Academy at the Lakes

Academy at the Lakes is a private-independent college preperatory co-educational JK–12 school in Land O' Lakes, Florida (metropolitan Tampa).

Academy at the Lakes was founded by educators Richard and Constance Wendlek in September 1992, and the school is non-denominational. The school is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the Florida Kindergarten Council, and is a full member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Locally, Academy at the Lakes is a member of the Bay Area Association of Independent Schools.

The Academy prides itself in providing students with abundant opportunities in athletics, the arts, character formation, and community participation. The strong sense of community is apparent in many ways. Students and families are divided and assigned within a "house system". This system provides students and families with many cross-age and cross-campus experiences. It furthers the Academy's focus upon building community-based relationships.

The arts take center stage at Academy at the Lakes. Students have opportunities beginning in the Lower School to participate as a part of the core curriculum, in such courses as strings, Orff Band, instrumental music, choral music, a cappella choruses, theater, dance, and a full range of visual arts, including photograpy courses, videography and sound mixing. Performance is a routine part of the student experience.

Athletics, interscholastic sports, clubs, service programs, extended travel opportunities, academic fairs, and internships (for seniors) help to form the well-rounded liberal studies school experience.

History

In 1992, the Academy at the Lakes opened its doors to its first classes. A few years later, the small elementary school had expanded to include a middle school. Overcrowding concerns led parents Mary and Gerry McCormick to donate additional property to the school. In 1996, the McCormick Campus opened its doors designed as a middle school. The Lower School and the McCormick Campus adjoin each other. In 1998, an Upper Division was created to serve high school students.

Administration

Mark Heller serves Academy at the Lakes as the Head of School. Administrators of the school include Upper Division Director Robert Sullivan, Middle Division Director John Pitcairn, Lower Division Director Annie Kapetanis, Admission Director Julia Loncar, Advancement Director Joanne Bucci Rock, Dean of Student Services Sarah Ivie, Athletic Director Mark Arbet, Financial Officer Dorie Burnham, and Facilities Manager Don Bellefeuille.

Sports

High school sports offered at the Academy include soccer, golf, volleyball, varsity football, boys' and girls' basketball, baseball, track and field, Cheerleading,and softball. The football team won the 2006 Florida state six-man championship.

Middle school sports offered at the Academy include soccer, golf, volleyball, boys' and girls' basketball, baseball, cheerleading,track and field, tennis, and softball.

Full scale musicals

Every year in the spring, in conjunction with Friendship Week, the Academy's drama department produces a full scale musical production for the school community. Up until and including the 2004–2005 production ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat") the plays had been produced and directed by Aleida Morse, long time Academy music director. The 2005–2006 production, "A Midsummer Night's Dream w/the rock of The Beatles", was directed by Katrina Stevenson, high school English and theater teacher. Stevenson is also a member of Tampa's Jobsite Theater. The 2006–2007 musical was "Guys and Dolls", directed by Katrina Stevenson. The performance was performed on March 3 2007. The 2008 production of "Fiddler on the Roof" was April 4, 2008. The performance was directed by Chris Holcom and produced by Gary Compton.

Houses

Following the example of British prep schools, Academy uses a house system. The student body and faculty are divided into four houses: Osprey (blue), Nighthawk (yellow), Peregrine (red), and Kestrel (green). The houses compete against each other in an annual House Day. Nighthawk won the 2007–2008 Field Day. Other house events include the Kindergarten and Senior Picnic, Buddy Reading Days, intramural sporting events, and family gatherings.

External links

* [http://www.academyatthelakes.org/ Official website]