We've come to the end of another amazing year for Lake County Schools, and I'd like to share some of the highlights with you. 

We learned over the summer that we had become an A district for the first time since 2008, and we more than doubled the number of A-rated schools in Lake County over the previous year. In the fall, we welcomed students into beautiful new buildings for Fruitland Park Elementary and the new Minneola Horizon K-8. In January, we celebrated a 96% graduation rate for district-operated schools, the highest in our history and higher than the statewide graduation rate of 92%. And just last month, we were proud to announce that Reshonda Scott of East Ridge High has been named Florida's 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year. 

I'm also very pleased to say that 121 of our seniors this year graduated with an associate's degree from Lake-Sumter State College along with their high school diploma;75 of our students in the prestigious Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program met the requirements to graduate with a certified AICE diploma, and 2,450 seniors graduated with an industry certification, giving them the experience and credentials to hit the ground running with their careers or with a higher level of education and training. These accelerated learning opportunities will give our graduates a competitive edge as they move on to their next great adventure. 

Thank you to all of the parents and guardians for your unwavering support. To the local businesses, as well as the government, faith-based and nonprofit organizations that partnered with us to give our students invaluable opportunities and experiences, you are sincerely appreciated. Last but not least, to our teachers, administrators, and support staff – you are the heart and soul of our district. Thank you for your leadership, creativity, compassion, and commitment to our students’ success. 

Each year in the spring, we produce a video series to highlight exceptional members of the graduating class. We choose one "Super Senior" from each school. The selected student may be an academic standout, a highly-skilled athlete, a creative artist, or someone who has overcome 

They represent the best of the class, and we are excited to celebrate them as they discuss the highlights of their journey and share words of encouragement with the students who will come behind them.

You may watch this three-part series using the links in the images above. 

Reshonda Scott, Assistant Principal of East Ridge High School, has been selected as the 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year! 

This statewide honor follows Scott being named Lake County Schools’ Assistant Principal of the Year in October 2025. She joined Lake County Schools in 2013 as a language arts teacher at Windy Hill Middle School, was promoted to assistant principal there in 2018, and transferred to East Ridge High School in 2022.

Widely respected for her calm, thoughtful, steady, and compassionate leadership, Scott consistently makes students, staff, and families feel supported, valued, and heard. Her dedication and impact exemplify the very best in educational leadership.

Scott was selected from finalists that included Melissa Miller of Miami-Dade County and Ryan Garrett of Seminole County. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the difference she makes every day for our schools and community.

The Education Foundation of Lake County recently celebrated student achievement and community partnership during its annual Scholars and Supporters Breakfast at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, April 29. Sponsored by Insight Credit Union, the event recognized 68 graduating seniors who earned a combined 82 scholarships to support their future education and career goals. Donors, educators, families, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the impact these scholarships have on local students and the community as a whole.

A highlight of the breakfast was the opportunity for scholarship donors to sit alongside the students receiving their awards, creating meaningful connections and showcasing the power of community investment in education. Keynote speaker Kathy Stone shared an inspiring message about perseverance, education, and the importance of giving back to future generations. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, executive director of the foundation, emphasized that the scholarships represent more than financial assistance -- they symbolize encouragement, belief, and opportunity for local students.

The celebration of outgoing seniors also means welcoming incoming students. Take Stock in Children of Lake and Sumter Counties is preparing to welcome 60 new students into the program as they begin high school this fall across 12 schools in Lake and Sumter Counties. The students will receive ongoing support through volunteer mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and college and career readiness throughout high school.

As the program continues to grow, Take Stock in Children is seeking additional volunteer mentors to support these students on their educational journey. Community members interested in making a lasting impact are encouraged to contact the program at TSIC@Lake.K12.FL.us. Together, these initiatives reflect the continued commitment of the Education Foundation of Lake County to investing in students, expanding opportunities, and building a stronger future through education and mentorship. Learn more about the Education Foundation of Lake County at their website: https://edfoundationlake.com/

Starting next school year, Rimes Early Learning Center will transition to a full-time pre-kindergarten academy! It will focus exclusively on its free, full-day voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) program, while continuing to serve pre-k students with disabilities for area schools.

Unlike many private VPK providers, all VPK teachers in Lake County Schools, including those at Rimes, are state-certified and hold college degrees. No student tuition is required, and students will receive free breakfast and lunch, along with weekly enrichments in music, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and physical education. 

Additionally, Rimes is the only public school in the district that offers before- and after-care for VPK. While the instructional program begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m., before-care is available as early as 7 a.m. for $36 each week, and after-care is available as late as 6 p.m. for $64 each week. The cost for before- and after-care combined is $78 each week. Financial assistance is available to eligible families. 

This high-quality VPK experience is available to students who will turn 4 by September 1, 2026. Parents may choose to enroll their child in the year he or she turns  4 or wait until the following year when their child is 5. 

Rimes is a non-zoned school. Students are not required to live within a specific attendance boundary to enroll. 

Registration is open now. Learn more and register at https://rel.lake.k12.fl.us

All schools will follow a Wednesday early dismissal schedule for Wednesday, May 27, Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, which is the last day of classes for students. Have a safe, fun and relaxing summer break!

We are excited to welcome students into our schools full-time, for just for a few classes chosen à la carte, in person, or virtually. Whether enrolling for the first time or returning, all of our students become part of a nurturing learning environment where teachers and administrators support their academic journey and promote individual opportunities to excel. Click here to learn more about enrollment in a Lake County public school.