Students begin high school early with Lakewood Ranch Prep Soar program

With some seventh grade students showing maturity and academic achievement that was much higher than their peers, the Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy wanted to give them the opportunity to “spread their wings and soar.” 

The Soar Academy program allows students to skip eighth grade and go directly into ninth. But they aren't graduating a year early from high school unless they apply for that option. Essentially, they will be in high school for five years, which gives them the opportunity to earn more college credits and to participate in more advanced high school classes.

In order to join the program, students must have a 4 or 5 in the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking and have "As" in all of their classes.

Principal Cheryl Cendan said graduating early is frowned upon in Florida, so the program gives students the opportunity to amass up to 60 college credits in their high school careers. 

“They’re all very well-rounded students,” said Cendan. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

This just-completed school year was the first year the program was implemented, and Cendan described it as a “tremendous success.” She said the 34 students who were part of the program proved their capability to succeed in more difficult classes. She said many of those students scored better than some of the "normal-aged" ninth graders. 

“They did phenomenal," Cendan said. "They had almost straight As every quarter. They were movers and shakers.”

“These students will benefit from taking more college-level courses and then they will also be part of the LECOM program (which gives them provisional early acceptance) if they’re interested in the medical, dental or pharmaceutical field,” Cendan said. 

Sonia Singh, 14, said taking the ninth-grade classes wasn't difficult for her, and she hopes to become a dermatologist, pediatrician or another position in the medical field. She plans to take advantage of the LECOM program. 

Singh said moving to ninth grade early will further her career and allow her to take courses now that will fuel her interests. She wants to learn another language, perhaps Chinese. She said the move to ninth grade also has given her an early opportunity to participate in extracurriculars offered in high school. 

Singh is National Junior Honor Society vice president and part of Health Occupations Students of America. 

Madison Aviles, 13, also went through the program this year and appreciates the benefits. She is also part of National Junior Honor Society and is determined to become a zoologist. 

Aviles said there have been moments where she felt the high schoolers were being judgmental, because she was younger than the other ninth graders. She said the Soar students are grouped together and it didn’t always allow easy opportunities to make friends outside that group.

“We're not bothering you or anything. We're just trying to get a good education,” Aviles said.

Photo by Madison Bierl

Jade Cheng, 14, is another Soar participant. She hopes to become either a real estate agent or a chef. She is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

“Be yourself and remember to focus on academics and not try to fit in,” Cheng said of her participation in the program. “Don't try to change yourself and try hard in school. Try to make new friends, too.”

Jacob Lopez, 14, also went through the program and is interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. His mother Lay Lay Lopez said she has seen significant personal growth in her son. 

"He has become more responsible and more mature in his behavior, and he especially enjoys engaging with high school students through the program," Lopez said. "Jacob mentioned that the program continuously challenges him academically, which has been a motivating and enriching experience."

Thirty-four students participated in the SOAR program this year and 34 students also will participate this coming academic year.

“They’re more mature than their eighth grade peers, both academically and socially, so there’s no reason for them to be held back,” Cendan said. 

Kylah Scheetz, 13, has been accepted into the program for the 2025-2026 school year. She is excited to advance academically and dreams of becoming a lawyer that deals with civil cases. 

Scheetz is currently middle school president and National Junior Honor Society secretary along with being involved in the Lakewood Ranch Swim Association outside of school.

“A pro (of the program) will probably be not having to deal with the more immature students that are currently in my grade,” Scheetz said. “The con will be leaving behind some of my current friends who are not doing the program.”

Kylie West, 13, will be part of the program next school year as well.

She plays volleyball, flag football and basketball. She wants to get ahead in science classes specifically because she wants to become a veterinarian. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing my report card at the end, knowing that my hard work paid off when I keep the GPA that I currently have,” West said.

West said she will miss her friends and certain eighth grade activities, but is excited for the opportunity. 

Eddy Thomas, 13, is excited and confident in himself to handle the challenges that taking high school classes early will bring for him next school year. He plays baseball, golf and football and he hopes to pursue a career in sports management, helping players who get injured. 

Although he is excited for the opportunity, he is slightly intimidated by the idea of older students with heights around 6 foot, as he stands at 5-foot-4. 

“Sometimes when I'm down, I’ve got to notice that I know I'm smart,” Thomas said. “I have to realize I’m in this program for a reason.”