The School District of Lee County

Advanced Academics / STEAM

The application period for the Middle School Center for the Arts Program and the High School Advanced Academics and Center for the Arts Program runs from January 20 to February 2, 2026.

Upcoming High school parents can access the High School Special Program Application in the Focus Parent Portal. Parents must complete the Choice Application before applying to the High School Advanced Academic or Center for the Arts Programs.

Upcoming Middle school parents can access the Center for the Arts Program form directly from the middle school they are applying. Parents do not need a Choice Application before applying to the Middle School Arts Program.

Middle and High School Center for the Arts Program will hold auditions. Contact the school to determine audition dates and times.

Parents will recieve acceptance and/or denial information in the Focus Parent Portal on Feburary 19, 2026. Parents will need to accept or decline by February 24, 2026.

Please visit the school's website in which the student would like to apply for more information.

Our Advanced Academics / STEAM initiatives are designed to spark curiosity, challenge thinking, and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences, students engage deeply with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics—building both knowledge and confidence. These programs go beyond traditional academics, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether exploring complex concepts or tackling real-world challenges, students are empowered to lead their learning and reach their full potential.

Ancient Egypt

Class / Program of the Month
Heights Elementary's Ancient Egypt 

One of the highlights of the semester was our first Gifted Showcase, which culminated our major study of Ancient Egypt completed by our gifted students. During the showcase, students proudly led their parents through the exhibits, confidently explaining their work and taking ownership of their learning.

Most notably, students presented their Ancient Egyptian research reports, which showcased not only strong research and writing skills, but also critical thinking, historical analysis, and presentation abilities. 

We are incredibly proud of our gifted students for their hard work and dedication, and we are grateful to our families for their continued support and encouragement.

In the News

Students around Teacher learning

Elementary School
Advanced Academics / STEAM

Unlock your child’s creativity and curiosity with our dynamic Elementary STEAM programs! Designed to inspire young minds, our hands-on approach integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. From building robots to painting with purpose, students explore real-world concepts in exciting and meaningful ways, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and innovation.

Students around Teacher learning

Middle School
Advanced Academics / STEAM

Empower your middle schooler with the skills of tomorrow through our engaging STEAM programs! Blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, students dive into exciting, project-based learning that sparks innovation and builds confidence. Whether they’re coding games, designing prototypes, or exploring digital media, our STEAM curriculum encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

Students around Teacher learning

High School
Advanced Academics / STEAM

Prepare for college, careers, and beyond with our high school STEAM and Advanced Programs! Through a rigorous curriculum that includes AP, honors, dual enrollment, and cutting-edge STEAM courses, students challenge themselves academically while developing real-world skills in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. With opportunities for hands-on projects, research, and innovation, our programs ignite passion, foster leadership, and equip students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

For more information about any programs, please contact your child's school counselor.