From elementary school through college, residents and their families are assured that top quality learning opportunities will be available at home and nearby.

Three of the county's best public schools are within walking distance of the master-planned community. A special thoroughfare meanders through tall pines to provide convenient access to Braden River Elementary and Braden River Middle Schools. Lakewood Ranch High School opened in 1998 as the first high school to be built as such in Manatee County. This state-of-the-art facility has become a landmark school for others to follow.

The Out-of-Door Academy, a prestigious private school since 1924, opened its upper school campus at Lakewood Ranch in 1997, which includes middle and high school classes.

As Lakewood Ranch grows, so do its educational opportunities. Land has already been set aside for future public schools as needed. Manatee Community College offers continuing education classes. Keiser College opened its LWR campus in 2001. It offers degree programs, certifications & continuing education. Additionally Manatee Technical Institute has opened an East County facility adjacent to Lakewood Ranch High School. Also University of South Florida and New College are just a short drive away.

Braden River Elementary School...

Directly adjacent to Lakewood Ranch and connected via sidewalks to Summerfield Village, Braden River Elementary is one of the highest academically rated elementary schools in the two-county area. The campus, shared with Braden River Middle, is a focal point for the Lakewood Ranch region and enjoys tremendous support from parents and business partners. The school has been fully equipped with the latest technology, and computers are a primary tool used in the classroom. The mission of Braden River Elementary is "to encourage all children to become lifelong learners and productive citizens through educational, technological and critical thinking challenges."

McNeal Elementary School...

Located in the peaceful Lakewood Ranch Village of Greenbrook, Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary is the community's newest elementary school. Opened in August 2003, it has already become one of the area's top-rated schools, with student scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test giving the school an "A" rating. McNeal Elementary features the latest technology in its computer labs, as well as before and after school daycare facilities and a variety of clubs and school programs. A new county park is located behind the school, giving students an additional place to play sports and enjoy the outdoors after school. Sidewalks provide convenient, safe access to McNeal Elementary School from the neighborhoods of Greenbrook.

Braden River Middle School...

Directly adjacent to Lakewood Ranch and connected via sidewalks to Summerfield Village, Braden River Middle is one of the highest academically rated middle schools in the two-county area. Braden River Middle aims to "enhance the uniqueness" of each pupil as they move from elementary through high school. Math and language have been targeted as areas for improvement in the curriculum. It also seeks to increase the communication efforts within the school and with the community. The school offers parenting skills classes and focuses on safety awareness issues on the campus located next to Braden River Elementary School.

Nolan Middle School...

Located directly next to McNeal Elementary in the beautiful Village of Greenbrook, R. Dan Nolan Middle School opened for the fall semester of 2004 and is sure to continue the Lakewood Ranch tradition of excellence in learning. The school offers honors classes, a variety of student clubs and activities, and interscholastic sports. The building also offers the latest in technology in its computer labs. Located conveniently next to McNeal Elementary with convenient access to the neighborhoods of Greenbrook, the school is also within walking distance of a new county park, complete with ball fields and picnic pavilions. Nolan Middle School provides students with a powerful learning environment and will fast become one of the area's top schools.

Lakewood Ranch High School...

Located directly next to McNeal Elementary in the beautiful Village of Greenbrook, R. Dan Nolan Middle School opened for the fall semester of 2004 and is sure to continue the Lakewood Ranch tradition of excellence in learning. The school offers honors classes, a variety of student clubs and activities, and interscholastic sports. The building also offers the latest in technology in its computer labs. Located conveniently next to McNeal Elementary with convenient access to the neighborhoods of Greenbrook, the school is also within walking distance of a new county park, complete with ball fields and picnic pavilions. Nolan Middle School provides students with a powerful learning environment and will fast become one of the area's top schools.

Out-of-Door Academy...

On University Parkway across from The Country Club, The Out-of-Door Academy Upper School provides a college preparatory curriculum, with a full range of academic courses, including honors and advanced placement classes. Students experience a rich and varied curriculum which is geared to help them acquire the academic and intellectual skills needed for college, as well as confidence and maturity. Small classes and dedicated teachers help to ensure the success of each student. In addition to their classes, Middle and High School students round out their education with a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, drama, musical groups, clubs, and student publications. The school has consistently been voted "Best Private School" in local newspaper reader awards.

Manatee Community College...

Located near University Parkway and I-75, Manatee Community College's new Center for Innovation and Technology.  Credit courses and noncredit workforce training featuring: advanced software application training, 156-seat auditorium, 15 meeting rooms of various sizes, videoconferencing capability and more. The auditorium also hosts many community events.