The Lakeland School District opened its doors for the first time in 1952 after the Shrub Oak, Toddville, and Cortlandville school districts merged, serving more than a thousand children in small neighborhood schools. Since then, Lakeland’s population has risen to a high of more than 8,000. The student population is expected to be approximately 6,200 in 2007-2008. The five elementary schools in the Lakeland school district educate students in grades K-5, the Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School educates students in grades 6-8, and students in grades 9 through 12 attend either Lakeland High School, Walter Panas High School, or the Lakeland Alternative High School. The Lakeland Central School District is taking on the challenge of preparing its students for world that continuously changing and evolving, and provides the opportunity for all students to learn and succeed. The school district’s goal is to encourage, promote, and develop life-long learning and educational excellence in a safe, secure, student-centered environment. The teaching practices and policies are shaped by mutual respect, open and honest communication, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility.