Academics

Upper School Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch

The Out-of-Door Academy's goal is to prepare students for the challenges of college and life, through a process that focuses on the development of responsible, self-confident, intellectually curious young people who are prepared and willing to become leaders. The Out-of-Door Academy Middle and Upper School experience includes a core college preparatory curriculum, electives in the performing arts, fine arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic, extracurricular, and community service activities.

Opened in 1996, the Out-of-Door Academy Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch Campus houses the Middle and Upper School programs. The collegiate, modern facility incorporates the library and media center, science labs, a computer lab, wireless network laptops, art studios, music rooms, an impressive gymnasium and playing fields, as well as modern classrooms and public areas.

The maturity and self-reliance of Out-of-Door Academy students creates many unique opportunities in the Middle and Upper School. A Summer Leadership Camp is offered to all incoming eighth grade students to encourage teamwork, self-esteem, self-confidence, and leadership. Out-of-Door Academy seniors participate in a semester long seminar course, Issues in Contemporary Society, which is based around the essential question, "How is life best lived?". This course is modeled on the college seminar, which provides an introduction into ethical thinking and inquiry through the lenses of spirituality, social justice, and the arts. Second semester seniors also an off-campus internship.

The Upper School campus graduated its first class in 1999, and has already begun to establish a strong record of college admissions.

Included in this section is a curriculum guide for 9th - 12th grades. Organized by academic subject matter, it provides an in depth look at the courses offered for this school year. Please browse these sections for more information about the quality and scope of academic programs in the Upper School.