Eustis, Fla. — In 1998, a group of visionary community members in Lake County recognized a growing need: a supportive and alternative educational environment for students at risk of falling through the cracks. From that realization, Alee Academy was born in 1999. Now, 25 years later, the school stands as a beacon of second chances, having helped more than 1,000 students earn their high school diplomas — and many more transition back to their home schools on track to graduate.

To mark its silver anniversary, Alee Academy will host a community celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025, inviting families, alumni, educators, and supporters to reflect on the school’s mission and progress.

Originally established in a modest facility in Umatilla, Alee Academy’s first class graduated in 2000. By 2003, the academy had moved into a permanent building, which continues to serve students today. Despite facing challenges, including a period of uncertainty over its charter renewal, the school persevered — this year earning a five-year charter renewal, a testament to its resilience and ongoing impact.

“Alee has and continues to help those students that are in need of extra help to meet their goal of graduating high school,” said Anthony Stewart, a social sciences teacher at Alee. “It is a pleasure to be a part of that journey and to see those students reach their academic goals.”

(Alee Academy in Eustis, Florida.)

The academy’s name, “Alee,” is derived from the nautical term meaning “leeward” — the sheltered side of a ship — and fittingly reflects the school’s mission to be a safe harbor for students navigating turbulent waters.

“We believe every young person deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances,” said the school’s leadership team in a statement. “Our role is to empower students to overcome adversity and embrace failures as opportunities to grow.”

With a focus on state-of-the-art instruction and wraparound support, Alee Academy caters to at-risk students and former dropouts, offering personalized learning, emotional support, and enrichment opportunities akin to those found in traditional schools — including prom, field trips, and yearbook activities. Initiatives like Workforce Wednesday, the Powerhouse Youth Project, and a student-run Garden Project further enhance the student experience.

The academy has also engaged in community projects, such as participating in the “Starry Night” art initiative in Mount Dora, where students helped paint the iconic Starry Night House — an effort that exemplified the school’s commitment to creativity and connection.

Students like senior Sophia Shipes credit Alee with changing the trajectory of their academic careers. “I appreciate Alee for helping me better focus on the importance of graduating and getting back on track to crossing the stage in May,” she said.

Sophomore Kevin Pete added, “At the point in my life where I was wondering how I’d ever finish school, I found Alee. A college with a 100% acceptance rate couldn’t bring me the welcome I got at Alee.”

Secretary Hope Sceal, who has served at the academy for more than two decades, reflected on the school’s journey with pride: “I’ve watched Alee Academy transform over the last 23 years of my tenure here and I couldn’t be more proud of Alee Academy’s success.”

As the school looks ahead to its next chapter, its leadership remains focused on its core mission — fostering growth, confidence, and achievement among students who need it most.

One alumnus recently returned to campus and offered a heartfelt message: “I hope Alee is open for another 125 years,” he said. “I wouldn’t have graduated without the support of Alee Academy teachers and staff.”

With its sails set for the future, Alee Academy continues to stand firm against the headwinds — guiding students toward brighter horizons, one graduate at a time.