Highland Lakes Elementary Leadership Academy - Home of the Panthers

Address: 1230 Highlands Blvd. Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Phone: (727) 724-­1429

Fax: (727) 724­-1435 

Pinellas County Schools Administration: (727) 588-6000

Principal: Ms. Eliza Defant

Assistant Principal: Mr. Jason Jessie

School Hours: M - F 8:45 am - 2:55 pm

About

Highland Lakes Elementary is a Leader in Me Lighthouse School/Leadership Academy infusing Stephen Covey's Highly Effective Habits within the curriculum to instill leadership in our students and staff. Leader in Me lays the foundation for sustained academic achievement. At Highland Lakes we are focused on continuous student-centered school improvement goals that maintain high academic performance levels and excellence for which our community is known. We pride ourselves on being a community-driven school with high levels of family involvement. In addition to serving students in kindergarten through 5th grade, Highland Lakes provides developmentally appropriate programs for pre-school students and students with behavior complexities in an inclusive and nurturing environment.

Points of Pride

• "A" Rated School
• Stephen Covey Leadership Academy - Leader In Me
• Golden School Award for Community Involvement
• National Alliance for Healthier Generation Silver Distinction
• Dedicated Science Lab for hands on learning
• 5 Star Award for Community Involvement
• Energy Star certified school 
• High Parental Involvement
• Elementary National Honor Society

School Highlights

• Computers and technology: All classrooms are fully equipped with student computer stations. All classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards, schoolwide access to computers, iPad and Kindle labs. 
• Exceptional Student Education services: Self-Contained Emotionally Behaviorally Disabled Unit, Varying Exceptionalities Resource, Full Time Gifted Program, Speech Language, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services for qualified students
• Community partnerships: YMCA, Highland Lakes Community Association and Kiwanis Club

Special Services & Programs 

• Leadership Academy
• Gifted Education Program 
• Extended Learning Program
• Enhanced Music Ensemble
• Peer Mediation/Character Education
• STEM Clubs
• Coding
• Spanish and Greek Instruction
• Garden Club
• Panther News Crew 
• Safety Patrol 
• Art Club
• Students Targeted for Educational Performance (STEP)
• Principal's Multicultural Awareness Committee
• Enhanced Mathematics
• Mentors 

School Vision

To reach 100% of each student's individualized social, emotional, physical, and academic goals.

School Mission

Highland Lakes Elementary Leadership Academy staff, parents, and the community will be leaders in teaching, learning, modeling, and preparing students for college, career, and life.

Download the Highland Lakes Elementary School Brochure (PDF)