Yes. Lake Eola Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school sponsored by Orange County Public Schools. We are open to all students who are selected through our lottery process. While we operate independently from traditional public schools, we are held accountable to the same state academic standards and testing requirements.

Lake Eola Charter School is a small, family-oriented public charter school located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Our size allows us to truly know our students and families by name and build meaningful relationships. As a charter school, we have the flexibility to create innovative learning experiences, maintain smaller class sizes, and provide unique opportunities such as our Navigator Program, STEAM initiatives, clubs, athletics, and advanced coursework. Our goal is to create an environment where every child feels known, valued, and supported.

School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday (Early Release):
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m.

If your child will be absent, a parent or guardian must notify the school as soon as possible. Attendance notifications should be emailed to Jessica Nuñez at jnunez@lecs.org.

Regular attendance is critical to student success. Students who miss instruction often have difficulty keeping up with classroom learning and assignments.

Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy and must be signed in through the front office by a parent or guardian.

Consistent tardiness can negatively impact student learning and may result in attendance interventions.

Yes. However, early dismissals should be limited whenever possible to avoid disruptions to instruction.

The final early sign-out is 30 minutes before dismissal.

Students will not be released after this time unless there is an emergency.

Lake Eola Charter School uses a standards-based grading system for most grade levels and subjects.

Students receive scores on academic benchmarks using the following scale:

4 = Mastery
3 = Proficient Knowledge
2 = Basic Knowledge
1 = Minimal Knowledge

This system focuses on student learning and growth rather than simply averaging points. Parents should understand that a score of 3 represents successful mastery of grade-level expectations.

A score of 4 represents advanced mastery and is intentionally challenging to earn.

Our grading system provides a more accurate picture of what students know and can do. Rather than focusing solely on percentages and averages, teachers evaluate mastery of specific standards and skills.

This allows parents to better understand their child’s strengths and areas for growth.

Progress Reports are issued halfway through each trimester.

Report Cards are issued at the end of each trimester.

Parents can also monitor attendance, grades, assignments, and announcements through GradeLink throughout the year.

Students participate in a variety of assessments including:

FAST Reading and Mathematics
FAST Science
End-of-Course Exams (when applicable)
ACCESS for ELLs
Gifted Screening
NWEA Assessments and Progress Monitoring

These assessments help teachers monitor student growth and identify areas for additional support.

LECS provides a variety of academic support services including:

Reading Intervention
Teacher Tutoring Sessions
Small Group Instruction
Progress Monitoring
Staffing Specialist Support
Special Education Services
504 Accommodations

We believe in identifying and addressing student needs early.

Families should regularly monitor:

Weekly Panther Post Newsletter
Email Communications
GradeLink
Class Dojo
School Website
School Social Media Pages

Most important announcements are distributed through multiple communication channels.

Teachers can be contacted through email, Class Dojo, or other communication methods established by the teacher at the beginning of the school year.

We encourage parents to communicate regularly with teachers and address concerns early.

Volunteerism is one of the foundations of our school community. Parent involvement helps strengthen our programs, support teachers, and create meaningful experiences for students.

The success of many LECS events depends upon family participation.

Families with one child enrolled:
25 volunteer hours per year

Families with two or more children enrolled:
30 volunteer hours per year

Volunteer hours are tracked through GradeLink.

Examples include:

Field Trip Chaperones
Literacy Night
STEAM Night
Book Fair
Picture Day
PTSA Events
School Beautification Projects
Classroom Preparation
Teacher Support Projects
At-Home Volunteer Projects

Opportunities are available throughout the year.

Families may purchase uncompleted volunteer hours according to the rates outlined in the Parent Agreement.

We encourage families to begin earning hours early rather than waiting until the end of the school year.

Student safety is our highest priority.

Security measures include:

Full-Time Guardian Program
Locked Exterior Doors
Visitor Management System
Monthly Safety Drills
Locked Classroom Doors
Staff Safety Training
Controlled Student Release Procedures

All visitors must check in through the front office before entering campus.

Please notify the school immediately of any medical concerns.

Medication Authorization Forms must be completed for all medications stored on campus.

Students who require inhalers, EpiPens, or other emergency medications should provide updated documentation each year.

Students should remain home if they:

Have a fever
Have vomited within the previous 24 hours
Have a contagious illness
Are too sick to participate in normal school activities

Students must remain fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.

Uniforms may be purchased through approved vendors listed on the LECS website.

Families may also participate in used uniform sales throughout the year.

Dress for a Cause is a fundraising opportunity that allows students to wear approved non-uniform attire while supporting school programs.

Participation is optional and is considered a privilege that may be revoked for students who do not follow expectations.

No.

Families are responsible for all transportation to and from school.

Students may participate in:

LECS Aftercare
School Clubs
Athletic Programs
Martial Arts World Programs
Special Events and Activities

Availability varies throughout the year.

Aftercare is available until 5:30 p.m.

Students may attend daily, weekly, or monthly.

Aftercare includes homework time, supervised play, and enrichment activities in a safe environment.

Additional fees apply for late pickup after 6:00 p.m.

The Navigator Program connects new families with experienced LECS families who can help answer questions, explain school traditions, and support new students as they transition into our community.

Many families find their Navigator relationship becomes one of their most valuable connections at LECS.

We recommend:

Reading all school communications
Attending school events
Joining the PTSA
Volunteering regularly
Building relationships with teachers
Maintaining strong attendance
Encouraging your child to participate in clubs and activities

Students are most successful when schools and families work together as partners.

We are here to help.

Most questions can be answered by:

1. Your child’s teacher
2. The front office
3. The appropriate member of our administrative team

Never hesitate to reach out. We believe strong communication and strong relationships are essential to student success.