At Lake Oconee Academy, a new school year doesn’t just mean fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils: It means the start of new academic adventures designed to inspire, engage, and challenge our students from day one. We’re stepping inside two special classrooms for a glimpse into the engaging, hands-on experiences that set our school curriculum apart.
First up, our Middle School Science Lab, “work home” to Mrs. Elizabeth Hiter. Inside, students dive headfirst into inquiry-based learning with creative projects that tie together rigorous academic content and real-world curiosity. A project titled “Is a Zombie Apocalypse Scientifically Possible?” instantly piques curiosity. “Students will explore concepts using life science standards to address a variety of questions,” Mrs. Hiter explains. “Questions like: How do rage viruses affect the nervous system? Can pathogens move through the food chain? How do genetics play a role? By the end, students should feel confident in knowing if a zombie apocalypse is really possible!”
From mock news reports to building zombie-safe shelters, each science enthusiast will gather evidence, present their findings, and answer the budding question at hand. “I want my classroom to be a space where students are actively engaged in hands-on investigations, and ultimately bring scientific concepts to life,” Mrs. Hiter says. “I aim to spark curiosity and help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, all while having a little fun along the way.”
Now off to the High School Fine Arts building where our Audio, Video Technology, and Film (AVTF) students are immersed in storytelling through media, proudly led by Mrs. Lindsey Chamberlain. “In my AVTF classes, students are introduced to all aspects of video production—from coming up with the initial idea, planning the shots, editing their stories, and finally viewing and critiquing their finished work,” Mrs. Chamberlain explains. “Students are privy to both enhanced equipment and software programs to ensure they are training and perfecting their media skills just like those of real world professionals!”
As AVTF students progress, they move on to producing the weekly news show, The Current, as well as taking on independent creative projects like film, podcasts, and digital content. “In a world of non-stop content creation, my goal is to create a welcoming environment where students feel free to be creative, tell their stories, and feel prepared if they wish to pursue a path in AVTF after high school graduation,” Chamberlain says.
From science labs to studio suites and so much more across campus, classrooms are alive with energy, imagination, and forward-thinking instruction. Students are not just learning here: They are discovering, creating, and truly thriving. Endless opportunities await thanks to the overarching mission of all teachers: educational excellence for every single student at Lake Oconee Academy.