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September 2nd 2025
An interview with Head of Lower School Jessica Banks, The Out-of-Door Academy
Last year’s hurricanes dealt a significant blow to our campus, but fortunately, we only lost one historic building—our administrative building at the time. This structure, one of the campus originals, served as the Boys’ Residence during the school’s boarding years (1924–1958). Originally an Army barracks, it was donated to the school and became an enduring part of our history.
Our two other historic buildings—the Catherine Gavin Memorial Library and the Theatre (now the multi-Purpose Room)—were miraculously spared. Both were designed by Ralph Twitchell in 1932 and 1935, and the library was even built by students. Today, the library houses my office, while the Theatre serves as our Multi-Purpose Room, Learning Lab, and music classrooms.
The former administrative building site has been transformed into an open gathering space with games and activity areas. In time, it will become the site of a new welcome and reception center.
The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time filled with hope and plans. Last year, during the 2024/2025 school year, ODA celebrated the school’s 100th anniversary. What does the new 2025/2026 school year hold in store for students, teachers and alumni?
We are excited to begin our ’25–’26 school year. Our team worked nonstop over the summer to create classrooms ready to welcome students to a year filled with possibility and joy.
This year, we will continue to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in a changing world. ODA’s next century will balance tradition and innovation, blending creativity and neuroscience. Every student will be seen, valued, inspired, and nurtured to reach their full academic and human potential.
At our Lower School on Siesta Key, we now have the privilege of educating not only the children but also the grandchildren of our alumni—a milestone that speaks to the strength of our roots and the reach of our branches. Every day is an opportunity to grow together, celebrate successes, and build memories that connect families well beyond the school years.
The Siesta Key Lower School ODA campus educates children from pre-kindergarten through Grade 5. What kind of collaborations and programs do you have with the new Clark Road ODA lower school that opened a year ago?
Opening our second lower school campus on Clark Road extended the opportunity for an ODA education to families east of I-75. While we now have two campuses, the ODA Lower School remains one school in spirit and practice.
This year, students from both campuses will visit each other for events and learning opportunities. Teachers plan units, attend professional development, host meetings, and collaborate across campuses. Grade levels come together for field trips and celebrations, strengthening connections across locations.
The Out of Door Academy upper school in Lakewood Ranch serves 6th – 12th grade students. What kind of educational and extracurricular programs bring the younger and older students together on the Siesta Key campus?
Our educators work to ensure everything taught from pre-k through grade 12 is aligned. Lower schoolteachers collaborate with department chairs across divisions, and The Bridge—a cross-division team—focuses on academic continuity.
Beyond academics, our arts and athletics programs span divisions, with shared teachers, coaches, and experiences. Lower school students can try new things in a safe environment while building relationships with older students.
We also unite as ONE ODA during events such as Convocation, Friendsgiving, Homecoming, and Thunder Fun Day. These moments foster true connection across ages.
When I first attended ODA Homecoming 12 years ago with my then 3- and 8-year-old children, I expected an event for older students, but it began with a huge family picnic, bounce houses, games run by upper school students, and plenty of school spirit. Then, we headed to the stadium, where younger students toss footballs on the sidelines while the varsity team warms up. It felt like, and continues to provide, a small-town moment, with families enjoying time together in a safe, joyful environment.
How does the ODA Siesta Key lower school curriculum make use of the natural wonders of Siesta Key as a learning tool for your young students?
There is truly nothing like the magic that is our historic Siesta Key campus. The natural beauty of Siesta Key blends perfectly with the more modern needs of a school today, while remaining true to the original mission of our two founders, Fanneal Harrison and Catherine Gavin. Nearly a century ago, they understood that fresh air, active days, and whole-child development were key to learning—an approach now backed by research.
The entire campus is a learning environment, with outdoor classrooms, an open-air pavilion, amphitheater, and traditional Chickee Huts. Students learn responsibility toward the island through composting, solar power, and gardening.
Last year, two students designed seals to protect Siesta Key waterways, placing decals on sewer openings in the Village. On Earth Day, our campus cleans the public beach—arriving in uniform, gloves, and buckets to do our part for the island we call home.
Our Marine Science program uses the canals, waterways, gulf, and bay surrounding Siesta Key. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with MOTE Marine, giving students hands-on experiences that even continues into our middle and upper school curriculum and collaboration among the divisions.
We are always looking to make connections with our Siesta Key community partners and welcome the chance to collaborate even more in the future!
Source: Siesta Sand
In 1994, The Out-of-Door Academy’s Siesta Key Campus was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Due to last year’s hurricane damage, several of the historic buildings on the Siesta Key campus were so severely damaged that they had to be torn down. What will replace these buildings? Were you able to save any important historic elements?
Last year’s hurricanes dealt a significant blow to our campus, but fortunately, we only lost one historic building—our administrative building at the time. This structure, one of the campus originals, served as the Boys’ Residence during the school’s boarding years (1924–1958). Originally an Army barracks, it was donated to the school and became an enduring part of our history.
Our two other historic buildings—the Catherine Gavin Memorial Library and the Theatre (now the multi-Purpose Room)—were miraculously spared. Both were designed by Ralph Twitchell in 1932 and 1935, and the library was even built by students. Today, the library houses my office, while the Theatre serves as our Multi-Purpose Room, Learning Lab, and music classrooms.
The former administrative building site has been transformed into an open gathering space with games and activity areas. In time, it will become the site of a new welcome and reception center.
The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time filled with hope and plans. Last year, during the 2024/2025 school year, ODA celebrated the school’s 100th anniversary. What does the new 2025/2026 school year hold in store for students, teachers and alumni?
We are excited to begin our ’25–’26 school year. Our team worked nonstop over the summer to create classrooms ready to welcome students to a year filled with possibility and joy.
This year, we will continue to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in a changing world. ODA’s next century will balance tradition and innovation, blending creativity and neuroscience. Every student will be seen, valued, inspired, and nurtured to reach their full academic and human potential.
At our Lower School on Siesta Key, we now have the privilege of educating not only the children but also the grandchildren of our alumni—a milestone that speaks to the strength of our roots and the reach of our branches. Every day is an opportunity to grow together, celebrate successes, and build memories that connect families well beyond the school years.
The Siesta Key Lower School ODA campus educates children from pre-kindergarten through Grade 5. What kind of collaborations and programs do you have with the new Clark Road ODA lower school that opened a year ago?
Opening our second lower school campus on Clark Road extended the opportunity for an ODA education to families east of I-75. While we now have two campuses, the ODA Lower School remains one school in spirit and practice.
This year, students from both campuses will visit each other for events and learning opportunities. Teachers plan units, attend professional development, host meetings, and collaborate across campuses. Grade levels come together for field trips and celebrations, strengthening connections across locations.
The Out of Door Academy upper school in Lakewood Ranch serves 6th – 12th grade students. What kind of educational and extracurricular programs bring the younger and older students together on the Siesta Key campus?
Our educators work to ensure everything taught from pre-k through grade 12 is aligned. Lower schoolteachers collaborate with department chairs across divisions, and The Bridge—a cross-division team—focuses on academic continuity.
Beyond academics, our arts and athletics programs span divisions, with shared teachers, coaches, and experiences. Lower school students can try new things in a safe environment while building relationships with older students.
We also unite as ONE ODA during events such as Convocation, Friendsgiving, Homecoming, and Thunder Fun Day. These moments foster true connection across ages.
When I first attended ODA Homecoming 12 years ago with my then 3- and 8-year-old children, I expected an event for older students, but it began with a huge family picnic, bounce houses, games run by upper school students, and plenty of school spirit. Then, we headed to the stadium, where younger students toss footballs on the sidelines while the varsity team warms up. It felt like, and continues to provide, a small-town moment, with families enjoying time together in a safe, joyful environment.
How does the ODA Siesta Key lower school curriculum make use of the natural wonders of Siesta Key as a learning tool for your young students?
There is truly nothing like the magic that is our historic Siesta Key campus. The natural beauty of Siesta Key blends perfectly with the more modern needs of a school today, while remaining true to the original mission of our two founders, Fanneal Harrison and Catherine Gavin. Nearly a century ago, they understood that fresh air, active days, and whole-child development were key to learning—an approach now backed by research.
The entire campus is a learning environment, with outdoor classrooms, an open-air pavilion, amphitheater, and traditional Chickee Huts. Students learn responsibility toward the island through composting, solar power, and gardening.
Last year, two students designed seals to protect Siesta Key waterways, placing decals on sewer openings in the Village. On Earth Day, our campus cleans the public beach—arriving in uniform, gloves, and buckets to do our part for the island we call home.
Our Marine Science program uses the canals, waterways, gulf, and bay surrounding Siesta Key. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with MOTE Marine, giving students hands-on experiences that even continues into our middle and upper school curriculum and collaboration among the divisions.
We are always looking to make connections with our Siesta Key community partners and welcome the chance to collaborate even more in the future!
Source: Siesta Sand
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Contact Us
Historic Siesta Key Campus - Lower Schools Directions 941-349-3223
Lower School Campus on Clark Road - Lower Schools Directions 941-349-3223
Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch - Middle & Upper Schools Directions 941-349-3223
