Open Enrollment for 2026-2027 Begins January 15, 2026!
Students of all types can benefit from smaller classrooms and a less crowded learning environment. Studies as recently as January 2022 have shown that smaller classes can have positive effects on academic achievement, particularly in early grades (K-3), as it allows for more individualized attention from teachers, increased student engagement, and better classroom management. The Tennessee Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) project is a well-known study that found students in smaller classes in the early grades demonstrated higher academic achievement and long-term benefits, such as higher graduation rates and college attendance. Furthermore, teachers often report feeling more satisfied and effective in smaller classes, which can contribute to a positive teaching environment and higher retention rates.
At Lake Creek Academy, we want our students to thrive in an smaller classroom and school setting. Our classes are capped at 8-10 students per class, although sometimes we combine classes for group electives like Art, Music, STEM, etc.
Lake Creek Academy focuses on developing the whole child by weaving critical thinking and emotional intelligence into its academic curriculum. We utilize specialized practices, like a classroom "Emotion Wheel" where students identify their feelings, to build emotional vocabulary and self-regulation. This approach is reinforced through open-minded teaching that encourages students to ask questions and engage with complex topics, including those found in "banned" books, to develop empathy and form independent opinions.
At Lake Creek Academy, we want our students to thrive in an environment that accepts and supports students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and identities. Our teachers embrace an actively anti-bias pedagogy that helps prepare all of our students to be contributing members of the larger communities outside of school.
We specialize in supporting students who may need a different approach to succeed, including those who are neurodivergent (Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, ASD Level 1-2, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Hyperlexia, SPD, APD, 2E). We understand that some students need modified learning styles and adaptive curriculum to create their best learning environment. We will work with your current IEP and 504 plan to accommodate your child's modified learning style; however, if your student does not have an IEP or 504 plan yet, our highly trained teachers will work to create an one to help your student succeed. We do not offer 1-on-1 services, but you may hire an outside 1-on-1 aide to accompany your child throughout the day, or an on-site therapist to work with your child in our private meeting room during electives.
Our smaller class sizes, less hectic classroom changes, later start time, shorter school day, and optional Fridays help students who struggle in traditional school settings or are overwhelmed by recent life events and need a calm environment to foster learning and growth.
We are a No Bullying School that practices Restorative Justice, instead of turning a blind eye to bullying issues or enforcing "no contact" as some schools practice. We are also a gender-affirming school with multiple private bathroom facilities (to prevent bullying), and our teachers and staff respect every student's identity by using preferred names and pronouns. We do not have separate gendered dress codes, and allow students to dress comfortably provided they are clothed and their clothing is not blatantly offensive. We are also registered as a Safe Space Alliance school as of 2024. The Safe Space Alliance is an international organization that helps schools ensure every student feels safe, respected, and free from bullying or discrimination.
Perhaps you've been homeschooling until now, or you have been living out of the country, and your student needs a small transitional program before they jump right into a school with 2,000+ students.
We have a rigid Monday-Thursday schedule and a more flexible Friday schedule, plus we start at 9am to accommodate students with late night practice schedules. Students who have early afternoon practices may opt to use that as off-campus PE and request early release (with documentation). Fridays are flexible with electives and semester-long projects for scheduling appointments. Our school calendar also accommodates families who take "off peak" vacations due to parent's work schedules, with a flex week built into late-October and late-April. Students who attend school those weeks will work on fun projects with teachers, or catch up on work that was missed during the grading period.
We are now offering an AM Kinder and PM Kinder program to meet the needs of parents with non-traditional work schedules and students who are not yet ready for the demands of a full-time school day.