Lakewood Ranch Real Estate

As the 2nd oldest private school in the state of Florida, Out-of-Door Academy, known to locals ODA, was established in 1924 on Siesta Key. Two women, Miss Fanneal Harrison and Miss Catherine Gavin, had seen a world of suffering following World War I. Fanneal had organized and directed health camps for undernourished children in France and later directed the Czechoslovakia Junior Red Cross. Catherine had also served two years doing reconstruction work in France and Belgium. While in Europe, the two women discovered the progressive teaching methods of Dr. Ovide Decroly, a style that emphasized the child’s natural curiosity as a starting point for learning.  

That philosophy continues today, fueling the energy and ambition of this highly regarded

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