Meet Lori English, originally from the picturesque town of Edenton, North Carolina, and now residing in Evanston. Lori’s journey brought her to Evanston when her husband became the Head of School at Roycemore. Get to know this mother of grown twin daughters pursuing graduate studies, her favorite North Shore brunch spots, why she loves living in Evanston and how she started a career in mental health (spoiler alert – it started with “Dear Lori.” And for anyone looking into private school on Chicago’s North Shore, you won’t want to miss Lori’s insights about the very school her husband runs. “Roycemore is in its 108th school year and is consistently ranked as a top school in the state of Illinois,” she proudly explains. Welcome, Lori!
Hi Lori! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hello North Shore Moms! My name is Lori English. I am from a small town on the Inner Banks of North Carolina. Edenton has the distinction of being named “the prettiest town in the South,” and is rich with history. I now live in Evanston. My husband and I moved to the area when he accepted the position of Head of School at Roycemore. In many ways, Evanston reminds me of home because of its proximity to water and beaches and the hospitality of its residents.
Tell us about your family.
My family includes my husband, Chris, and our twin daughters. Kate and Emma are now 22 years old and are both in graduate programs. Emma is in her second year at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, and Kate is in her first year at the University of Wisconsin Law School. As I reminisce over when they were little there was a period of time in elementary school when there were frequent PE-related tears, as the girls’ interests revolved around books and theater. I remember one afternoon (over comfort nachos) reassuring them that being proficient in kickball was not necessary for future success. I’ve since reminded them that I was “right” at least once as a parent!
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
Fun fact #1: In school, my peers would call me “Dear Lori” (in reference to the advice column “Dear Abby”). I was known for listening and problem-solving, and I knew early on that I wanted to be a counselor. With both school counseling and clinical counseling licenses, I’m now in my 26th year in the field. My work has been a source of great joy in my life.
Fun fact #2: My first job at 16 years of age was working at a pharmacy in our town. Frequently, the only parking available for employees required parallel parking. I learned to drive in my mother’s 8-passenger van, and as a result, I am a master of maneuvering into tight parking spaces.
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces, and eats to frequent?
Chris and I are big “brunch people”. We return again and again to Cupitol, Frida’s, Lucky Platter, and Ovo Frito Cafe, all located in Evanston. We have enjoyed various live music shows at SPACE, and look forward to the Ravinia Festival each year.
What or who do you turn to if you’re having a rough day?
I was a runner for 21 years. Because I wasn’t given the gift of speed, long-distance running was my escape until my knees rioted. Now, I try to chase those same endorphins on a bike, but without much success. Therefore, my default is coffee and a “sister chat” via Facetime with my sisters, as all four of us live in different states.
You mentioned that your husband is head of school at Roycemore School in Evanston. What is the mission and vision of Roycemore? Why should parents consider sending their children to this day school?
Roycemore School is college prep education for pre-k to grade 12. The diverse and intimate community, rooted in academic excellence, inspires each student to discover their passions, think without limits, find their voice, and live courageously. We moved to Evanston specifically for Roycemore School. As Chris was searching for his next Headship, he wanted a school closely aligned with his educational philosophy and personal values. Roycemore turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
How does Roycemore actively engage with the local community?
Roycemore has long-standing ties to the Evanston community as it was founded on Northwestern University’s campus in 1915. Roycemore is a diverse and intimate community made up of families from the North Shore, the City of Chicago, and some western suburbs, as well as an international student population in the high school.
The school is fortunate to be situated in a location where we can easily access the incredible resources around us – including world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, Fortune 500 companies, and more. Roycemore partners with local organizations for a variety of programs throughout the year such as service learning, student internships, and field experiences to enrich our student experience.
How does Roycemore foster a sense of community and involvement among parents?
There are ways that the parent community at Roycemore engages in all aspects of the school – from academics to athletics, extracurriculars, and just enjoying each other’s company. The Roycemore Family Association, which all Roycemore families are a part of, works to support the school as well as foster a sense of community from Pre-K through Grade 12. For example, families may participate in community learning events, group social outings, or volunteer for classroom activities.
How does the school invest in technology, libraries, sports facilities, and other resources to enrich the overall educational experience?
Roycemore’s campus boasts an art studio with pottery wheels and a kiln, multiple science wet labs, a full-size regulation gymnasium, and outdoor study spaces. The school is in the process of completing its newest 6,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center space which will be home to robotics labs, maker space, multimedia studios, and additional classroom space. Roycemore has also adopted Alexander Park through the City of Evanston.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Roycemore?
Roycemore is in its 108th school year and is consistently ranked as a top school in the state of Illinois. We are looking forward to many more years of providing an excellent education to our students.
What’s the best way our readers can reach out to learn more about Roycemore?
We offer many admissions events throughout the school year. But if you cannot make one of those please reach out and we’ll schedule a personalized tour. Call (847) 866-6055.