-minute parent tour beginning at 1:40 p.m. on your child's shadow day. Please enter through the Piazza entrance (Door #6) and check in with the security desk. All tours conclude at the Piazza entrace (Door #6) where shadow students will be dismissed at 2:15 p.m.

To register for a parent tour, log in to your My Loyola account and complete the Parent Tour form on your checklist.

Registration

To register for a Shadow Day, log in to your My Loyola account. If you do not yet have a My Loyola account, please begin by submitting an Inquiry Form.

Some elementary schools coordinate group shadow days at Loyola for eighth grade students. If your school has a designated date, please register for that date. If the date is full, you are welcome to select another OPEN date at least five days in advance.

Available Dates

Class of 2031 Shadow Days

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – St. Josaphat Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — St. Clement Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, September 17, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, September 18, 2026 — St. Athanasius Shadow Day
Friday, September 18, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Monday, September 21, 2026 —Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — Northside Catholic Academy Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, September 24, 2026 — St. Francis Xavier Shadow Day
Monday, September 28, 2026 — Faith Hope & Charity Shadow Day
Monday, September 28, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 — School of St. Mary (LF) Shadow Day
Wednesday, September 30, 2026— Open Shadow Day
Thursday, October 1, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, October 2, 2026 — St. Benedict Shadow Day
Friday, October 2, 2026 — St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Shadow Day
Monday, October 5, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — The Academy at St. Joan of Arc Shadow Day
Thursday, October 8, 2026 — St. Juliana Shadow Day
Friday, October 9, 2026 — Immaculate Conception/Talcott Shadow Day
Friday, October 9, 2026 — Pope John XXIII Shadow Day
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 — Sacred Heart Chicago Shadow Day
Thursday, October 15, 2026 — St. Anastasia Shadow Day
Thursday, October 15, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, October 16, 2026 — St. Thomas of Canterbury Shadow Day
Friday, October 16, 2026 — St. Eugene Shadow Day
Monday, October 19, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — OLPH Shadow Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — OLPH Shadow Day
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Monday, October 26, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, October 29, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, October 30, 2026 — St. Mary of the Woods Shadow Day
Monday, November 2, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Monday, November 9, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, November 12, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, November 13, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Monday, November 16, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, November 19, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, November 20, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Monday, November 30, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Thursday, December 3, 2026 — Open Shadow Day
Friday, December 4, 2026 — Open Shadow Day

 

Event Details

Thursday, November 5, 2026

4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The evening will feature individually guided student tours of our Wilmette campus and the opportunity to engage with Loyola Academy administrators, faculty, staff, students, coaches, and club moderators. You’ll also hear a brief welcome presentation from Principal Steve Tortorello and learn about the many ways Loyola nurtures students in mind, body, and spirit.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour and includes stops at key academic, ministry, cocurricular, and athletic spaces. Come experience how our Jesuit mission forms young people into leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion.

Registration is currently available. Log into My Loyola for more information and to register.

Registration

Families are encouraged to register for one of the following tour start times:

4:30 p.m. | 5:15 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | 6:45 p.m. 

To register, log in to your parent/guardian My Loyola account and select your child’s name from the dropdown menu.

  • If you have previously completed an Inquiry Form, you already have an account.
  • If you have not yet submitted an Inquiry Form, please inquire here—this is the first step in your child’s Rambler journey. If you are unable to register in advance, walk-ins are welcome at any of the designated start times.
Parking
Parking is available in both the main and south lots at Loyola Academy. Please note that parking on side streets is prohibited and subject to ticketing by the Wilmette Police Department.

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