For those who truly value education... Students work cooperatively across grade levels on a history lesson. Lakeland School was started in 1987 by its three founding directors, Pearl A. Sandy, Sharon M. Durkis, and Karen L. Tardif.  All three had worked in public schools and had seen problems in young children which they felt could have been prevented.  They decided to create an innovative school with small class sizes so that they could provide individual attention for each child.  "When I started teaching umpteen years ago, the first thing I said was, give me 10 kids and you won't need remedial anything, because you have enough time and expertise to give each youngster what he or she needs individually," current co-director Pearl Sandy was quoted as saying in August of 1987. "Lakeland is committed to helping youngsters acquire fundamental academic skills in a small group with individualized programs; encouraging self-esteem by providing successful school experiences to each child; developing peer relationships through positive social interactions with other children and adults," added co-director Karen Tardif. While the third founder, Sharon Durkis, has since retired, Lakeland School continues to thrive 21 years later.  One hundred percent of Lakeland attendees consistently attend the high school of their choice--often one of the esteemed private schools in the area, such as :   Philips Andover Academy        Bishop Brady High School            Philips Exeter Academy          Brewster Academy                    New Hampton School              Proctor Academy                     Holderness School                  Waterville Valley Academy  Tilton School                          Northfield Mount Hermon School Local public high schools are often selected by students as well. When high-school students return to visit, they repeatedly remark that their transition to freshman year of high school was seamless, thanks to the solid study habits and academic skills they acquired at Lakeland School. A lively and dedicated group of parents, teachers and students continues to contribute to maintaining the high academic standards set out by the founders as well as creating an environment where learning how to learn can be exciting and fun.