Welcome

Welcome to Learning Gate Community School

Where Nature Is Our Best Teacher

Nestled in the heart of Lutz, Florida, Learning Gate Community School is a tuition-free, A-rated public environmental charter school that has inspired students to embrace both nature and learning since 1983. Originally founded as “a school where kids get dirty,” Learning Gate has grown into a leader in environmental education while remaining dedicated to academic excellence.

In 2000, Learning Gate became Florida’s first environmentally focused charter school, and in 2025, the school proudly secured its second 15-year charter renewal with Hillsborough County Public Schools—paving the way for a continued legacy of eco-conscious education.

Today, Learning Gate serves 800 students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade across two vibrant campuses:

Hanna Road Campus (Grades K–6): Set on 27 acres of natural Florida landscape, featuring scenic trails, a student-run organic garden, and award-winning green classrooms.

Lutz Lake Fern Campus (Grades 7–8): Designed to support the transition to high school with a focus on leadership, innovation, and academic readiness.

At Learning Gate, our motto—“Nature is our Best Teacher”—guides everything we do. Using the Environment as an Integrating Context (EIC) model, we empower students to use the natural world as a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. Our curriculum weaves environmental stewardship into every subject, helping students build meaningful connections with their community and the world around them.

Vision and Mission

Vision: To be a leader in education and environmental stewardship in Tampa Bay, contributing to a sustainable world.

Mission: To cultivate students through academic excellence, critical thinking, and environmental responsibility—focusing on student success, outdoor education, and community service.

A Tradition of Excellence

Our commitment to innovation and sustainability has earned Learning Gate numerous accolades, including:

2008: Featured in Southern Living Magazine for pioneering “Open Air Classrooms.”

2010: Achieved LEED for Schools Platinum Certification—the first public school in the nation to do so—supported by a $250,000 Lowe’s Charitable Foundation grant.

2012: Earned Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accreditation and recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

2016: EcoFest named the Best Green Event in the Nation by the U.S. Green Building Council.

2024: Earned Cognia accreditation for the second time.

2025: Celebrated a 15-year charter renewal through Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Signature Events That Bring Learning Gate to Life

At Learning Gate, education extends far beyond the classroom—it thrives in the community. Our signature events reflect our core values of sustainability, leadership, and connection, offering opportunities for students, families, and community members to learn, grow, and make a difference.

EcoFest – Tampa’s Official Earth Day Celebration
Hosted at our Hanna Road Campus, EcoFest draws more than 5,000 attendees each year. This vibrant event features hands-on exhibits, eco-friendly vendors, live entertainment, and interactive activities that celebrate sustainability and community impact.

BioBlitz – Science Comes Alive
A beloved event where students collaborate with biologists, conservationists, and environmental experts to explore local ecosystems, identify species, and contribute to real-world biodiversity research.

Help the Heron Donation Drive – Giving Back Together
An annual fundraiser that unites families, local partners, and community supporters to strengthen Learning Gate’s mission and create lasting impact.

The Amazing Shake – Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
This high-energy competition challenges students to demonstrate confidence, communication, and professionalism through real-world scenarios—preparing them for success in school, careers, and beyond.

Together, these events showcase what makes Learning Gate unique: a school that not only educates but empowers—and a community that grows stronger through shared experiences.

Where Excellence Meets Purpose

For more than two decades, Learning Gate Community School has consistently earned an “A” rating, proving that academic excellence and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. As a Cognia-accredited school, we deliver a transformative education rooted in real-world relevance, environmental awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Our students don’t just learn about sustainability—they lead it. From early childhood through middle school, they are encouraged to think critically, act compassionately, and become changemakers in their communities.

At Learning Gate Community School, nature isn’t a subject—it’s the foundation of who we are. Come see how we’re cultivating tomorrow’s innovators, problem-solvers, and environmental leaders.

Because here, “Nature is our Best Teacher.”

Testimonials

"Our family has been at Learning Gate since our first-born attended Kindergarten in 2011."

"We still have little ones there. We’ve stayed for the strong community, the love from educators, and the emphasis on caring for the earth and one another. LG nurtures not just individual achievement but teamwork and compassion. Our children left well-prepared for high school and beyond, grounded in the idea that success is best when shared."

Armstrong Family

"Learning Gate community school is truly one of a kind school."

They treat their students like they are family and help foster a love for nature through education that will last a lifetime. As a former student and now parent I have the unique opportunity to experience this again with my own child and reconnect that special bond that only Learning Gate can offer. "

Mariah Gaudin

"Our family has loved being part of Learning Gate for the past eight years".

"From the start, we were drawn to the beautiful campus, nature-based learning, and welcoming staff. Our children have grown academically and personally through engaging lessons, supportive teachers, and unique experiences like bird banding, night hikes, and biome presentations. We're grateful to be part of such a strong, caring community."

Sarah Schlemmer

"You have taught him well and guided him to excel."

Nine years ago, I sat patiently in Heron Hall to attend the kindergarten lottery for our son. It was the type of lottery where student names were picked out of a hat. There were only 34 kindergarten spots available, so the chances were low that Colin would be picked. Amazingly, he was the second to last student picked! Excited as I was, I remembered to take a photograph of the lottery list. We were now a part of the Learning Gate family!

Now, nine years later, my son is moving on to high school. We’ve watched our son mature from a young boy to a teenager, physically grow (taller than me) and excel scholastically. Over the years we’ve seen him become a mathematician, an environmentalist, a historian, a scientist, an artist, a reader, a writer, a gardener, a guitarist, a soccer player, a T-ball player, a martial artist and a competitive swimmer. Like any parent, we are very proud of all his accomplishments.

But now we would like to thank all of YOU for everything you have done for my son in these past nine years. You have taught him well and guided him to excel. So, thank YOU all!

Bill Smith