“Our crowning achievement is the quality of our graduates—we’re not just developing scholars, we’re developing well-rounded young men and women.” Charles Rex, Founding Trustee
Charles Rex
of instilling Christian values, promoting democracy and
Mr. James Higginbotham, the former Superintendent of
free enterprise, preparing students for college, and
Orange County Public Schools, to the position. Under
producing future leaders who are successful, confident,
his leadership, Lake Highland’s academic success grew,
and compassionate citizens.
and the campus expanded. Only three years after its founding, Lake Highland received accreditation from the
After guiding Lake Highland through its inaugural year,
Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern
Mr. O’Hara returned to Europe. His replacement, Mr.
Association of Colleges and Schools. Lake Highland
Lowell Keene, continued the work of building the faculty
was the only private preparatory school in Central Florida
and establishing the curriculum, but he, too, left after
accredited by both associations.
one year’s service. The board then created the position of school president, and on May 10, 1972, named
Our History—11