Lakeview Academy

I think lva is an awesome and a fun school for all the childrens and teens that go there.
—Submitted by a student

i have 3 kids attending.We are on yr 8 for my oldest. LVA challenges the kids academically which is why we pay to go there. Like other small schools its hard to be the new kid; however with participation and parent involvement and volunteering, the kids and parents can find a niche that they comfortable in. We have found that being on the campus and keeping ongoing open communication with faculty is important in feeling connected .However isn't this in most schools? The enrichment classes rock. We could'nt be more pleased with the education our kids are getting. For us, academics is the priority, sports are a nice supplement however not our primary focus. I agree that the arts should get more attention and financing. A great strength in lower school is preparing the kids to have productive study skills and organizational skills for middle and high school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had 24 kids in their elementary class more than one year with only one teacher. I agree with other posts that the students are very unforgiving. The academics are tough which I don't mind, but because the teachers have so many students, they do not seem to be able to handle the kids appropriately. I never felt they really 'cared' about my child. Don't bother asking to see test scores, they refuse to show you elementary test scores or how they compare to other schools. Nice facility. Great art/music program. Functions are put together very well.
—Submitted by a parent

Ok, I have to somewhat disagree with the last post. We have been at the school for 6 years now and I have never felt that the kids are lacking personal responsibility at all. But this is not the same school we first came to 6 years ago. The continous raising the academic rigor has made it stress level off the chart for my student and makes us think twice especially if they participate in extracirrular activities. Hard to make the grade makes me worry about college acceptance GPA in a few years if this continues. Great people, can be clicky but that is at any school. My thoughts administration needs to look carefully at direction of the academics if they want a well rounded school with the atheletics they are strugling to build. Everyday average kids cannot do it all. Overall good school just be careful of overloaded stress.
—Submitted by a parent

Lakeview is a good school. Here are my thoughts... The Good: The teachers are very nice and stay in contact with the parents for the most part. There are many ways for your child to 'get involved'. The Bad: I think that the kids are not being prepared for 'the real world'. Our child has been there for 5 years and it seems that the school is lacking in children being taught 'personal responsibility'. The school seems like a very over protective parent. The parents can be as 'clicky' as the students. Overall: It's a good (not great) school. The curriculum is normal for the grade levels. There is very little diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

By:An-LVA-Student. I first want to say that I'm very fortunate to be in a school like this because of the overwhelming cost, and the sacrifices that have been made for me to be here. I've been attending for 8 years, and I've seen a complete flip on the system. I believe that LVA's priorities are misplaced, for instance sports gen. get priority even though I've only known 2-3 stu. to get sports scholarships, and the arts which dominate the boards get kicked to the side. Academics are decent. Student/Teacher is good, most of the teachers seem to know what they're doing, but can't be said for all. LVA seems to be getting much more strict, ironic considering it's preparing us for college, uniforms are no good. Small student community which allows for a family feel, but at times is unforgiving. Parents have a little more say here-than-other-schools. Only 150 words grrrr
—Submitted by a parent

I will have to agree with another reviewer regarding the few groups to fit in. We have been there for six years and the group just gets smaller and smaller. The kids are unforgiving and there has never been a warm welcome. Yes, the academic part is good and if you can tolerate being excluded on a continuing basis, then Lakeview is for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I honestly believe that Lakeview Academy provides the best academic experience anywhere in or around Gainesville. I have spend many years at Lakeview, and I have watched it change with new directors, teachers, and programs, but I believe that it still far superior to any other school in the area. The family-like atmosphere is also amazing. Students always feel safe and comfortable while being able to enjoy the learning experience. Lakeview is not a large or very diverse school, but it provides all that is required for a great education and more!
—Submitted by a student

It is an amazing school. The school just is filled with excellence. My three kids go there and they love it. I do not know who would ever want to leave. It is like a haven for students.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the technology and strong academic programs this school offers. The families are friendly and very supportive of this school!
—Submitted by Sharon Schaefer, a parent

I have a rising 5th grader as well as a graduating senior. The senior experienced the brunt of the recent 'ramp up' in academic rigor and accordingly struggled her sophomore and junior years. But the 'proof is in the pudding' and this year she has lit the academic world on fire. Her SAT/ACT scores were exceptional and she now has the necessary study habits to excel in college. It is indeed a tremendous financial sacrifice to send your child to Lakeview, but I am now convinced that Lakeview offers a top notch academic experience for all grades. I don't think you can truly place a price on an educated child, but unfortuantely people rationalize poor decisions every day. I would highly recommend Lakeview Academy to anyone living in or near Hall County. Charlie Waddell
—Submitted by a parent

Lakeview has been a fabulous experience for my daughter and we will enroll a second child in the fall of 2008. The teachers have found ways to push her in the areas in which she excels and boost her performance in those areas in which she struggles. We are very pleased an believe that the sacrifice for private school tuition is money well-spent.
—Submitted by a parent

Lakeview Academy has an excellent lower school (K-5). The teacher/Student ratio is very beneficial and the teachers seem to love what they do. We also liked the safety factor of small numbers and everyone knowing each other. We were disappointed with the Middle School in that the continuity of teachers kept changing. Our daughter struggles with math, and we had a very difficult time getting extra help for her. The cost of tuition has continued to rise significantly each year and it is outpricing college tuition at this point. The normal working parents will have a tough time keeping their child there.We felt that the Middle School was just not worth the cost.Also, due to the small numbers in classes, there are fewer groups to fit in with as friends and the groups are very tight and unforgiving, as many small schools are.The warm reception that they claim was not felt.
—Submitted by a parent

Academics at Lakeview is superb! My daughter loves the school...after her first year in lower school she has settled ideally and made many friends. School is a challenge which makes her extremely motivated. Definitely there are things at Lakeview you wont find in the private school, huge parental involvement, large focus on fine arts and music, and classrooms organized by achievements and abilities. Tuition is expensive, but my money is well spent at Lakeview! Couldn't be more impressed...
—Submitted by a parent

What a great surprise, moved to Gainesville for the lake and wouldn't leave now because fo the school. What a great group of teachers and parents. Everyone has been so nice,we just love it there. C
—Submitted by T. Case, a parent

My child attended Lakeview Academy for the better part of seven years and I can honestly say that up until recently, Lakeview was the place to be. The teachers were excellent and we especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the high school. But that all changed when Lakeview decided to 'revamp' its image. They have brought in a strict uniform and have systematically flipped through the staff. I pulled my kids out of lakeview this year as I felt that the school has lost the edge it used to have. John Reese
—Submitted by John Reese, a parent

It's an awesome school, well run with involved teachers and parents. First class educational and athlethic facilities. We have 2 sons attending since pre-k, with the oldest in 7th now, and its been great.
—Submitted by Gust Askounis, a parent

Lakeview is the only place to be if you have the choice.

Lakeview is a great school. My husband gratuated from there and all 4 of my children attend. They range from pre school all the way to 8th grade. I would definitely recommend Lakeview to any one looking for a school for their kids.
—Submitted by a parent