Families researching Lake Highland Prep are usually comparing several private schools at once, and this is written for that stage of the search. Pluris Academy is an accredited K-12 college preparatory school in southwest Orlando built around entrepreneurship, project-based learning, and small classes. Below is an honest look at what Lake Highland does well, where Pluris offers something different, and how to compare both schools with clear eyes before you decide.
What Lake Highland Prep Does Well
Lake Highland Preparatory School is one of Orlando's most recognized private school names, serving students from PreK through 12th grade. Families who consider it are often drawn by its established reputation and the breadth of its programs. Strengths that families commonly weigh include:
- A deep alumni network and a strong college placement record
- Broad athletic programs and extracurricular offerings
- A college prep focus that includes AP programs
- High name recognition and strong word-of-mouth in the community
For many students, that environment is an excellent fit. The more useful question for your family is whether those strengths line up with what your child needs most right now.
When a Different Kind of School Is the Better Fit
Some families reach the comparison stage and realize their priorities look different from what a large, traditional college prep school is built to deliver. They may want a smaller setting where teachers know each student well. They may want their child to build, test, and present real solutions alongside core academics.
Other families need scheduling flexibility, and some specifically want a secular environment. These families are often a strong match for an innovative school. Pluris may be the right alternative to Lake Highland Prep in Orlando if several of these describe your family:
- Your child learns best by doing, creating, and discussing ideas with peers
- You want entrepreneurship and business thinking woven into your child's education
- You value personalized attention and a lower student-to-teacher ratio
- You want college credit options available during high school
- You prefer a school with no religious requirements or religious curriculum
How Pluris Academy Offers a Different Path
Pluris was founded to offer "garages" where students become effective problem solvers. That purpose shapes every grade level, from kindergarten through graduation, and it is the clearest point of contrast for families comparing an innovative school vs Lake Highland in Orlando.
The Garage Learning Method
Pluris organizes learning into three primary garages. Students ages 5 to 10 focus on creativity, students ages 10 to 13 develop entrepreneurial skills, and students from age 13 through the end of high school focus on careers, startup creation, and technology as a developmental tool. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding student-centered learning and asking questions that spark curiosity. Explore the model on Our Garage page.
An Entrepreneurship Pathway
Entrepreneurship and real-world skill building sit at the center of the Pluris mission. Upper School students can join the Entrepreneurial Program, which uses a curriculum designed to build a strong foundation in international business, business management, and analysis. These courses prepare students to launch their own startup or transition into the global economy with greater confidence. Read more about our entrepreneurship pathway.
Smaller Classes and Personal Attention
Pluris offers a personalized environment with a lower student-to-teacher ratio. Middle school classes are small and discussion-based, and high school courses are taught in small, seminar-style classes. Paired with 1:1 devices, this setting means each student is known by name and technology serves as a learning tool.
Dual Enrollment With UCF
Pluris Academy and the University of Central Florida have partnered on a Dual Enrollment Program for qualifying high school students. Students can take courses during school hours, after school, through distance education, or during the summer term. Credits can apply toward a vocational certificate, an associate degree, or a baccalaureate degree.
Online and Hybrid Flexibility
Online and hybrid options give Pluris families a level of flexibility that a traditional campus-only model does not offer. The Online High School Program features self-paced, teacher-supported courses, and students receive help and personal guidance throughout. This flexibility can serve international students, athletes, and working teens.
A Secular, Inclusive Environment
Pluris Academy is not a religious school. Families from any background, or no religious background, are fully welcome, and the school's values center on people, entrepreneurship, innovation, excellence, creativity, and truth.
Academics at Every Stage
As a Lake Highland Prep alternative K-12 families can grow with, Pluris builds a continuous experience from the early grades through graduation. Each division has its own focus:
- Elementary School (Grades K-5): Lessons use visuals, audio, hands-on and kinesthetic activities, group projects, games, art, and presentations. Small classes allow for intervention or added challenge based on each student's reading and math level, and electives include art, PE, and music.
- Middle School (Grades 6-8): The curriculum combines math, English, science, social studies, and foreign language with fine arts, technology, and physical education. Formal modern language instruction begins at this stage.
- High School (Grades 9-12): The rigorous college preparatory program includes honors courses in each discipline, electives, a computer science requirement, and community service.
You can review each division in detail on the elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum pages.
Comparing Value and Tuition
Families comparing value often find Pluris tuition more accessible. Pluris also accepts most scholarships, especially Step Up, which can make a meaningful difference in your planning. Download the current rate schedule on our tuition and fees page, then reach out to discuss the options available for your student.
Questions to Ask on Every School Tour
Touring more than one school is the best way to see differences firsthand. Bring the same questions to each visit so you can compare answers side by side:
- How many students are in a typical class at my child's grade level?
- How does the school teach problem-solving and real-world skills?
- What college credit options are available during high school?
- How does the school support students who need extra help or extra challenge?
- What flexibility is available for families with nontraditional schedules?
- How is technology used in daily learning?
Schedule a Tour and See the Difference
A visit shows you how the garage model works in practice. Enrollment at Pluris follows a clear sequence:
- Request an appointment with an admissions advisor through the How to Apply page.
- Tour the campus, including a meeting between the applicant and school administration.
- Complete all required documents and forms.
- Complete payment of the registration fee and first tuition payment, as applicable.
Registration can be completed in person or virtually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Pluris Academy different from Lake Highland Prep?
Pluris centers its program on the Garage learning method, an entrepreneurship pathway, small classes, and online and hybrid options. Families seeking innovation and personalized attention often find Pluris a strong fit.
Is Pluris Academy a K-12 school?
Yes. Pluris Academy is an accredited Kindergarten through 12th grade college preparatory school.
Does Pluris offer dual enrollment?
Yes. Pluris partners with the University of Central Florida on a Dual Enrollment Program for qualifying high school students.
Is Pluris Academy a religious school?
No. Pluris is a secular, inclusive school that welcomes families from every background.
Does Pluris accept scholarships?
Yes. Pluris accepts most scholarships, especially Step Up.
Where is Pluris Academy located?
Pluris Academy is located at 11520 S Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL 32836.
See Both Schools Before You Decide
Lake Highland Prep has earned its reputation, and many families will be well served there. If your child would thrive in a smaller, innovation-driven environment that blends college preparation with entrepreneurship, Pluris deserves a place on your tour list. Schedule a tour or contact us to talk with an admissions advisor and see the difference firsthand.