LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

from Private School Planner 2021

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CAMPUS AND FACILITIES:

Lake Ridge Academy’s centrally located campus, set on 93 acres, contains a large pond, woods, gardens, a windmill and a solar panel array, which are used as a living laboratory and classroom in the school’s natural world education.

The Kemper Science and Engineering building includes an engineering fab lab (equipped with 3D printers, a CNC router, and vinyl and laser cutters), a collegelevel chemistry and research lab, and a greenhouse.

The campus also includes a 500-seat auditorium, a full-court gym, a fine arts building, science and computer labs, a large library and dedicated Lower, Middle and Upper school facilities.

ACCREDITATION:

Lake Ridge is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS:

There are over 45 Middle and Upper School athletic teams and student-led clubs, including one of the state’s top Mock Trial teams.

UNIQUE STUDY OPTIONS/ PROGRAMS:

Lake Ridge’s three Centers of Excellence, the academic pillars of its curriculum, provide enhanced learning opportunities for K-12 students, along with intensive graduate certificate programs for interested Upper School students.

Center for Scientific Research

and Exploration: The STEAM science curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, art/design and mathematics to establish a solid foundation in biology, chemistry and physics. Upper School students can be accepted as fellows into the Institute for Scientific Research or as apprentices in the Institute for Engineering and Innovation. In addition, they can conduct an independent, two-year research or engineering project.

FALL OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION:

K-12 Fall Preview Day, 1 p.m. Oct. 24

Center for Fine Arts: Lake Ridge’s arts education encourages students to develop skills and cultivate an appreciation in music, voice, dance, theater and visual arts. Its Lower School utilizes the Orff-Schulwerk approach of incorporating music and movement to build early music appreciation. Meanwhile, the School of Fine Arts accepts Upper School students who are seeking a greater emphasis and training to develop their artistic talents.

Center for Global Citizenship:

Lake Ridge’s humanities and world language curriculum enables students to become proficient participants in the increasingly interconnected world by building political acumen, communication skills, cultural literacy and empathy. By joining the Global and International Studies Program, Upper School students embark on a two-year immersion in a self-selected area of study that’s related to world history, literature or affairs, including international travel experience opportunities.

FACULTY:

Our devoted faculty (most of whom have advanced degrees) has an average teaching experience of 16 years.

FINANCIAL AID:

Over 70% of families receive financial assistance.