Business Details
Your Trusted Private School for College Prep in Gainesville
Lakeview Academy is a premier private, coeducational day school dedicated to excellence in education for students aged three through 12th grade. Founded over five decades ago, we have cultivated a strong reputation as a leading college-preparatory institution in Northeast Georgia. Our mission centers on fostering personal growth and academic development through a collaborative partnership between school, family, and community. With intentionally small class sizes averaging 15 students and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, we provide individualized learning experiences tailored to each student's needs. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates foreign language instruction, technology, and advanced placement courses, while our championship programs in athletics, fine arts, and innovation/STEM nurture well-rounded development.Accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), we maintain rigorous academic standards and a supportive environment that prepares students for college and life beyond. Our dedicated faculty and staff prioritize personalized college counseling, with a 100% college acceptance rate and an average of $23 million in non-HOPE scholarships awarded over the past five years. Through our Keystone Dyslexia Support Program and academic support services, we ensure every student receives the resources needed to thrive. Located on a 97-acre campus in Gainesville, Georgia, we serve families across multiple regions with transportation options and a vibrant school community that values tradition, excellence, and lifelong learning.
Services
Preschool
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
Dual Enrollment
Academic Support
Dyslexia Support
College Counseling
Athletics
Fine Arts
Highlights and features
- We offer intentionally small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention.
- Our 100% college acceptance rate and personalized counseling prepare students for higher education success.
- We provide championship programs in athletics, fine arts, and innovation/STEM for well-rounded development.
- Our Keystone Dyslexia Support Program offers specialized learning resources for grades 1-5 students.
- We maintain rigorous academic standards with 17 AP courses and foreign language instruction starting in preschool.
Associations and certifications
- Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- Georgia Independent School Association (GISA)
- Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA)
Services
Preschool
Our Preschool program serves children aged three to five, offering a nurturing environment that fosters foundational learning through play-based exploration. Certified educators implement developmentally appropriate curricula focusing on social-emotional growth, early literacy, and motor skills development. The program emphasizes creating a love of learning while preparing students for elementary school success through structured routines and individualized attention.
College Counseling
Our comprehensive College Counseling program provides personalized guidance from grades 9-12, helping students navigate the admissions process and identify best-fit institutions. Counselors offer one-on-one academic planning, essay coaching, and scholarship assistance. With a 100% college acceptance rate, we maintain strong relationships with universities and provide resources for standardized testing, financial aid applications, and career exploration.
Athletics
Lakeview's athletics program develops student-athletes through competitive teams in 15+ sports, fostering teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Coaches emphasize skill development and character building while maintaining academic eligibility standards. The program includes youth sports academies, varsity teams, and championship traditions in football, basketball, and fine arts competitions.
Dyslexia Support
The Keystone Dyslexia Support Program delivers specialized instruction for grades 1-5 students using evidence-based methodologies. Certified specialists provide small-group interventions focusing on phonemic awareness, reading fluency, and comprehension strategies. The program integrates multisensory techniques while maintaining alignment with general education curricula to build academic confidence and literacy skills.
Innovation Programs
Our Innovation Programs cultivate technological proficiency and creative problem-solving through robotics, engineering, and digital media courses. Students engage in hands-on learning from third grade through upper school, developing coding skills, design thinking, and innovation projects. The curriculum prepares students for STEM careers through collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world application of technology.
People
John Simpson
Head of School
Dr. John Simpson leads Lakeview Academy with over 25 years of educational leadership experience. He holds a doctorate in education and has served in various administrative roles at independent schools. His vision focuses on academic excellence and character development.
Wade Hanse
Assistant Head of School (Academics)
Dr. Wade Hanse oversees academic operations with expertise in curriculum development and teacher training. He has presented at national education conferences and specializes in college preparatory programming. His leadership ensures rigorous academic standards across all divisions.
Deuce Roark
Director of Athletics
Deuce Roark manages Lakeview's championship athletics program with 15+ years of experience in interscholastic sports. He emphasizes student-athlete development and community engagement through competitive teams and youth sports initiatives.
Sondra Berry
Communications Director
Sondra Berry leads marketing and community relations with a focus on brand strategy and parent engagement. She manages school communications, media relations, and special events to strengthen Lakeview's community connections.
Joe Harris
Director of Fine Arts
Joe Harris oversees performing and visual arts programs, bringing decades of experience in theater production and arts education. He has directed award-winning productions and developed curriculum that emphasizes creative expression and technical skill development.
Questions
What grade levels does Lakeview Academy serve?
Lakeview Academy serves students from preschool (age 3) through 12th grade, offering a continuous educational experience across three divisions: Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
Is financial aid available for families?
Yes, Lakeview offers need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Over $23 million in non-HOPE scholarships have been awarded to students in the past five years through our tuition assistance program.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We provide 15+ athletic teams, award-winning fine arts programs including theater and visual arts, robotics competitions, and innovation labs. Students also participate in clubs, community service initiatives, and leadership development opportunities.
How does the college counseling program work?
Our personalized college counseling begins in 9th grade with academic planning and continues through senior year with application guidance. Counselors provide individualized support for college selection, essay writing, and financial aid applications.
Are transportation options available for students?
Yes, we offer bus routes from Buford, Braselton, Chateau Elan, Flowery Branch, and Suwanee. Transportation services ensure convenient access to our Gainesville campus for families across the region.
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Reviews (4)
Kristy Bowling
Jan 29, 2018
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We spent years at our church's preschool, which we loved, but I chose to move both of my kids to Lakeview the same year. They entered the K3 and K4 programs last school year, and I am thrilled with the switch. My husband and I are impressed with the academics offered, but most of all the atmosphere. Everyone is happy to be a part of Lakeview, and we are glad to be part of the LA family too.
Joni Coody
Dec 18, 2017
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Our grandson started Lakeview K4 This year. He is excited about going to school daily. We are thrilled with everything hes learning and has learned. We couldnt be happier with his teachers, his education and the safe environment of Lakeview.
Addie W.
Dec 16, 2017
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Lakeview Academy has a wonderful learning program that starts with K3 and goes through 12th grade. The teachers and staff are all top notch, and smaller classes insure a more focused attention to the needs of each student.
Christi Gilbert
Dec 09, 2017
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I am a graduate of Lakeview Academy. They have a rigorous academic program along with an award winning theatre program, exemplary athletic programs, etc. It was a no brainer where we were sending our children to school. Our daughter is in the pre-k 4 class right now and already meets the standards to go to kindergarten. Her academic subjects not only include the usual core classes but also technology, art, PE, library, and Spanish. In Spanish, she can count to 10 and knows many of her colors along with basic conversational words. Our son will be enrolled as soon as hes old enough. I would encourage
