Education Spotlight | By Savannah Tradd
Windermere summers are all about long lake days, lazy mornings, and family adventures. But come late July, many families start turning their thoughts to fall. With just a little age-appropriate prep, your child can walk into the new school year confident, calm, and ready to thrive.
Preschool & Kindergarten: Easing In
If your little one is about to start school for the first time, this summer is all about comfort and confidence. Start small by practicing tasks like putting on shoes, opening lunch containers, and using the bathroom independently. Gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up routines to match the school schedule. Make a “countdown calendar” to the first day with stickers or drawings.
Tip: Visit a local playground near the school they’ll attend, getting used to the area makes it feel more familiar.
Foundation Academy, with campuses in South Winter Garden and Tilden, offers Pre-K through 12th grade education with a focus on academic excellence, faith, and leadership. The South Winter Garden campus is home to younger grades, while the Tilden campus prepares older students for college and beyond.
Elementary (Grades 1–5): Sharpening Skills
Kids in this age group benefit from light academic refreshers disguised as fun. A weekly library visit, basic math games, or a daily reading challenge keeps minds sharp. Encourage independence: let your child pack their own snacks, create to-do lists, or select their school supplies.
Tip: Make summer learning local, check out the Windermere Library’s reading challenges, or use everyday errands as learning moments (counting change, reading signs, etc.). Looking to give back? New or gently used backpacks, lunch boxes, and supplies can be dropped off at the West Orange Dream Center in East Winter Garden to support local families in need.
Middle School (Grades 6–8): Ownership & Organization
Middle schoolers are ready for more responsibility. Encourage your student to create a school-year calendar, clean out their study space, and set personal goals. If they’re nervous about changing classes or lockers, do a dry run, visit campus, map out schedules, and walk through their routine.
Tip: Try budgeting for school supplies by giving your student a set amount to work with and letting them make the decisions. It’s a fun way to practice money management and making informed decisions.
High School (Grades 9–12): Intentional Planning
Summer is prime time for teens to build momentum. Rising freshmen should become familiar with schedules and extracurricular activities. Sophomores and juniors might focus on test prep or service hours. For seniors, it’s about finishing volunteer requirements, visiting colleges, and finalizing essays or résumés.
Tip: Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus offers students access to leadership programs, service opportunities, and college prep resources that help shape strong, purpose-driven graduates. Wherever your teen attends, summer is a great time to reconnect with mentors, coaches, or teachers who can offer guidance as the year begins.
All Ages: Make It Fun
Back-to-school prep doesn’t mean cutting summer short. The best prep happens in rhythm with summer’s pace, one simple step at a time. Whether it's a bike ride around the quiet streets near Lake Down or a peaceful hour labeling folders at the kitchen table, Windermere families know how to blend intention with ease.
Let this be the summer your kids return to school ready and, better yet, excited.
