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Founded in 1924, The Out-of-Door Academy is a friendly and welcoming community serving students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. An Out-of-Door education is defined by the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts, and athletics. At The Out-of-Door Academy, we make decisions based on what is in our students' best interests. From pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Out-of-Door students thrive in an intimate environment characterized by small classes, excellent instruction, and individualized attention. Our dedicated and talented faculty are expert teachers who are focused on each student's personal growth and success. A strong partnership exists with our families who volunteer their time and resources to enhance the educational environment and strengthen our school community. Out-of-Door is an academic community committed to providing an exceptional education for each student so they can confront the challenges of college and life with expertise and confidence. We believe in providing meaningful challenges for our students in an environment that provides both support and a myriad of learning opportunities in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage, and in the Sarasota County and Manatee County communities. As an independent, college preparatory school, we provide an environment where students strive to achieve their highest academic goals and build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts, and athletics. Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Responsibility are the foundation of our school community. The character of The Out-of-Door Academy graduates sets them apart from their peers across the country. We strive to create an educational foundation and passion for life-long learning that will give our students a competitive advantage in higher education and help them realize their full potential in a rapidly changing, complex, and increasingly interdependent world. At Out-of-Door, students are expected to participate in the school's life, and they do so through a variety of extracurricular activities. It is not unusual to find a student who plays a varsity sport, participates in theatrical productions, writes for the school newspaper, and participates in Student Council. ODA students graduate as caring, well-rounded, morally responsible members of society. At ODA, our superior academics are defined by unique programs that cultivate the child's development. Across all three divisions, we provide learning opportunities that transcend the traditional classroom walls to prepare better our students to live, learn, lead, and succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our rigorous program is led by caring professionals who are experts in their fields. Classes feature individualized instruction, project-based collaboration, and a continually evolving curriculum. ODA's focus on student-centered learning empowers students to be lifelong learners. Our well-balanced blend of academics, athletics, and the arts allow students to pursue their passion while gaining fundamental life skills. Our Academic Services and Counseling department utilizes a system-wide approach to meet every student's unique academic and personal needs. This approach includes group discussions as well as one-to-one meetings with students, faculty, and parents. The team designs developmentally appropriate programming to enhance school culture, which is presented to students regularly through advisory and wellness sessions. Timely societal topics are approached with consideration for students' social and emotional maturity in each grade level. The department is available to advocate for and support all students on both campuses. The wealthy student experience at Out-of-Door includes opportunities for students to explore their passions. Within the daily schedule, leadership opportunities abound as students initiate clubs, activities, and philanthropic outreach. Our strong sense of community is evidenced by student support of each other's endeavors. Though the academic program is rigorous, the extracurricular opportunities offer a balance where children and teenagers can be themselves among peers. LOWER SCHOOL| Historic Siesta Key Campus| Pre-K – Grade 5 Address: 444 Reid Street, FL Postal Code: 34242 Phone: +1 941 5543439 View full school