Academics

A Balanced Education for Lifelong Success

Our curriculum is designed to cultivate deep, lasting knowledge while inspiring students to approach a lifetime of learning with confidence and curiosity. Our teachers guide and support each learner, celebrating every step of their journey toward becoming capable, independent thinkers and the best versions of themselves.

Kathy Heller | Curriculum Director

Our Curriculum

We offer a thoughtfully designed, developmentally appropriate, college preparatory curriculum that evolves with students from early childhood through high school. Our approach blends rich academic content with opportunities for advanced coursework and real-world application.

Early Childhood

PK3, Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten

Your Child's Future Is Our Priority Today.

Academy’s PK3 and two Kindergarten programs provide students with a full day of educational instruction and enrichment in an environment that nurtures their minds and bodies and fuels their natural love of learning.

Our Early Childhood Curriculum:

Lower Division

Grades 1 - 4

We Develop Successful, Confident, Happy Children.

Our Lower Division program is designed to spark a lifelong love of learning and foster each child’s natural curiosity. Our program nurtures each child’s development by meeting his or her cognitive, creative, social, and physical needs while providing numerous educational experiences to think critically, communicate, work collaboratively, create, demonstrate citizenship, and build character.

The Lower Division Curriculum:

The Lower Division at Academy at the Lakes comprises both an Early Childhood experience and elementary experience across seven grades (PK3- 4th grade). The Lower Division curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in our youngest students. Through hands-on exploration and play-based learning, children build foundational skills in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The program encourages children to ask questions, try new things, and develop confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment. As they grow, students learn to work both independently and collaboratively, setting the stage for continued success and joyful learning in the years ahead.

Middle Division

Grades 5 - 8

Our approach to middle school focuses on the uniqueness of each individual.

We recognize that easing the transition between each Division translates to greater confidence and success in and out of the classroom. We offer a dedicated team, curriculum, and spaces to meet the academic, developmental, and social needs of each student.

Our Fifth and Sixth Graders' Experiences

Fifth and sixth grade students meet weekly with Faculty Advisors. Their advisors serve as advocates and lead them in exploring a variety of problem-solving, character education, study skills, and academic enhancement activities.

Our Seventh and Eighth Graders' Experiences

Seventh and eighth grade students meet weekly with Faculty Advisors. Their advisors serve as advocates and lead them in exploring a variety of problem-solving, character education, study skills, and academic enhancement activities.

The Middle Division curriculum provides students with opportunities to grow as critical thinkers and independent learners, while offering appropriate challenges to support their development. Students have the chance to explore new interests and engage more deeply in the subjects they enjoy. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to take safe risks and build leadership skills through various experiences. The Middle Division curriculum nurtures the growth of the whole child and lays a strong foundation for success in the Upper Division.

Upper Division

Grades 9 - 12

Academy is about more than what you learn in the classroom.

Because Academy is a “small community with big opportunities,” each student has the chance to shine by developing leadership skills through a perfect balance of academics, athletics, arts, clubs, and service. Academy’s curriculum offers great challenges for even the most advanced high school learners. The breadth and depth of our program includes Advanced Placement and Honors courses as well as opportunities to explore areas of interest that may not fall neatly into traditional categories. Our students graduate with the skill-sets and mind-sets that will propel them to success in college and beyond.

Upper Division Highlights:

To ensure our students are well-prepared for college and beyond, the Upper Division curriculum thoughtfully balances rigorous content mastery with the cultivation of intellectual, personal, and academic competencies. Through collaborative learning environments that emphasize critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and real-world problem-solving, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. A wide range of course offerings across all disciplines provides students with opportunities to deepen existing interests, discover new passions, and develop a strong sense of purpose in their academic journey.

College Preparation and Beyond

Our college counseling department offers students and their parents extensive, individualized advising in preparation for the college admission process. It is our goal to help each student find the best “fit” for college – academically, socially, and financially. Finding the ideal match means finding a place that helps students fulfill their personal goals for higher education and offers the tools, opportunities, and support for students to successfully take the next step in their lives and careers.

Academy's Track Record

Request more information, or schedule a personalized tour!

Meet Our College Counseling Team

Cassie Adley

Director of College Counseling

B.S., University of South Florida

Birgit Czabafy

Registrar

B.S., Rutgers University