Out-of-Door Academy Celebrates 100 Years

The Out-of-Door Academy has announced the grand opening of its new Lower Campus on Clark Road, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in the school's 100-year history. To commemorate this event, Out-of-Door hosted campus tours and a ribbon-cutting ceremony August 12.

The new Lower Campus on Clark Road is the third Out-of-Door campus, joining the school’s Historic Siesta Key Campus (Pre-K - Grade 5) and Uihlein Campus (Grades 6 - 12) near Lakewood Ranch. In its inaugural year, the Lower Campus will host Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 1, with plans to add a grade each subsequent year. The first day of school at the new campus was August 15, 2024.

“We are incredibly proud of the new Clark Road Campus and its role in expanding The Out-of-Door Academy’s vision of preparing growth-minded students who thrive in an ever-changing world,” said Dr. Kelly Rose, Director of the Lower School Campus on Clark Road. “This campus reflects our dedication to innovation while staying true to the core values that have defined our school for the past 100 years.”

The grand opening coincides with Out-of-Door’s 100th anniversary, a year dedicated to honoring the school’s rich history while celebrating its ongoing commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. The Centennial Celebration will also feature numerous events aimed at serving the local Sarasota community.

Founded in 1924 is Siesta Key, FL, The Out-of-Door Academy is more than an independent school—it's a transformational educational experience serving more than 850 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 across three campuses in Sarasota, FL. An Out-of-Door education is defined by an unwavering commitment to building character through a balanced program of academics, the arts, and athletics. The Out-of-Door mission is to nurture learners to be their best selves through impactful, challenging, and purposeful growth experiences in a supportive and unique environment.