News

Over the last four years, Lower School teachers have worked alongside our Lower School Literacy Specialist, Mrs. Brittany Mann, to develop an individualized reading assessment that is unique to Out-of-Door. ODA students have shown an impressive average increase in reading comprehension of one full year over just a five-month period, reflecting the quality and strength of our early childhood literacy program.  

Although this year’s Spirit Day looked a little bit different than prior years, the level of enthusiasm and excitement was as strong as ever. This year students competed by division on the Siesta Key and Uihlein Campuses. One of Out-of-Door's oldest school traditions, the day was filled with games, camaraderie, and friendly competition for every student from pre-K to our soon-to-graduate senior Class of 2021. Click here to view photos from the event.

The ODA pole vaulter talks his start in the sport and his goals for the season.

The Out-of-Door Academy is in the top tier of K-12 schools nationwide.

A dedicated cast and crew of 29 Middle and Upper School students worked under the direction of Ms. Thayer Greenberg to produce a magnificent performance of “The Children of Eden” for a closed audience of family members. Click for photos.

People who complain that baseball is too slow have never watched The Out-of-Door Academy play.

Greek pottery is easily identifiable in the modern day–people largely tend to recognize this style of Greek art when they see it. This quarter, sixth graders worked on a cross-curricular project uniting the history and artwork of Greek pottery, becoming artisan storytellers.

Student performers brought their A-game to this year’s Jazz Under the Stars open air concert including solos, improvisation, and student-led ensembles. Click for photos from the performance.

Former Stanford University player played with Chargers, Eagles and in XFL

The Class of 2026 created a new tradition this spring as the first Out-of-Door students to participate in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge. The exciting nationwide competition is open to middle school students in grades 5-8, and requires a combination of creativity, academic skills, and technological prowess.

Longtime administrator/teacher Sean Ball is named the Out-of-Door Academy's new Head of Upper School in Lakewood Ranch.

Service–one of the five core values at Out-of-Door–is integral to the foundation of our School’s commitment to community. This month, ODA partnered with the national nonprofit organization Blankets of Hope (BoH) in a schoolwide service learning initiative to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and hope to the homeless population in Sarasota through the donation of 875 blankets to our local community.

Ball began his tenure at Out-of-Door in 1992, teaching Latin, English and history.

The Out-of-Door Academy students raise money to donate blankets to shelters in Sarasota as part of the Blankets of Hope project.

• 1300 class average on the SAT including a perfect score of 1600
• Highest number of Early Decision Acceptances in School History
• 10 Committed NCAA Student-Athletes

In January, Head of School David Mahler recognized two members of the ODA faculty and staff for their service and commitment to Out-of-Door. This week features our second honoree, Mrs. Renee Pitts, marking her amazing 30 years of service!

Out-of-Door's Felipe Baffico Balharry is named to the 2020-21 Herald Tribune All-Area Boys Swim Team.

ODA senior shows her school spirit by painting her parking spot with her soon-to-be college colors.

Middle School orchestra, band, and chorus members performed an open-air concert for their parents at the Wood Family Amphitheater on the Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch this week. Check out the "What Makes You Beautiful," "Dragon Slayer," and "Minka's Sleigh Ride" videos from the event. Click here for photos of the concert.

At the beginning of the new year, Head of School David Mahler recognized two members of the ODA community for their outstanding service and commitment to Out-of-Door. This week features Michael Salmon’s 10-year anniversary at ODA.

ODA student-athletes Grady Paxton '22 and Abbey Burwood '24 hold two of the coveted spots on the list.

Eighth graders develop their knowledge of physics through a design thinking project utilizing linear motion robotics.

High school seniors make the most of their final school year despite pandemic.