Academy at the Lakes

Academy at the Lakes is a non-denominational, co-educational and independent college-preparatory school in Land O' Lakes, founded in 1992. It serves approximately 585 students from PK3 through Grade 12 on three campuses, spread across nearly 100 lakefront acres with 15 buildings. The original Wendlek Campus, named for founders Richard and Connie Wendlek, houses the Lower Division for PK3 through 4th grade, while the 11-acre McCormick Campus on Collier Parkway is home to grades 5–12, the admissions office and the head of school's office. Athletic facilities and new spaces for younger students are planned on the MacManus Campus starting in 2026.

The school graduated its first seniors in 2002 and now counts more than 700 alumni. Mark Heller serves as head of school. Academy belongs to NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) and holds accreditation from FCIS and Cognia. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7 to 1, every senior who applies to four-year colleges receives at least one acceptance, and over the past five years seniors earned $26.6 million in merit aid.

Signature programs include a House System, an internship in the Amazon, a college-style Medicine Seminar course, public speaking and an all-school musical.