It was a terrific leap forward for Sorrento Elementary School during the 2024-2025 school year as the program has earned a “B” school grade, just one percentage point away from an “A”.

“At the beginning of the year, we set out on a mission to improve student achievement by getting off the C/B bubble,” said Principal Nicole Brouhard. “You all answered that call with passion, intention, and a shared belief in collaboration. Now we are not just off the bubble, we are on the doorstep of an A.”

Brouhard, who took the helm at Sorrento Elementary with the goal of raising expectations and building a strong culture of learning, praised the efforts of teachers, support staff, students, and families for embracing the challenge and delivering on the school’s goals.

(Sorrento Elementary was only 1% shy of an A grade this year.)

“This accomplishment is the direct reflection of your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts,” she said. “We have come so far.”

A longtime Lake County resident and education leader, Brouhard began her career in 2007 as a fourth-grade teacher at Triangle Elementary. She later served in multiple instructional leadership roles before becoming Assistant Principal at Cypress Ridge Elementary, where she helped lead the school to an “A” grade in 2018 and earn a Florida School of Excellence designation in 2019.

A graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Brouhard earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2014. She and her family, husband and son, have lived in the Mount Dora area since 2007 and are self-described foodies, dog lovers, travelers, and baseball enthusiasts.

As she looks to build upon Sorrento Elementary’s upward trajectory, Brouhard says the mission remains clear: create a school where excellence is the norm and every student receives a high-quality, engaging education in a welcoming environment.

“I truly believe in the power of collaboration to ensure all students succeed,” Brouhard said. “Sorrento Elementary is a place where success is expected, and I am ready to lead our school forward.”

Who knows? By this time next year Sorrento Elementary could be an “A” school. Here’s to hoping that happens! Congratulations to Sorrento Elementary! Keep up the great work!