An Independent School • Grades 5-12

Inspiring learning

Amazing teachers and a cutting-edge curriculum transform how students learn.

Academics at Lakeside

Lakeside students and teachers bring a diversity of knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments to our community. But what we all share is an intense curiosity and a love of learning.

At each grade level, students are challenged academically and personally to learn and grow. From the lab to the stage, our faculty and staff guide students as they gain understanding and proficiency across all disciplines. Our academic program is designed to teach students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will best prepare them for success in a global society.

Lakeside students are supported by faculty and staff with outstanding experience and credentials in their fields, as well as a passion for educating young people. In addition to their teachers, Lakeside students have access to a wide range of educational specialists in our library, global education program, and student and family support program. An ongoing professional development program and evaluation system supports teachers at all stages of their careers by supporting their growth in areas such as pedagogy (the study of how best to teach), inclusion and equity, technology, and discipline-specific knowledge.

Our diverse community of adults forges meaningful relationships with students, with the goal of each student being personally supported and known.

Classes are small – average class size is 17 students – and faculty members are available to work with students one-on-one and in small groups. We strive to provide an equitable learning environment for all students, and we believe every student should have an equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to the life of the school. When everyone can bring their full selves to the table, we all benefit.

Middle School: Academic success and healthy personal development

At Lakeside Middle School, academic success and healthy personal development go hand in hand. We strive to provide a relevant, challenging, and interdisciplinary academic curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for our student body. We know that academic success in middle school depends on meeting students’ developmental needs as well. Our faculty and staff create learning environments that are respectful, supportive, and inclusive, and where students can connect with others who share their interests.

Lakeside Middle School faculty and staff specialize in working with students ages 10-14. They have developed curriculum, experiential programs (including Global Service Learning, outdoor, and service learning), and a school culture that help students develop critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and the ability to connect with others; nurture healthy development of brain and body, and social-emotional intelligence; and ensure that students have the ability to communicate, self-correct, manage their time, and set and achieve goals.

Upper School: High challenge, high support

Lakeside’s Upper School academic program reflects our belief in the importance of broad study in the liberal arts and fostering global understanding. Our faculty foster rigorous, collaborative learning environments where students can develop their critical thinking, take creative and intellectual risks, and deeply engage in the content.

Our curriculum is tailored specifically to allow for and encourage student choice from freshman through senior year.

Graduation requirements span arts, English, history, language, mathematics, physical education, and science, as well as completion of an Outdoor Program trip, and 80 hours of service learning. Students can choose from 131 on-campus courses, over 35 online classes through the Global Online Academy, and independent studies ranging from literature to computer science. While Lakeside does not offer AP courses, the intensity of our program meets or exceeds AP material. Supported by our professional college counseling team, Lakeside students go on to study at colleges and universities around the world.



Learn more about our academic program

2023-2024 Upper School Curriculum Guide

2023-2024 Middle School Curriculum Guide

2024-2025 Upper School Curriculum Guide