Lake County schools consider new high school, elementary school for fast-growing Wellness Way area
A master plan up for discussion Monday includes a $214M high school and a $47M elementary school as new neighborhoods expand in South Lake County
Published: July 12, 2026 at 11:48 PM
CLERMONT, Fla. – With new neighborhoods rising across the Wellness Way area, Lake County school leaders will consider a plan Monday that could bring a new high school — and an elementary school — to one of the county’s fastest-growing corridors
District leaders are expected to review a master plan during a 6 p.m. meeting. The proposal includes a new high school projected to cost about $214 million, with the district aiming to acquire land and secure funding by 2028
Clermont resident Megan Tobon, a mother of four who moved to the area three years ago, said the possibility of more schools nearby factored into her family’s decision to relocate
“I’m excited. It’s one of the main reasons we moved here,” Tobon said. “We knew there was a possibility they would build more schools around here.”
Some parents said a new high school is overdue, noting many families currently drive 15 to 20 minutes to get children to school
Tobon said schools serving the area are spread out, including Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Windy Hill Middle and East Ridge High
“Knowing they could all be close to each other, and close to home, is exciting,” she said
Others raised concerns about traffic — especially along Schofield Road, which some residents said is already congested during morning and evening commutes
“On Schofield, if you get caught there around 5:00, you’re going to be backed up for a long time,” Clermont resident Alanis Tatum said
The district said the Wellness Way area is among the fastest-growing parts of South Lake County. A 2025 report cited by the district shows the growth is adding pressure on nearby schools, and leaders say a new high school would help relieve overcrowding as the area continues to expand
Parents like Tobon said reducing class sizes would be a benefit
“That’s something I would appreciate as well, if my kids were not one of 40 students in a classroom,” she said
The master plan also includes adding an elementary school in the same area, estimated at about $47 million
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