Opening Message to the Faculty and Staff
(and Our Community)
Words by Mark Heller, Head of School Thomas Jefferson felt that the purpose of education was to prepare children for citizenship in our democracy. Educational philosopher Francis Parker, one of the founders of the progressive education movement, believed that: “The work of the school is determined by the needs of society.” In many ways, I […]
Inspiration Personified!
Words by Brad Shellgren, Marketing and Communications Associate Last October, Sean Emmons ‘22 delivered a Senior Speech that will not be soon forgotten. It was a speech that centered around Sean’s stutter which he developed at an early age. During that Senior Speech, Sean talked about how he was able to overcome his stutter once he accepted it as a […]
Odyssey of the Mind team dazzles at the State Championships!
Words by: Rachel Klaeren, Upper Division Science On Saturday, February 26th, Academy at the Lakes sent two Upper Division teams to compete at the Gulf Coast Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition. The two teams competed in separate problems, Problem 2, a technical challenge, and Problem 4, a balsa wood build challenge. Both teams earned […]
Welcome Letter from Anisa ’22
Dear New Wildcat Families and Students, New schools, new journeys, and new beginnings can be terrifying. It is human nature to fear the unknown and the unexpected. As an Academy at the Lakes student who is currently entering her fourteenth and final year, I hope to provide insight about what to expect from your Academy […]
Video: Welcome Letter from Vishnu ’22
Dear Fellow Wildcats, Welcome to Academy at the Lakes! I am excited and grateful to welcome you into our community. No doubt entering a new community can be challenging; I remember how nervous I was. However, having been through this transition, I can confidently tell you that those at Academy will be supportive and helpful […]
Meet Our Class of 2021 Lifers
Words by Kim Vreeland Lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and unparalleled academics are recurring experiences that our 13 Academy lifers in the Class of ‘21 have in common. From deep friendships that began on the Lower Division playground to Upper Division educational trips to the Amazon, our lifers reminisce about their Academy journeys. As they embark […]
Statement on “Critical Race Theory”
Words by Mark Heller, Head of School In recent days, the public square has brought a discussion of the concept of Critical Race Theory (an academic theory typically kept to post-graduate studies). When issues like this arise in our highly-polarized media culture, I feel an obligation to share our school’s practice and perspective. Do […]
Academy Student Develops Interest in Politics During Pandemic
Like many others, Academy’s Bryce Picard, a 12-year-old middle division student, discovered new interests during the pandemic lockdown. When Picard grew tired of video games, he began re-watching political debates after having watched the Democratic debates, the DNC and RNC events.
How to Get Kind-hearted and Sympathetic AATL Kids to Embrace the Anger of a 50s Jury Room…
Words by Mr. Jack Penrose 2:32pm is a difficult time to bring drama to a bunch of talented – and exhausted – teenagers (not to mention the fragile condition of this Spanish and French teacher whose coffee supply has waned by that point); but I have to say that working with the Upper Division Theatre […]
Academy’s Fall Sports are a Great Tone for the 2019-2020 School Year
The Academy Wildcat sports year is off to a great start. Our 3-time State Champion Football team has started the season at 4-0, and is riding a 22-game win streak. Stay tuned for another exciting run at a third consecutive state championship! Our Varsity Cheerleading team is touting its largest and most experienced roster, and is […]