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OCPS Stellar Awards – Celebrating Excellence

On Friday, January 30, the Orange County Public Schools community will gather at the Rosen Shingle Creek for the annual Stellar Awards, an event dedicated to honoring outstanding staff who exemplify the highest standards in supporting all of our students. This year, more than 500 stellar educators and school & district support staff will be celebrated for their dedication and impact, including 19 exceptional finalists who stood out among their peers.

Click here to learn more about the honorees and finalists.
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Magnet Application Window Now Open!

OCPS magnet programs reflect the diversity of the district and are designated to attract students from across the district. The Magnet Application window will be open from October 13 and close on December 19.

Click here to learn more!
Image features the text 'Scholastic Academies' with a dark blue header.

Scholastic Academies Application Window Now Open!

Scholastic Academies are specialized educational pathways within Orange County Public Schools that offer students unique learning experiences focused on specific themes such as STEM, the arts, business, tourism, marine science, esports, and more. The Scholastic Academy Application is open from October 13 through December 19.

Click here to learn more!
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What is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a variety of tools that allow the district, school administrators and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.

Click here to learn more!
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School Spirit Run

The 5th Annual School Spirit Run is officially set for Saturday, February 7, 2026. We can’t wait to see our community come together in full stride!

Register Today!
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Parents, now is the time!

At OCPS, we believe that every student deserves a thriving future, and it all starts with the right educational foundation. Click below to enroll your child and become part of a community that’s united in purpose and passionate about student success.

Enroll Now!
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Need to Locate Resources? You can search for free or reduced cost programs such as food, housing, mental health, education programs, and other social services provided directly by Community Based Organizations.

Click here to learn more!
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Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding.

Click here for helpful resources!
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OCPS Parent Portal Concerns?

If you are experiencing issues with an OCPS Parent Portal Application (i.e. Skyward Family Access, Canvas Parent) please click below for support.

Parent Portal Concerns Form

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Latest News

Stay up to date on the latest news, events and more with the ParentSquare app!

Upcoming Events

View the full calendar to see all events happening in the next few weeks and months!

Nov
27
Thanksgiving Break
All Day
Nov
28
Thanksgiving Break
All Day
Dec
04
Multilingual Storytelling Night | POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Dec
10
Global Family Welcome Center | Estilos de Aprendizaje / Styles of Learning
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dec
19
End of Second Marking Period
All Day
Dec
22
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
23
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
24
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
25
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
26
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
27
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
28
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
29
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
30
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
31
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
01
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
02
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
05
Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
All Day
Jan
06
Begin Third Marking Period/Begin Second Semester
All Day
Jan
19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed)
All Day
Jan
20
Virtual Mini-Academy | Working with Your Child's Behavior
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Feb
16
Presidents' Day/Teacher Non-Work Day (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
12
End of Third Grading Period
All Day
Mar
13
Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
All Day
Mar
16
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
17
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
18
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
19
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
20
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
23
Begin Fourth Marking Period
All Day
Apr
24
Teacher Professional Day/Student Holiday/Teacher Non-Workday
All Day
May
25
Memorial Day Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed)
All Day
May
27
Last Day of School/ End of Fourth Marking Period
All Day
May
28
Post Planning
All Day
May
29
Post Planning
All Day
View Full Calendar
Nov
27
Thanksgiving Break
All Day
Nov
28
Thanksgiving Break
All Day
Dec
04
Multilingual Storytelling Night | POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Dec
10
Global Family Welcome Center | Estilos de Aprendizaje / Styles of Learning
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dec
19
End of Second Marking Period
All Day
Dec
22
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
23
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
24
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
25
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
26
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
27
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
28
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
29
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
30
Winter Break
All Day
Dec
31
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
01
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
02
Winter Break
All Day
Jan
05
Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
All Day
Jan
06
Begin Third Marking Period/Begin Second Semester
All Day
Jan
19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed)
All Day
Jan
20
Virtual Mini-Academy | Working with Your Child's Behavior
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Feb
16
Presidents' Day/Teacher Non-Work Day (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
12
End of Third Grading Period
All Day
Mar
13
Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
All Day
Mar
16
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
17
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
18
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
19
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
20
Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open)
All Day
Mar
23
Begin Fourth Marking Period
All Day
Apr
24
Teacher Professional Day/Student Holiday/Teacher Non-Workday
All Day
May
25
Memorial Day Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed)
All Day
May
27
Last Day of School/ End of Fourth Marking Period
All Day
May
28
Post Planning
All Day
May
29
Post Planning
All Day
View Full Calendar

School Profile

The exterior of Prairie Lake Elementary School on a sunny day.

Vision: We are a united and engaged student centered community that works collaboratively to ensure the learning and growth of all students. 

Mission: Our PLE mission is to cultivate a community where all learners grow and learn in a safe environment.

Address: 8723 Hackney Prairie Road, Orlando, FL 32818

Phone: (407) 884-2220

Principal: Sean Downing

Mascot: Panthers

Colors: Purple and Gold

School Hours:  7:30 a.m. –  4:00 p.m.

Grades: Kindergarten – 5th

Principal’s Message
A man with a beard smiles, wearing a suit and tie.

Welcome, Prairie Lake Elementary families, to the 2025-2026 school year! As your proud principal for my third year in OCPS, I'm Sean Downing, and I couldn't be more excited to embark on another journey of learning and growth with all of you.

This past year, our students truly shined, and I'm thrilled to celebrate our student achievement which improved across the board. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated students, teachers, and your unwavering support. We're committed to building on this success and ensuring every child continues to thrive academically.

We also believe that a strong school community is built on collaboration. This year, you'll find increased opportunities for parent involvement, from volunteer programs to new parent workshops. Your partnership is invaluable, and we encourage you to be an active part of our school family.

Beyond academics, we're proud to offer a wide array of clubs designed to ignite passions and explore new interests. From STEM, to edible crafts, to creative arts, there's something for every student. And speaking of arts, we're especially excited about our vibrant music program, led by the incredibly talented Mayra Velez Rivera. Get ready for some unforgettable performances!

At Prairie Lake Elementary, our mission is to cultivate a community where all learners grow and learn in a safe environment. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing space where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

We can't wait to see all of you and kick off a fantastic school year!

Best Regards, 


Sean Downing, Principal