Inspiring Students

Did you know that Lake Creek Academy has been observing our local ecosystem and tracking the migrations of monarch butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds? Houston is a great place to spot the common species of Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds as they migrate south to Mexico and Central America.

Yesterday, our Environmental and Agricultural Studies class combined math and science by working with ratios while making hummingbird food for our new outdoor feeder. Using Ms. Julie’s camp stove, we prepared a mixture of one part sugar to four parts water and learned how to maintain the feeder by changing the solution every few days for our visiting friends.

Our long-term goal for next spring is to fill our garden with nectar-producing plants to support migrating hummingbirds on their journey north for the summer. Did you know that hummingbirds feed on both flower nectar and tiny insects? They’re especially drawn to tubular-shaped flowers and bright colors like red, orange, and yellow. Some of their favorite plants are Firebush, Butterfly Weed, Esperanza, Turk’s Cap, and Autumn Sage.

Did you know that many public school classrooms don't even have a single window? We are proud to share that every single one of our classrooms at Lake Creek Academy has a minimum of two large windows looking outside!

This isn't just about a nice view—it's a fundamental part of our commitment to your child's success and well-being. The benefits of abundant natural sunlight are truly transformative for learning:

* Boosted Focus & Alertness: Natural light helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, stimulating hormones that keep children more alert, focused, and engaged throughout the school day.

* Improved Mental Health: Sunlight is a natural mood booster! Exposure to daylight increases serotonin production, which can reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a more positive and happier learning environment.

* Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Studies have shown that students exposed to more daylight can experience better cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and even improved test scores and reading/math progression!

* Better Sleep: Exposure to natural light during the day supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep quality at night, which in turn improves alertness and performance during the day.

At Lake Creek Academy, we believe in creating an environment where our students can thrive—and that starts with something as essential as the sun. We are intentional about providing a light-filled, welcoming, and enriching space for every child, every day.

This morning the K/1 students were watching it rain outside. Even while in class, students are in tune with nature at our school.

The Junior High/High School Agriculture and Environmental Studies class hosted a fantastic field trip this morning for the K-1 students at our campus pond.

Students dove into real-world science by observing Ms. Julie catch Red-ear Sunfish and Green Bluegills (using leeches!). They also used nets to carefully collect and examine Texas Lilliputian Mussels. The focus of the lesson was the life cycle and critical importance of these species within the pond's ecosystem.

Our goal is to continue fostering a rich habitat to support more wildlife, providing our students with ongoing opportunities to appreciate the natural world right here at Lake Creek Academy.

At Lake Creek Academy, we believe that learning should be a comfortable and engaging experience! That's why you'll see our classrooms filled with a variety of flexible seating options, far beyond the traditional desk and chair. From cozy reading nooks to wobble stools, our students have the power to choose the learning environment that helps them thrive.

Giving students a choice in where they sit isn't just about comfort—it's about empowering them to take ownership of their education. This approach has a huge impact on their focus, engagement, and ability to learn, especially when it comes to a foundational skill like reading!

When a student can find a spot that helps them feel secure and focused, they are better able to dive into a book and truly comprehend the story. This autonomy helps them build self-awareness and self-regulation skills, leading to a deeper love for reading and a more productive learning experience.

We're so proud to provide a space where every student can find their "just right" spot to learn.

At Lake Creek Academy, our commitment is to every student's well-being, growth, and individuality. We want to be clear about our values and our promise to our community.

We believe that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and seen for who they are. That's why we will continue to support our students in using their preferred names and pronouns. We believe that respecting a student's identity is fundamental to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment.

A student's journey of self-discovery is their own, and we will honor their privacy and trust. We will never "rat out" a student to their parents, and we will stand by any student who wants to come out to their family when they are ready. Our role is to be a consistent source of support, providing a safe space where students can be their authentic selves.

Lake Creek Academy is an independent school, and we will always stand on the side of our students. We are proud to be a community where every individual is celebrated and supported, no matter what.

You may have heard about the new Texas rule (effective 9/1/25) regarding the mandatory display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This directive has sparked numerous discussions and complaints, raising valid concerns about the separation of church and state, and the lack of representation for the diverse religious and non-religious beliefs held by students and families across our community.

At Lake Creek Academy, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment that respects all backgrounds while upholding the foundational principles of our nation. Rather than displaying the Ten Commandments, we are proud to affirm our commitment to **constitutional values** and **good citizenship** in every classroom.

That's why you'll find prominent displays of the **Bill of Rights** and engaging topics about **Good Citizenship** throughout Lake Creek Academy. These documents and principles represent the shared values that unite us all, promoting liberty, justice, and responsibility for every student.

We are dedicated to providing an education that not only challenges minds but also builds character, encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of our civic duties. Our approach ensures that every student feels valued and respected, while learning about the core tenets of our democracy.

We are excited to announce that we will be starting the "Trout in the Classroom" program this January. This hands-on environmental education initiative, a collaboration with Trout Unlimited, will provide our students with a unique learning experience.

Students in Agricultural Studies with Ms. Julie (7-12) and other STEM classes (K-6) will be setting up a coldwater tank in the classroom and receiving eyed-eggs from a state hatchery. They will then witness the full lifecycle of the trout, from egg to alevin to fingerling.

This program goes beyond just raising fish! Through this project, students will learn about:

-The full life cycle of salmonids.

-Maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem, including water chemistry and the nitrogen cycle.

-The importance of our local watershed and how human activity can impact it.

-Becoming responsible stewards of our natural resources.

This transformative, cross-curricular project will immerse our students in real-world science, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors. We can't wait to get started!

What a beautiful week here in Conroe, TX! Our Lake Creek Academy students have been making the most of this gorgeous weather. Several classes have rotated through the backyard, enjoying the cool breeze, active wildlife, and inspiring views.

Our high schoolers have been diving into the world of podcasting, conducting interviews with the perfect outdoor backdrop. In STEM, creativity and engineering skills were put to the test with some incredible spaghetti and gumdrop structures!  All classes have enjoying reading under the sun, and our Art class has been transforming our lawn into an open-air studio, creating masterpieces under the sky.

It's wonderful to see such engagement and creativity flourishing outdoors!

Welcome to Lake Creek Academy, where our 2-acre backyard is more than just a playground—it's an extension of our classrooms. Each day, our students spend a combined 60 minutes outdoors. We guarantee 30 minutes of outside time for grades K-12 around lunchtime, and another 30 minutes is available during morning drop-off (8:30am-9am), giving students plenty of time to explore and connect with nature, just like in a Montessori school.  On nice days, like today, we hold science, art, or music classes outside as well.

A typical day sees our students, ages 5-18, running and playing on our varied equipment, which is designed for fun and engagement for all ages. Kids can climb the geodesic dome, swing on 2 different swingsets, play frisbee golf on the course, or practice their skills at the soccer nets. The patio is a perfect place for students to sit and chat, where you'll often find the high school students, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, while reading or playing Connect 4 on the patio set.

But it's not just about playtime; it's also a chance to observe the world around us. Our students often spot local wildlife, including lizards, birds, snakes, bees, and even deer! They might also see turtles and fish in our front pond during drop-off and pick-up. These daily observations provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences.

Garden Grant Update

We're excited to announce that our Agriculture Studies class is working on something big! They are currently applying for a Garden Grant from The Woodlands Garden Club, due this November. If we receive the grant, our students will create a new garden on our grounds, which will teach them about sustainable agriculture, the importance of healthy food, and how to care for the environment.

With two large windows in every classroom, our students have a constant view of the outdoors, connecting them to our playground and all the nature it has to offer. It's a truly beautiful place to learn and grow!