Academy at the Lakes was founded in 1992 as a nondenominational, co-ed, PreK3 through 12th grade independent college preparatory day school.
Academy at the Lakes is a learning community of shared values dedicated to the success of each individual at school, in the community, and in the world.
We celebrate the love of learning and the joy in the journey.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 540 students
- Yearly Tuition: $29,300
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Academy at the Lakes Odyssey of the Mind team named World Champions! - 06/14/2024The cool kids!
In case you missed it, our World Champion Odyssey of the Mind team was featured on Fox13. We may be biased, but we think it's a story worth ...moretelling! Have a look and thanks to everyone who made this happen. #odysseyofthemind #worldchamps #problemsolving #creativity #fox13tampa hide
Top Rankings
Academy at the Lakes ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1992
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
540 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
55%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
early childhood through 8th grade wear a uniform. 9th-12th grade follow a dress code.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$29,300
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies per grade level
Pre-K3: 18,600
Junior and Senior Kindergarten: 18,600
Lower Division: 19,900
Middle Division: 23,400
Upper Division: 29,300
Summer Program Cost Notes
Fees vary
% on Financial Aid
24%
Admissions Director
Sue Gunther
Admissions Associate
Cheyenne Abbott
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Chess Club, Community Service, Debate, Green Club, NEHS, NHS, NJHS, Stem Club, Student Ambassador Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Graphic Arts, Orchestra
Anime Club, Chess Club, Community Service, Debate, Green Club, NEHS, NHS, NJHS, Stem Club, Student Ambassador Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Graphic Arts, Orchestra
School Notes
- Academy at the Lakes was founded in 1992. Academy serves more than 470 students in PreK3 through Grade 12. Our campus includes 12 buildings with more than 52,000 square feet on nine acres of lakefront property. We are located on both sides of Collier Parkway in Land O'Lakes, FL, in the northern suburbs of Tampa. The school recently acquired 47 acres near its current campus to be used for future expansion.
- Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS); the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS); and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC). Academy is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
- As a college-preparatory school, we guide our students to be prepared for what lies ahead. This means we offer a challenging, varied core academic curriculum, as well as a wide array of "specials," electives, and activities spanning arts, athletics, public speaking, technology, and more.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Academy at the Lakes cost?
Academy at the Lakes's tuition is approximately $29,300 for private students.
What schools are Academy at the Lakes often compared to?
Academy at the Lakes is often viewed alongside schools like Land O' Lakes Christian School by visitors of our site.
Does Academy at the Lakes offer a summer program?
Yes, Academy at the Lakes offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Academy at the Lakes offer?
Academy at the Lakes offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Academy at the Lakes is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is Academy at the Lakes's ranking?
Academy at the Lakes ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Academy at the Lakes?
The application deadline for Academy at the Lakes is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 3/1/2021
Hi, my name is Victor Lawson Sr., father of Victor Lawson Jr. and we are from Colon Province, Panama and we looking for a scholarship of Basketball and Track / Field, for my son. He study in La Salle and he finished last year in Honor Roll grades. In 2019, he was part of the U14 National Basketball Panama Team and represented our country in the Central America Regional Tournament, winning undefeated the tournament and classified to the next Regional tournament with with Mexico, PR, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Virgin Island, Costa Rica and Panama but the tournament was stopped for the Covid - 19.He is a prospect to be part of the National Track and Field Youth Panama Team too, but for the same reason all practices in our province were stop. We hope this little resume help us to begin a communication and future interview for give you more information about Victor Lawson Jr. In advance, thanks for your attention and support. God continue blessing you
5 4/6/2019
AATL is a great lower division and middle division school. The problem is when your child enters ninth grade many of the teachers promote the left wing agenda. If you are a guy and you don`t play football and if you voted for Trump they will hold that against you. So sad that kids that don`t fit into this mold start to drift away. They care more about the reputation of school than the students, who should really matter hear! Seriously consider transferring your child out of this liberal, 24,000 a year school, unless you agree with left politics and want to overly praise a football team that actually has cut up lifelike photos of the players made up for advertising, along with playing game feature videos during classes, and wearing their jerseys at school! What about the other high schoolers at AATL? Do they really matter here! Hey
5 11/24/2017
I have been going to Academy at the Lakes since Junior Kindergarten and every year I ask myself if I should go back, and the answer is always yes. The reason I keep wanting to come back is because of the friendly atmosphere that my school posses. Specifically, these include the teachers who are always willing to help you with whatever you need. Another would be the students, the students here are like a giant family; everyone trys their best to include others and there is always a friendly face waiting to ask how your day is. For me, the thing that makes Academy at the Lakes stand out from others is the ability the school has to manage fun and work seamlessly. Examples include, our House Day, Student Council in school events, and alternative classroom activities. Academy at the Lakes is, a school that you will not find anywhere else; you won't be able to find a school that cares for their students as much as this one does.
5 9/24/2016
We're in our second year at Academy, with our kids in 5th and 6th grades respectively. We couldn't be happier with our decision. The teachers genuinely care and go above and beyond to help each individual reach their maximum potential. I love the way our Head of School, Mark Heller, describes it: "We help each student become the best version of themselves." The kids begin each school day with our Middle Division Director greeting everyone with a warm smile and handshake. The 5th and 6th grade suite is perfectly situated and structured to work closely with students adjusting during these initial, foundational middle school years. Both of my kids thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to play an instrument, and both selected the trumpet! Middle division sports begin in 5th grade and include soccer, track, volleyball, and more. What I love about sports and extracurricular activities is that Academy allows any student to participate, and my son currently plays soccer and is looking forward to track and baseball in the spring. Last year, one of my daughter's art pieces was chosen to be in a school-wide art show at a local gallery. This did wonders for her love of art, and it increased her confidence. Another wonderful recognition element includes "blue notes" that recognize students for a multitude of things. My son has earned several for things like helping fellow students. These blue notes really help build character and promote the school's five core values: balance, courage, distinction, inclusion, integrity, and stewardship. Next year, my son will move up to seventh and eight grade building, and I'm confident he'll be ready. Overall, the campus' beauty and warmth is evident, and we look forward to additions in facilities as the school continues to grow.
5 7/24/2015
HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
My children and our family love the school. The academics, sports, arts, and clubs are great. Most importantly, the teachers and the administration are the best and take genuine interest in your child, helping them develop to the best of their ability as an individual.
5 7/24/2015
Academy at the Lakes is the best school I''ve ever went to. The fact that I can go to my teacher at any time and ask for help and they will drop everything just to help me. The students there are so nice, warm welcoming, polite, and caring. The teachers/ faculty and I/ students have such a good relationship I can say. If we have a question about our homework we can text them and they will text back and help us with whatever we need. The school is more than amazing I love going there every day, I love saying Good Morning to everyone and getting a Good Morning in return. Academy also has a variety of different clubs, me personally love engaging in our schools society by being a student ambassador and work with our amazing Technology department, But there are so many opportunities that can be offered at Academy but it is your decision to take advantage of those opportunities. I do hope you will choose academy to be your new preschool, elementary school, and or high school.
5 7/24/2015
My children could not be more pleased with their experience at Academy at the Lakes. They literally wake up each day looking forward to going to school to see their friends and teachers. I have total confidence that while they are there they are learning how to be a well-rounded child, both socially and academically, and a good citizen of the world. If you are looking for a school that will offer your child individual attention, small classes and a broad range of learning opportunities look no further-- you''ve found it! The access to (and communication with) the teachers and administrators is second to none! I can send my childs teacher and email or text and have a response back typically within an hour or so. Excellent!
5 7/24/2015
Our daughter has been attending Academy for 3 years. We started with Academy after searching the different private schools in the Tampa area. We desired one with a strong academic base and also equally strong arts and music programs, public speaking (even junior kindergarten does it, not just upper level students!), technology initiatives and competitive academic and sports programs.
I''ll be blunt. Academy EVERY year blows us away. It is worth every penny. Berkeley, Carrolwood Day and others do not hold a candle to the volume of skills our daughter has gained in her time with Academy.
When we are out in public, we are constantly asked where she goes to school. Why? Because this 8 y/o has a grace, poise and maturity which has been fostered by this school beyond what we do at home. I''d like to say we are the catalyst for it. However, what is really happening is the school is exemplifying what we do at home. Thus, she is never away from a solid foundation of how to act properly. When she speaks, people are shocked at her vocabulary, speaking style and comfort level. When she plays and competes, she cares and acts with grace whether winning or losing.
Children are taught to speak publicly even in junior kindergarten at Academy, and it shows. The middle and upper divisions compete in many academic and sports competitions and they exceed expectations. The 3rd and 4th grades compete in academics versus other schools. Battle of the Books was a major win this year and highlighted the skills, talent and maturity of these children.
Our daughter went to an ''A'' rated public school in New Tampa for kindergarten. It was a disaster. She lost her love of learning in that year. She regained it at Academy.
We could not be happier. Esse Quam Videri. Go Wildcats!!!
5 7/24/2015
Academy at the Lakes was a decision our family rejoices in every day and year our daughter has attended. The decision was based on the higher level of education with teachers that are invested in the techniques for success within each student and the continuation is based not only on the highest education level but the community and special programs that continue the development of our daughter in music, public speaking, art, theatre, robotics, and values. Although still in the lower grades at this time we look forward to the growth into the middle and upper sports divisions as well as expanded special programs. It is great being a part of this community in every way!
Endorse Academy at the Lakes. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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