MINNEOLA, Fla. – Lake County Schools unveiled its newest educational facility, Minneola Horizon Academy, during its meet the teacher event for parents and students ahead of the new school year.
The K-8 school marks the district’s fifth new school opening in the past five years as Lake County continues to grow.
“I think it really speaks a lot to our planning and the development and really planning for the future of our students,” Minneola Horizon Academy Principal, Andrea Nelson said.
The new academy, which broke ground in 2023, was designed in part to help alleviate overcrowding at nearby Grassy Lake Elementary.
“I think honestly it’ll positively impact both because with the relief from overcrowding I know that will help them out a lot,” Nelson said. “But then it’s also a great opportunity for our students as well that they get to take part in something new.”
The school can accommodate up to 1,200 students and currently has approximately 950 enrolled.
“We’ve had a lot of families just moving into the area as well,” Nelson said. “So while we pulled from local schools, we also have quite a few brand new enrollments,” Nelson explained.
Ranee Stewart, whose daughter previously attended Aurelia M. Cole Academy in Clermont, another recent addition to the district, is excited to have her daughter attend the new school.
We just moved here not too long ago from New Mexico where the school buildings themselves were kind of old so coming into these nice, big, beautiful schools is really nice – really nice for her," Stewart said.
Sixth-grader Cecilia Battistoni, who went to Grassy Lake Elementary, is ready to take on the new year as a sixth grader.
“It’s amazing. It’s really big, but it’s comforting,” Battistoni said.
The district continues its expansion and improvement efforts, with renovations currently underway at Beverly Shores Elementary School. Those students are expected to return to their renovated facility in 2026.