The next public school scheduled to open in Lake County now has a name. The School Board has accepted the recommendation of Principal Andrea Nelson and approved “Minneola Horizon Academy K-8.”
The recommendation was the result of input from the City of Minneola and a survey circulated to families of students who will be zoned to attend the school. The School Board voted unanimously in favor of the name at their October 28 meeting.
“That name incorporates the city name and really creates that connection to community, and then the word Horizon symbolizes new opportunities, exploration and discovery,” Principal Andrea Nelson said. “I also think the name suggests a forward-thinking and innovative environment where students are inspired to aim high, think beyond the limits and pursue new possibilities.”
The school colors are emerald green, navy and gray, and Nelson is considering two mascot options:
● Falcons, because of their speed and agility; and
● Explorers, because of their innovation and discovery.
Minneola Horizon Academy is being constructed on Keystone Pass Boulevard in the city of Minneola to help relieve crowding at nearby schools. It will serve students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and it will have an academic focus on aviation, aerospace and engineering. One of its listed priorities is to “cultivate curiosity and passion for aviation and space exploration through a strong foundation in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education.”
The school will benefit from the district’s partnership with Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority. The district signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Space Florida in August to begin implementation of the Space Florida Academy Program, which aims to connect students with high-demand credentials and skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry, credentials that may not have been traditionally associated with the industry.
Additionally, at Minneola Horizon Academy K-8, STEAM education will be embedded throughout the school day at all grade levels and will be offered through clubs and family engagement activities. Nelson plans to purchase a curriculum that will offer three pathways to students – coding, drone and engineering design process – at every grade level with a focus on collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking. Wharton-Smith, the construction company hired to build the school, is sponsoring the drone program. She is seeking funding for the purchase of the remaining two pathways.
Minneola Horizon Academy K-l8 is expected to open to students in Fall 2025.
