About LECS

History

Downtown Orlando’s Premier Charter School, Lake Eola Charter School (LECS), was founded in 1998 and recently celebrated its 27th Anniversary of Excellence in Education. We have proudly served over 5,000 students in the Orlando community. Our alumni include doctors, lawyers, educators, engineers, chefs, and, most importantly, productive members of their communities. Our unique school building was originally a 1920s parking garage and has been transformed into a vibrant learning space.

Mission:

At our core, Lake Eola Charter School maintains a cohesive, family-like learning center that empowers student excitement and engagement, guided by dynamic teachers that have the autonomy to foster creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity in our learners. A low student-teacher ratio allows individualized learning and prepares learners academically, socially, and emotionally for our ever-changing world.

Charter School Status:

LECS is a public charter school, meaning we operate independently from traditional public schools. We have autonomy in curriculum design, hiring, and instructional methods, allowing for innovation and flexibility while maintaining accountability to state and local standards. Key benefits of charter status include:

  • Smaller Class Sizes
  • Thematic Instruction
  • Community Engagement
  • Flexibility in Hiring
  • Focus on Innovation and Accountability
  • Unique Grading System (Gradeless in many Grades and Subjects)

Why Do Families Choose LECS?

Families choose Lake Eola Charter School because it offers something increasingly rare in education—a place where every child is truly known, valued, and supported. As a small, A-rated K–8 charter school in the heart of Downtown Orlando, LECS combines strong academics with meaningful relationships, personalized learning, and a close-knit family atmosphere. Parents appreciate our small class sizes, dedicated teachers, diverse opportunities in the arts, athletics, and leadership, and innovative programs like High School Acceleration. Most importantly, families choose LECS because it feels like home—a community where students are encouraged to grow, lead, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.