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 |
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 | Open HouseLoyola Academy’s Open House is a dynamic opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore our Jesuit college preparatory community. Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to attend this annual event, which offers a welcoming and informative introduction to the Rambler experience. |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open House on November 5, 2026! We loved welcoming so many prospective students and families to our Wilmette campus. Details for next year's Open House will be posted here as soon as they are available.
In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to experience Rambler life and connect with our community:
- Stay connected: Complete our inquiry form to receive admissions updates, and learn about upcoming opportunities to visit Loyola.
- Spend a day as a Rambler: Current eighth-grade students can register for a Shadow Day to experience classes, meet students and explore campus alongside a current Rambler. Log in to your parent/guardian My Loyola account to view available dates and register. Shadow days for current seventh graders will be available in January.