Founded in 2017, Pinecrest Lakes Academy is a tuition-free, STEAM-focused public-charter K–8 school in Minneola, FL. It emphasizes individualized learning within a nurturing culture, offers robust, advanced, and extracurricular programming, and operates under rigorous accreditation. Built around strong core values and academic excellence, it prepares students for college and global leadership.
Since its inception, Pinecrest Lakes Academy has prioritized building a strong identity rooted in character, academic innovation, and community partnership. The school established a values-driven culture through its SOAR framework (Safety, Ownership, Achievement, Respect), promoted a rigorous STEAM-focused curriculum using Project Lead The Way, and emphasized individualized instruction in a nurturing environment. The academy has actively built strong ties with parents through collaborative engagement and implemented structured safety procedures to ensure student well-being, while leveraging the support of its charter network, Academica. From the beginning, every decision at PLA has reflected its commitment to being a forward-thinking, values-based educational institution. The overall vision was to foster students to become global, well-rounded leaders with a strong work ethic that will positively contribute to tomorrow’s world.
S.O.A.R. Like an Eagle
The Pinecrest Lakes Academy integrates its “S.O.A.R. like an Eagle” mission into daily student life through a comprehensive character education framework. Students are taught to embody Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect, which are reinforced through positive behavior systems like “Eagle Bucks” for elementary students and Elite Eagle Society recognition for middle schoolers. These principles shape classroom expectations, guide school-wide behavior, and are tied to tangible rewards, celebrations, and social-emotional learning. As a result, SOAR is not just a slogan; it actively influences how students learn, behave, and interact every day.
Standing out in the Charter School Landscape
Pinecrest Lakes Academy’s curriculum distinguishes itself within the charter school landscape due to its dynamic integration of STEAM education, hands-on Project Lead The Way programming, and differentiated instruction aligned with Florida’s standards. From PreK through 8th grade, students go through rigorous academic experiences, including advanced middle school electives and high school credit courses in subjects like Algebra, Geometry, physical science, Biology, and Spanish. A robust lineup of specials, including Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish, further enriches student learning. With an emphasis on real-world problem-solving, collaboration, and college readiness, Pinecrest Lakes Academy offers a well-rounded, future focused education that sets it apart from many peer institutions.
Measuring Academic and Socio-Economic Success
Pinecrest Lakes Academy takes a comprehensive, data driven approach to measure student success and balance academic achievement with social-emotional well-being. It assesses academic performance through state assessments, consistent “A” school ratings, classroom grades, and GPA monitoring, with targeted student-centered interventions. While it assesses social-emotional success through its PBIS-aligned SOAR framework, which uses data on behavior, attendance, and positive reinforcement systems like Eagle Bucks. Additionally, SEL programs, counseling services, and climate surveys support emotional well-being. Together, these systems provide a comprehensive, data driven approach to monitoring and supporting both academic achievement and student well-being.
Fostering Creativity
Pinecrest Lakes Academy fosters creativity and curiosity alongside technical skills by integrating hands-on, inquiry based learning through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) from an early age. The school also has a strong arts program. Students engage in real-world problem-solving projects, explore concepts through flexible instructional formats, and participate in weekly specials like Art, Technology, and Music that blend creative expression with STEM principles. The curriculum encourages design thinking, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary exploration, helping young learners develop both imaginative thinking and practical skills in a cohesive, engaging environment.
Inclusivity is the Key
Pinecrest Lakes Academy supports inclusivity across classrooms, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities by embracing diversity, equity, and tailored programming. With a student body that spans a wide range of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, the school integrates services for English-language learners and provides comprehensive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. These include support facilitation for ESC provided by an ESC teacher and co-teaching to fully inclusive classroom placements aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Plan. Thanks to the school’s differentiated instruction models, flexible grouping, and accommodations, all learners engage meaningfully in rigorous STEAM programming and school-wide STEAM activities. Additionally, the SOAR character framework, behavior incentives like Eagle Bucks, and SEL supports ensure every student is respected, empowered, and given chances to lead, from classroom roles to leadership in clubs and parent-inclusive activities, creating a community where diverse learning styles and voices are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Addressing Digital Equity
Pinecrest Lakes Academy addresses digital equity by operating as a 1:1 technology school. It ensures that every student has access to a personal iPad/ device/ laptop for both in-school and at-home use. The school provides devices directly to students, eliminating barriers to participation in digital learning. With structured user agreements, digital citizenship education, and secure network filtering in place, students are taught to use technology safely and responsibly. This commitment to equal access supports all learners, regardless of background, and ensures that every student is equipped with the tools needed to engage fully in a modern, tech integrated academic environment.
The Future of K-8 Education
Over the next 5–10 years, Pinecrest Lakes Academy is poised to lead in shaping the future of K–8 education by deepening its commitment to personalized, STEAM integrated learning that molds well-rounded students for success in emerging technology and STEM fields. As a charter school, Pinecrest will continue to innovate through hands-on, project-based experiences, real-world problem solving, and individualized instruction that adapts to each learner’s strengths and needs. Grounded in a strong foundation in character development and social-emotional growth, Pinecrest Lakes Academy will not only prepare students academically but also equip them with the collaborative, creative, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
Impact on Broader Community
Pinecrest Lakes Academy aspires to serve as a catalyst for educational excellence, character development, and meaningful community connection. By cultivating well rounded, compassionate, and future-ready learners, the school aims to empower students who not only succeed academically but also contribute meaningfully to society. Pinecrest Lakes Academy strives to strengthen ties between families, educators, and the greater community through partnerships, service projects, and local engagement. As the school continues to grow, including the expansion of its high school and career-focused pathways, it remains committed to inspire and building a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will uplift and positively shape the communities they live in.
Picture of the Future
One of the most exciting future initiatives for Pinecrest Lakes Academy is the expansion of its middle-high program into a dedicated, state-of-the-art high school facility. This development will open the door to a wide range of academic pathways and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high-demand fields such as STEM, business, healthcare, and the arts.
Additionally, the school is also broadening its athletic offerings and extracurricular programs to give students more opportunities to explore their passions and develop leadership skills. These expansions reflect the school’s commitment to preparing students not just for academic success, but for meaningful careers and contributions to their communities and to become tomorrow’s global leaders.
