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 

Principal: Ms. Eliza Defant

Assistant Principal: Mr. Jason Jessie

Student Hours: Summer Hours: M - Th 8:30 am to 12:00 pm until July 18

Hours July 18 - August 1: M - Th 8:00 am to 3:00 pm 

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

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 Mission
The mission of Highland Lakes Elementary Leadership Academy is to create a safe and respectful learning environment which fosters self ­directed learners. We will do this by accomplishing our School Improvement Plan goals and providing quality educational experiences so that we will build a community of successful, life­long learners.

School Vision
100% Student Success