About Us

As an independent, coeducational college preparatory school located on two campuses in Sarasota, Florida, The Out-of-Door Academy has been serving families since 1924.

Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students enjoy the ambience of the original Out-of-Door Academy campus on Siesta Key. Here, towering banyan trees shelter historic buildings which now house modern classrooms and a first-rate technology infrastructure. This combination of old and new creates an environment that fosters both the sense of security so necessary for learning in younger children, and the teaching techniques to challenge them.

Academic, athletic, and extra-curricular activities for seventh through twelfth graders are centered on Out-of-Door Academy's collegiate-style Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch Campus which opened in 1996. Building on programs designed to stretch and challenge individual students in the Lower School, Middle, and Upper Schools focus on preparing students to move on to college. Out-of-Door Academy graduates leave us having developed the responsibility, confidence, and independence crucial for successful adaptation to college life.

Recognition Within the Educational Community
Preparing students for college and life entails more than a rigorous academic program. Both campuses offer the array of opportunities necessary to help students maximize their full potential. Out-of-Door recognized success in achieving consistently high levels of student participation in a diverse program of academic, athletic, artistic, extra-curricular, and community service opportunities is a critical element in enabling students to reach their goals.

The Florida Council of Independent Schools cited Out-of-Door Academy's success in establishing an institutional culture true to its mission: "Exemplary student behavior reflects the core values of the school and the high standards to which the student body and faculty hold themselves. We commend OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY in truly achieving its mission.."