A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 16, officially opened the new Minneola Horizon K-8 Academy.

Principal Andrea Nelson was joined by district administrators, School Board members, city officials, representatives from the construction company, and others who were instrumental in bringing the vision to life.

Located at 2101 Minneola Overlook Lane in Minneola, the school 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.”

(Our focus on aerospace engineering isn’t just about rockets and flight; it’s about inspiring curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and preparing our students to be the innovators, problem solvers, and pioneers of tomorrow,” Principal Andrea Nelson said.)

STEAM education will be embedded throughout the school day at all grade levels and will be offered through clubs and family engagement activities. The curriculum will offer three pathways – coding, drone, and engineering design process – to students at every grade level with a focus on collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking.

“Our focus on aerospace engineering isn’t just about rockets and flight; it’s about inspiring curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and preparing our students to be the innovators, problem solvers, and pioneers of tomorrow,” Principal Andrea Nelson said. “I am so grateful to the families, educators, district leaders, our construction and maintenance team, and our community partners. Your support and commitment have built more than classrooms. You’ve built opportunity.”

(A look at what the school looks like from above.)

Minneola Horizon Academy was constructed by Wharton-Smith, Inc., and designed by Zyscovich (now Stratus). The $65 million project was entirely funded by impact fees on new housing units. At the ceremony, Wharton-Smith presented the district with a check for $750,000 in project savings, along with $16,000 to start the school’s drone program.

(The new gym floor has been polished and it’s ready for the fall to host it’s first group of children.)

Additionally, Minneola Horizon Academy 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 2024 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.

(The natural grass playing field along with the six lane track that surrounds the playing surface.)

“This school is more than a building, it’s a launchpad for future innovators, engineers, pilots, and problem solvers,” Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth said. “This is a proud day for Lake County. We are planting the seeds of curiosity, excellence, and possibility right here in Minneola. The sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning!”

(Minneola Horizon Academy is now ready to welcome it’s first classes in August.)

Students and families will have an opportunity to explore the three-story building and the surrounding campus during a “Meet the Teacher” event on August 6. More information will be posted on the school’s website.