Fifty years after Lakeview Academy opened its doors, the Board of Trustees recently approved steps to move Lakeview forward in 2020 in its three foundational areas: academics, arts, and athletics.
“Fifty years ago, Lakeview opened its doors with a dream of becoming a premier private school providing the best college-preparatory education available in north Georgia,” said Clay Eubanks, Lakeview Academy Board of Trustees Chairman. “As we approach this milestone anniversary, there is no better time to position Lakeview for the next 50 years.”
The school boasts academic programs that have resulted in 100 percent college placement year after year, and with the recent hiring of Kirsty Montgomery as Head of School, is looking to further advance its academic programs.
“The school’s commitment to academic excellence in its curriculum is made possible by talented faculty, dedicated staff, and a supportive community,” Montgomery said. “What a tremendous opportunity in its 50th year for Lakeview to strengthen the triad of foundational areas: academics, arts, and athletics. Lakeview Academy has an incredibly bright future, and I am delighted and honored to be joining at this time.”
In addition, the Board of Trustees recently approved a new community partnership with Brenau University to expand opportunities in fine arts and a $2.5 million capital campaign to expand athletic facilities.
According to Eubanks, these initiatives not only benefit Lakeview students and faculty but also allow Lakeview to lean more deeply into its mission of excellence through a partnership of school, family and community.
Through the new partnership with Brenau, Lakeview’s fine arts students and faculty will enjoy enhanced practice and performing space at Brenau Downtown Center Theatre. Beginning in 2020 Brenau will provide Lakeview with the use of its theatre between Oct. and March each year.
“Having a dedicated fine arts facility, like Brenau University’s beautiful Downtown Center, will distinctively showcase the extraordinary training, work, and achievements of all concentrations and mediums of Lakeview Academy’s fine arts students unlike any other opportunity we have encountered before,” stated Joe Harris, Lakeview Academy fine arts director.
Anne Skleder, president of Brenau University is also very excited about this new partnership.
“We at Brenau are proud to partner with the highly-respected Lakeview Academy to help enrich the experiences of students on both of our campuses and warmly welcome the talented Lakeview theater students and faculty into our Downtown Center,” said Skleder.
Led by a dedicated group of parents, grandparents, alumni, and staff, the foundational phase of the Lakeview Forward II capital campaign successfully raised $1.7 million toward a $2.5 million goal to build new athletic facilities, including a stadium with an eight-lane track.
“This project shows the commitment of our Lakeview community to a competitive culture,” said Deuce Roark, Lakeview Academy athletics director. “We are truly blessed to have involved constituents so passionate about our mission and continued success.”
Once complete, Lakeview will provide Brenau’s track and field team access to the new athletic facilities as part of their ongoing partnership.
“We are grateful for the opportunity for the Brenau Golden Tiger track and field team to compete in state-of-the-art facilities on Lakeview’s campus. I am eager to work with Dr. Montgomery when she arrives in Gainesville to pursue future mutually-beneficial collaborations between our institutions,” Skelder said.
The Board of Trustees recently approved the start of construction on the new facility as it launches the public phase of the campaign.
“These strategic steps taken by the Board of Trustees demonstrate the group’s commitment to continuously striving to move Lakeview forward,” said Montgomery. “I look forward to what is to come as we embark on our 50th anniversary. It’s a great time to be a Lakeview Lion!”
