A Solid Foundation for Future Leaders

The Lakota School District is at the center of the expanding Interstate 75 corridor between Dayton and Cincinnati. In fact, its strong reputation for a high-quality education is one of the reasons for the growth. An excellent public school district is a community asset.

The district, led by superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, encompasses all of Liberty and West Chester townships, and has just fewer than 17,000 students spread through 22 buildings. It’s large enough to offer students a wide variety of programs and opportunities, while ensuring teachers and other staff have the time and opportunity to get to know their students and families well.

A multitude of partnerships with surrounding businesses and organizations help enhance the student experience. Voters also supported a levy that funded a multi-year technology upgrade and a modernized curriculum, so that students can succeed in a quickly changing world. 

At Lakota, students are the focus. They are offered opportunities to discover their talents and passions in order to learn and achieve at the highest level.

Lakota offers nearly 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the option for College Credit Plus, both allowing students to qualify for college credit and to be fully prepared for the rigor of highly selective colleges and universities. It also meets the needs of students who perform at high levels of accomplishment, with a strong gifted education program. It includes an advanced curriculum and the use of differentiated instructional strategies. 

Students receive a well-rounded education, encompassing traditional disciplines and fine arts. That includes Lakota’s expansion of the traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses to STEAM² – Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts/Design, Mathematics and Medical. The intent is to encourage students to be innovators and creative problem solvers, to better prepare them for their future and high-demand fields. Global competitiveness requires that students are better prepared in all of these areas.

A unique opportunity for career preparation is a robust high school internship program that continues to grow. Year round, including during the summer, Lakota students head out into the community to work at hospitals, businesses, non profit organizations and government offices. 

Partnerships with companies like UC Health West Chester Hospital, Procter & Gamble, Kinetic Vision and the ABC Pediatric Therapy Network make it a program that meets a variety of student interests. Each internship offers students a chance to explore the job market and sharpen their skills. 

The strength of Lakota’s extracurricular offerings complements its high-caliber academics. Lakota’s award-winning arts programs and after-school enrichment opportunities provide many options for students to explore their creative interests. Lakota also boasts 26 highly competitive varsity sports programs. The Lakota West girls’ basketball team won the state championship last year. And for the first time ever, the two high school football teams met in the postseason as both advanced to the top 16 in the state. 

Lakota believes in the guiding principles of integrity, respect, open communication, accountability and continuous improvement. Lakota’s staff strives to instill those same values in their students, too.  

For more information about Lakota Local Schools call 513.874.5505 or visit www.lakotaonline.com.