Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Currently we offer 3 different studios (classrooms) ages 5-14.

  • LAKE Academy is not a religious school. We focus on teaching children mindful practices, such as meditation and reflection, to help them develop self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose. Our goal is to help children understand the world around them while respecting and honoring all belief systems.

  • No - LAKE Academy parents will be responsible for transportation for their children.

  • No - LAKE Academy parents will be responsible for packing snacks and lunch for their children.

  • At this time, we are not trained to serve children with serious disabilities, but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training. We believe that many minor learning disabilities or conditions are commonly misdiagnosed.

  • No - LAKE Academy does not currently have an after school program. This is something we are currently exploring along with adventure camps on breaks and look forward to implementing in the future.

  • Because our age groups blend throughout the day at LAKE Academy, there is no fixed class size. Groupings also shift each year based on enrollment. On average, students work in groups of 5–10 learners, and our overall student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 10:1.

  • Visit our Calendar page for daily hours, session schedule, and annual calendar. New students may join at the beginning of a session.

  • Refer to our Admissions page for current tuition.

Philosophy & Cirriculum

  • We guide children to discover their purpose and grow into confident, empathetic leaders through personalized learning and a vibrant, supportive community.

  • We believe in Freedom in all of its forms.  Economic, political and religious.

    We believe Health is a top priority. Healthy minds - Healthy bodies - Healthy spirits  


    We believe in Family & Community. Independent & strong children thrive from a solid foundation and a powerful support system. 

    We believe in the Development of Self.  The best investment one can make is an investment into themselves.  


    We believe that each person has a Purpose in this life. We provide a safe environment where children are given time and space to explore and discover their purpose. 

  • Our Sparks Guide, Jerzie Colter, is certified in both Montessori Early Childhood (ages 3–6) and the Montessori Lower Elementary Diploma Program. We respect and incorporate many of Maria Montessori’s philosophies into our learning environment; however, we are not a Montessori school.

    In addition to Montessori-inspired practices, we combine the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and real-life success skills to help our children thrive.

  • We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.

  • We believe each of our students will discover a passion—something they love and have a natural gift for. They will use that gift to serve others and make a meaningful impact in the world. This might look like becoming an electrician who brings light and solutions to families every day, a coach who sees the spark in a child and helps them chase a dream, a parent who leads their family with purpose and love, an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity, or an artist or writer who brings inspiration and beauty into people’s lives.

    Every path has the potential to change the world—what matters is the heart behind it.

Definitions

  • LAKE stands for Leadership, Adventure, Knowledge, Empowerment.

    The acronym represents key aspects of our academy, emphasizing the development of leadership skills, the never ending pursuit of adventure, the acquisition of knowledge, and the empowerment of children to become effective leaders.

  • At LAKE Academy, you won’t find traditional classrooms with children sitting in rows of desks. Instead you’ll find children of multiple age groups working together in studios (think art studio!) creating, learning, teaching and growing together in a relaxed and stress free environment. LAKE Academy offers multiple studios including our Sparks Studio (ages 5-7), Elementary Studio (ages 8-11) and Middle School Co-op (ages 12-14).

  • Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a road block without asking an adult for help- participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.

  • At the end of every 5–7 week session, we host a Family Expo Day—a special afternoon where parents, grandparents, neighbors, and close family friends are invited to LAKE Academy to experience the incredible work our learners have completed throughout the session.

    During the Expo, students take the lead. They present their projects through public speaking, art displays, business booths, robotics demonstrations, and even culinary creations, such as preparing a three-course meal for their families. Learners also share the character traits they focused on during the session, what they learned, what came easily, and what challenged them.

    Family Expo is a celebration of growth, effort, creativity, and courage—an opportunity for families to see firsthand how their child is developing academically, socially, emotionally, and as a leader. It’s one of the most meaningful traditions at LAKE Academy.

  • A Guide at LAKE Academy serves more as a facilitator or a mentor, helping students explore their interests and passions rather than dictating what they should learn and dominating the process. Our guides are more collaborative than authoritative as they focus on encouraging self-directed learning, nurturing personal growth, independence, and self-discovery.  They reflect LAKE Academy's core values of freedom, health, community, and purpose-driven education.

  • Each session, every LAKE student selects a character trait to focus on—such as responsibility, independence, honesty, patience, or compassion. Students explore what their chosen trait means, what it looks like in their own lives, and how they can intentionally practice it throughout the session.

    They talk with their parents about their trait, reflect on how it shows up in daily habits and interactions, and take meaningful steps to apply it in real-life situations. At our Family Expo, students then present their character trait to their families, sharing what it means to them, how they practiced it, and how they plan to continue growing in that area.

    Character traits are a key part of our culture at LAKE Academy, helping students develop lifelong habits, self-awareness, and personal leadership.

  • The LAKE Academy contract is a set of rules and standards created by our students, for our students. It outlines how children are expected to act, behave, and interact within their studio—SPARKS, Elementary, or Middle School. Students are asked to sign this contract publicly in front of their friends as a sign that they understand, agree with, and are committed to following the rules and standards of their studio. This signing is how they are officially welcomed into the LAKE Academy community. Following the contract helps create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment where every student can thrive.