Academy at the Lakes

What a special Day of Achievement for our PK3, JK, and SK students!

Each class began on the Reinhart Family Deck, where students joyfully shared songs with their families before inviting guests to explore and celebrate their learning from throughout the year.

Students proudly showcased classroom activities, portfolios, and learning experiences that reflected growth in early literacy, numeracy, creative expression, and play-based discovery. Every presentation offered a glimpse into a year filled with curiosity, confidence, and meaningful progress.

We are so proud of all that our youngest learners have experienced and achieved this year.

Special thanks to for capturing these wonderful moments. View the full gallery via the link below!

https://academyatthelakes.smugmug.com/Special-Events/2026-Day-of-Achievement-Grades-PK3-JK-SK

Today’s Spring Senior Athlete Spotlight belongs to Bryce.

Bryce has been a member of Academy’s boys tennis program since 6th Grade. Some of his favorite memories were made grabbing smoothies with Amanda before practice. Through the sport, he has learned the importance of patience and teamwork both on and off the court.

In addition to tennis, Bryce has been a member of the cross country team for three years. Beyond athletics, he serves as President of the National Honor Society and is a member of Key Club, where he actively contributes to the school community.

During the summer of 2024, Bryce interned as a Democracy Summer Fellow for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, further developing his passion for people, policy, and leadership. He plans to study political science in college.

Special thanks to for creating these amazing banners and allowing us to share them!

A beautiful celebration of growth, learning, and accomplishment!

During this year’s Day of Achievement, our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade students performed songs for family and friends and welcomed guests into their classrooms to proudly present portfolios showcasing their work from throughout the school year.

From writing samples and artwork to projects and reflections, each portfolio reflected a year of perseverance, imagination, and meaningful learning experiences. We are so proud of all they have accomplished!

Special thanks to for capturing these meaningful moments. View the full gallery at the link below!
https://academyatthelakes.smugmug.com/Special-Events/2026-Day-of-Achievement-Grades-1-3

“What’s past is prologue…”

At this morning’s 4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, our students celebrated a year of growth, curiosity, hard work, and achievement as they prepared for the transition to Middle Division.

Head of School Mark Heller shared words from The Tempest, reminding students that all they have accomplished so far has prepared them for the exciting journey ahead — and that what comes next is now theirs to embrace.

The ceremony featured one final Lower Division performance filled with music, smiles, and reflections on their time together, followed by portfolio presentations showcasing the work and growth each student demonstrated throughout the year.

Middle Division Director Colleen McCormick officially welcomed the Class of 2034 as they prepare to cross the street and begin their next chapter.

Congratulations to our rising 5th Graders! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.

Today’s Spring Senior Athlete Spotlight belongs to Jonathan.

Jonathan has been a member of Academy’s weightlifting program for two years and has also competed in football, soccer, baseball, track and field, and cross country. His favorite memories come from winning district championships in both weightlifting and soccer, and through athletics he has learned the importance of constantly striving to improve.

Jonathan is also active in theater and Boys Chorus, where he has performed since his freshman year in productions such as Hello, Dolly! and Fiddler on the Roof. He is a two-year member of FBLA and enjoys challenging himself through both the arts and athletics, contributing to the Academy community in a variety of ways.

Jonathan plans to study kinesiology at Saint Louis University.

Special thanks to for creating these amazing banners and allowing us to share them!

Today’s Spring Senior Athlete Spotlight belongs to Ava.

Ava is in her first year competing in track and field for Academy’s Upper Division, where she runs the 800-meter and 1600-meter events. She previously competed in track and cross country in the Middle Division before attending IMG Academy to focus on soccer. A highly accomplished soccer player, Ava competed at an elite level before returning for her senior year, bringing her athleticism and determination to the track.

Beyond athletics, Ava is a member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She plans to major in finance at Florida State University and hopes to attend law school in the future, continuing to challenge herself both academically and professionally.

Special thanks to for creating these amazing banners and allowing us to share them!

Congratulations to Walter L. ’27 on advancing to the Regional Semifinals of the Presidential 1776 Award Competition, a national civics competition administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Out of more than 8,000 students nationwide who participated in the competition’s qualifying “Impossible Civics Test,” Walter finished among the top four students in Florida, earning a place in the Regional Semifinals as one of just 173 students nationwide selected to advance in the competition.

Walter’s achievement reflects both his academic excellence and his commitment to understanding the foundations of American government. Well done, Walter!

Read the full story on our website. Click the link below.
https://academyatthelakes.org/walter-levy-27-selected-among-nations-top-civics-students-in-u-s-department-of-education-competition/