About Lakeland Grace Academy
Lakeland Grace Academy is a fifteen-month, forty-bed residential boarding school. It is an accredited, private school registered with the State of Florida and a member of the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies (FACCCA). The student residences, kitchen/dining and school are in located in the 10,000 square foot home-like facility on acreage nestled in a middle class community. There are ample areas for physical activities on the property, an inter-campus athletic department, and a screened-in pool. Lakeland employs fifteen female team members and counselors, each with the appropriate education and experience suited for their roles.
Education
Lakeland Grace Academy provides focused and individualized academic attention for the girls in its care. The focus is on improved study skills and performance, which gives a competitive advantage in college. Though education is not the main purpose of a girl attending the Lakeland program, parents have peace of mind knowing that they have provided their girl with the best educational foundation for life and for future advanced education.
Individual and Group Counseling
Counseling is ongoing – all day, every day – at Lakeland, with numerous opportunities for learning and growth. Individual counseling sessions encourage transparency and self-acceptance. Group counseling helps students develop problem solving skills that will last a lifetime. Personal responsibility and respect for others is taught through our Christian Character Qualities training. As each student learns these qualities they start to develop a genuine concern and respect for others. Obedience, respect for those in authority, and Christ-like compassion are the core values we instill in all students.
Participation in Activities
Students have opportunities to participate in activities they may never have chosen at home. New passions are discovered as students become more well-rounded through participation. Participation in sports improves self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem. Healthier lifestyle choices become habits that will produce lasting benefits. Many activities encourage teamwork and improve the relational skills necessary for success. Group activities prepare students to consider and respect on other’s needs.
Great Campus Environment
A small and personal escape…far from the struggles and distractions of the “outside” world. Lakeland is a relational safe-haven for self-discovery and growth, but it is not a resort; girls are taught to take responsibility for themselves and for others through regular chores and a structured schedule.
Qualified and Dedicated Staff Members
Residents receive perpetual care from a staff that is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide ongoing positive role models with a high degree personal discipline and accountability. Lakeland’s staff are living examples of a passionate, purpose-driven life. For each, it is not just a job, it is a calling.
Outreach Opportunities
Lakeland helps girls cultivate a sense of compassion for others’ needs through helping others who are less fortunate. Through giving of themselves, they gain an increased sense of significance. Our residents experience the joy of service, emulating Jesus’ servant leadership through special off-campus trips where they volunteer to help others.
Positive Peer Culture
Lakeland’s Positive Peer Culture (PPC) program influences your child to develop problem solving skills with peers while taking a “Principle” stand. It requires the girls to exemplify personal accountability as a leader. It encourages loving “confrontation” by peers versus policing and correction by adults. After all, most kids get off track by the negative influences of peers back home. Our atmosphere encourages the opposite.
Leadership Training
Lakeland’s Leadership Training Program provides our residents with “graduate level” life skills training, improving the chance of long-term success. It encourages them to become a respected leader versus a follower of others’ lead. it improves ones understanding of the difficulties associated with authority and leadership.
Family Involvement
Lakeland’s goal is to form a partnership for transformation between the child and the parent as issues are addressed. The goal is to improves the level of mutual trust and respect as parent and child both accept their contribution and take responsibility for the breach in relationship. It creates a healthier environment for communication, improving the chances for restoration and lasting success. And it helps the child understand and deal with their emotions and respond to others more appropriately. We have regular family retreats and training events on our campus.
Grad House Aftercare
A unique aspect of the Lakeland program is the Graduate House. Students who complete the therapeutic aspect of Lakeland’s program may continue to reside in our Graduate House while completing high school. This solves a crucial need for parents to minimize the potential for old problems to resurface if a child is required to return to an unfavorable high school environment.
