Welcome Letter from Darren ’26
Dear Wildcats, On behalf of the Upper Division Student Council, it is my honor and privilege to welcome you to Academy at the Lakes! Whether you are a family joining our school for the first time or a returning Wildcat, I want you to know that you are now part of an extraordinary community. I […]
Lifer Spotlight – Sophia ’25
This fall, Sophia is heading to the University of South Carolina to study neuroscience. Her Academy journey began 13 years ago in Senior Kindergarten. Sophia fondly describes Academy as a second home, “Growing up as an only child and attending one school my whole life means that the people I’ve grown up with since we […]
Lifer Spotlight: Chloe ’25
Words by Kim Vreeland After spending her entire educational journey at Academy at the Lakes, Chloe Kamat is headed to the University of Kentucky Honors College, where she will study human health services with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. An AP Scholar with Distinction and the recipient of the Female Athlete of the […]
Lifer Spotlight: Eryn ’25
Words by Kim Vreeland, Director of Marketing and Communications Eryn McLeod is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida, after spending her entire educational journey at Academy at the Lakes. An AP Scholar with Distinction and member of National Honor Society, Eryn consistently excelled in the classroom, earning Head of School’s Honor Roll […]
Lifer Spotlight: CJ ’25
Words by Kim Vreeland, Director of Marketing and Communications Athlete, Student, Citizen A two-time state champion in weightlifting, winner of Academy’s month-long science internship in the Amazon, and a multi-year winner of our school’s public speaking contests, C.J. Fernandez certainly made his mark at our school. An Academy “lifer,” CJ took full advantage of the wide […]
Relationships + Community = A Great School
Words by Mark Heller, Head of School As a school leader, I often reflect on what truly shapes a student’s experience—not just for academic success, but also for the more important work of school – preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Time and again, I return to a simple but powerful truth: relationships and […]
Lifer Spotlight Daniel ’25
This fall, Daniel ’25 will head to the University of Florida in Gainesville to continue his educational journey, one that began at Academy at the Lakes when he was 4 years old in Ms. Susie’s class. He fondly remembers building with Lincoln Logs, solving puzzles, and running around on the playground – early moments that […]
Life at the Lakes: May 2025
Here is a glimpse at Life at the Lakes in May: Teacher Appreciation Week Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We truly can’t thank our incredible teachers enough… but we’re going to try! To every educator who makes Academy such a special place: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your passion, dedication, and care make all the […]
From Concept to Keepsake: How Our School Yearbook is Made
Words by Kerstin Upmeyer, M.Ed., Yearbook Advisor There is a saying in yearbook circles that people pay us to read our homework. This little saying essentially means that when you buy a yearbook, you purchase the staff’s hard work, both in class and many hours outside of it, throughout the year. It also speaks to […]
Life at the Lakes: April 2025
Here is a glimpse at Life at the Lakes in April: Weightlifting THE CHAMP IS HERE! Big congrats to CJ ’25 for an incredible showing at the State Championship! CJ, your hard work and determination continue to inspire—what a way to represent! District Track Off and Running! Our Wildcat track athletes showed OUT at the […]