Our Vision: At Somerset Oaks Academy we are committed to providing a safe environment where future leaders are inspired to learn, explore and create through student centered learning, while developing the whole child. 

Our Mission: We will devote our time to creating future leaders, building relationships,

achieving academic growth, creating strength through experience, nurturing them, and

striving in our community in education. 

Our Core Values: As we continue on our path to improvement, we will continue to plan and sustain the core tenants of our STEM program year after year.  This comprehensive approach to STEM education at Somerset Oaks Academy represents the core tenets of an effective, sustainable, and age-appropriate STEM curriculum.  

That includes: 

• Integration of problem-based learning, inquiry-based assignments, thematic units across all grade levels per big idea/unit.  

• Teachers plan for students to work with others across grade levels through the STEM 

• STEM activities. 

• Creating Leadership/STEM Portfolios that will begin in kindergarten through 8th grade.  This portfolio would show progress through the years and can show where the students’ progress began and where it is now.   

• STEM days will be implemented during school hours to provide students with self-directed learning opportunities.   

• STEM Support and assistance will be available to both teachers and students.  

• Provide teachers with more “In House” STEM professional development opportunities.   

• Continue and expand participation in STEM competitions such as TV Production, Journalism, Business/Marketing, Adobe Photoshop, Youth Fair, and Robotics. 

• Continue enhancing and expanding our after-school programs by extending regular courses into after-school opportunities, including TV Production, Robotics, Journalism, and Business/Marketing, providing students with valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom. 

Our Beliefs: Somerset Oaks Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment that inspires future leaders through student-centered learning. Our mission emphasizes high academic achievement, fostering responsible, self-directed learners, and offering equitable, high-quality education for all. As part of our educational philosophy, we intentionally incorporate STEM-based learning strategies throughout the curriculum, ensuring that students engage in real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on innovation. 

As a Leader In Me Lighthouse School, we integrate the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into our curriculum, empowering students with the skills necessary for goal setting, teamwork, and effective communication. These habits align with our beliefs in leadership, personal responsibility, and continuous growth, helping students develop essential life skills that prepare them for success in the 21st century: 

• Habit 1: Be Proactive – Students take responsibility for their learning, making self-directed decisions and understanding that they are in control of their actions and outcomes. 

• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – We encourage students to set academic and personal goals, aligning with our mission to help them reach their fullest potential. 

• Habit 3: Put First Things First – Time management and prioritization are key as students learn to balance responsibilities, extracurriculars, and personal growth. 

• Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Collaboration is at the heart of our learning community, ensuring that students work together to problem-solve, innovate, and create solutions that benefit all. 

• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – We emphasize effective communication and active listening, teaching students to understand different perspectives before sharing their own. 

• Habit 6: Synergize – Through group projects, STEM challenges, and leadership activities, students learn to leverage diverse strengths to achieve greater success together. 

• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Somerset Oaks fosters a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging students to develop holistically by focusing on their academic, emotional, social, and physical well-being. 

Our Commitment to STEM Excellence: Somerset Oaks Academy strongly focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). STEM is the driving force of our curriculum, with its principles integrated across all grade levels and subjects. Through inquiry-based learning, our students develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Over the years, our STEM students have thrived in various competitions and projects, demonstrating their ability to tackle complex problems with creativity and resilience. 

Professional Learning to Advance STEM Education plays a key role in maintaining, advancing, and expanding our STEM programs. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures that our educators stay at the forefront of instructional excellence, ultimately enhancing student success. Through structured grade-level meetings, professional development sessions, data chats, and training provided by the Doral Leadership Institute (DLI) to help extend their careers in education, our teachers are equipped with the tools needed to foster dynamic, engaging STEM experiences. Additionally, competition conventions such as Student Television Network (STN), Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), and Leader In Me also offer valuable professional development opportunities, further enriching our educators' expertise and instructional strategies. 

Our focus and dedication allow us to: 

• Enhance Instructional Practices – Teachers gain access to innovative strategies and tools that make STEM learning more hands-on and inquiry-based. 

• Stay Current in STEM Fields – Professional development ensures educators remain updated with the latest advancements and trends in STEM industries. 

• Foster Collaboration – Teachers actively participate in professional learning communities (PLC) to exchange ideas, share resources, and build a supportive network that strengthens STEM instruction. 

• Support Student Success – By refining their skills, educators create an environment that inspires students to excel in STEM disciplines. 

Our middle school program has evolved into a Business Technology Program, preparing students for the modern world by exploring business, technology, and entrepreneurship through real-world applications and hands-on learning. By combining STEM education, leadership principles, and career readiness, Somerset Oaks Academy ensures that students develop critical thinking skills, personal responsibility, and the confidence to lead in any field they choose. Our commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and student empowerment prepares every learner for success in the 21st century, equipping them with the tools to thrive in school, careers, and life.