Heather Reneau
After homeschooling my kids cumulatively for five years in the Orlando area, I’ve compiled a list of local resources that provide homeschool classes, programs and support for families looking to enrich their at-home education.
Secular Homeschool Programs in Orlando
4-H Youth Programs
Kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Each 4-H group is unique with a different focus and some are geared specifically to homeschoolers.
florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu
Ad Astra ALC
A self-directed learning center in Chuluota, Florida. Ad Astra operates as a homeschool enrichment center, not as a private school or umbrella school. Ad Astra Agile Learning Center (ALC) was created by a group of homeschooling families, focused on building a community to provide a safe and engaging space for learners to practice self-directed education.
Location: Chulutoa
https://www.adastraalc.com/home
Aspire STEAM Studio
Aspire provides STEAM enrichment classes for homeschoolers on Tuesdays and Thursdays that engage kids through fun, educational and interactive experiences based in science, tech, engineering, the arts, bath and life skills. Additionally, Aspire provides cooking classes and parties, Paint & Bake events for kids and adults, Mommy & Me classes, in-house STEAM field trips and pop-up events.
Casselberry, 386-400-3044
https://aspiresteamstudio.com
Astro Skate
Enjoy Homeschool Skate on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month for only $6.
https://astroskatingcenter.com/orlando-florida
All Kids Spanish
A fun Spanish immersion program for children. Many homeschooling families partake in their virtual and in-person clubs and one-on-one lessons.
Orlando, 321-460-2844
allkidspanish.com
The Art Room’s Homeschool Workshops
Kids ages 6 and up will learn about a featured artist and their works cultural significance while creating your own piece in the same style and medium. Learn art history while painting during monthly Homeschool Workshops! $50 supplies included.
Windermere, 407-909-1869
https://artroomorlando.com/workshops.htm
Backyard Classroom
Mrs. Singer leads these hands-on Biology classes for elementary and high school students in her back yard. She’s also a master certified gardener who helps kids learn about and grow plant life.
https://backyardclassroom.com
Big Dreams Bloom
Elementary school students meet once a week in a virtual setting to explore influential women through popular children’s literature, book club-style discussions and maker-style STEM projects. This program was invented by a local teacher who sends supplies in an adorable kit right to your home!
bigdreamsbloom.com
Central Florida Zoo Homeschool ZOOventures
Monthly virtual and in-person classes for children ages 5–13 starting in September and concluding in May. Each class comes to life with a natural science lesson, activity and up-close animal encounters.
Sanford, 407-323-4450
centralfloridazoo.org
Cheyne Ranch Homeschool Nature Club
Weekly Nature Club focus on caring for and learning about the health and behavior of horses, goats and bunnies in a small group setting.
Oviedo, 407-680-3348
cheyneranch.com/nature-clubs
Code Ninjas
Kids learn to code in a fun, safe and inspiring learning environment, with a game-based curriculum that kids love.
Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary & Waterford Lakes
codeninjas.com/fl-orlando-waterford-lakes
Crealdé School of Art
This highly respected art program provides a wide variety of art classes for all ages. Try out their Clay for Homeschool classes on Tuesday morning in Winter Garden or Cartooning & Toy Design class on Saturdays in Winter Park.
crealde.org
Creative Jane Art Studio Homeschool Art Explorations
Creative Jane offers a Homeschool Art Explorations class on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. A mixed-media class that explores art through drawing, painting, collage and sculpture! Each week is a new project and students will learn basic techniques to grow in their knowledge of creating art. Our curriculum and art projects are almost always inspired by art history, modern art styles and favorite children’s book illustrators. We encourage young students to focus more on the process and enjoyment of art making rather than a perfected finished product. Mixed Media Art Classes are 8-week sessions.
1781 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park
http://www.creativejaneart.com/elementary.html
FIRST Lego League
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children ages 4–16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Find a team near you.
firstinspires.org
Florida Film Academy’s Home School Studio
Film production, editing, makeup, illustration, photography, animation and more creative classes are available for home school students aged 7–18.
Winter Garden, 407-654-8400
flfilmacademy.com/home-school
Florida Virtual School
Offers a free, standards-based, full-time and part-time, online curriculum and live classes supported by Florida teachers for Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Flvs.net
Homeschool Activity Program
The Homeschool Activity Program (HAP) is offered the first three Thursdays of each month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Riverside Park in Oviedo. HAP is designed for children ages 6-13 who are homeschooled and would like to get involved in structured activities, including recess games and an exercise program and to socialize and have fun with other children.
https://www.cityofoviedo.net/532/Homeschool-Activity-Program
Homeschool Athletic Academy
This is a drop-off program offered to K-8 homeschoolers on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Oviedo Aquatics Center. They teach skills and practice in many different sports during this 90-minute program.
https://www.chball.com/
Homeschool Conference & Secular Book Fair
The Florida Homeschool Association hosts an annual Homeschool Conference for Florida’s homeschool families on May 17, 2023 in Daytona! They’ve created a day full of learning, shopping, information and support. Parents will gain confidence as they begin or continue a Florida home education program. Attendees have all-day access to the giant exhibit area, to preview and purchase the curriculum and other instructional materials they need for the upcoming homeschool year. Go for an hour, or stay the whole day.
floridahsa.org
iFocus Progressive Learning Center
A hybrid learning place for homeschoolers in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Creatively using STEAM concepts for hands-on thematic lessons, activities and life skills in a fun way. They also provide skill assessment and evaluations for homeschoolers.
https://ifocusplc.com
Imagine Dance Academy’s Homeschool Dance
On Mondays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or Thursdays from 12-3 p.m., homeschooler children age 6 and up can learn a mix of dance styles with friends. Children are exposed to Yoga, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary and modern dance. Students will have dance technique as well as work towards a performance several times a year.
https://www.imaginedanceacademy.net/homeschool-classes
Inspiring Minds Day School
This is a program for homeschoolers to be dropped off for one day a week to enjoy structured, scheduled classes with friends. Serving families that live in the Orlando, Clermont, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips and Celebration.
https://www.inspiringmindsdayschool.com
Keystone Academy Hybrid School
Keystone Academy offers PreK-12th grade classes for homeschool students in the greater Orlando area. Classes meet one day a week and give students the opportunity to experience the benefits of being in a classroom environment. Instruction is given by the parent the remaining four days of the week, with lesson plans provided by Keystone Academy.
keystone-academy.com
Kids Create Art Homeschool Art Classes
This art and yoga studio for kids in Windermere, offers homeschool art programs during the day. Homeschoolers are introduced to contemporary artists and led through the creative process in the production of their own unique pieces. Artistic skills, techniques, and a variety of media are introduced to foster creative growth.
https://www.kidscreateart.com/bookings?category=983a60e6-62bd-4a9f-9e28-746b8e20e707
Legacy Gymnastics
Kids age 5 to 15 can drop-in for Homeschool Open Gym on Fridays at 10 a.m. to learn the fundamentals of gymnastics at Legacy Gymnastics in Maitland. Gain balance, coordination, strength, flexibility and overall physical fitness. Sign up online at legacygymnastics.com.
Leu Gardens
Adults attend these hands-on, nature classes with their kids. Learn about plants and animals, plus explore the gardens once a month during Leu Gardens’ Home School Classes.
leugardens.org
Lighthouse Learning Micro-School and Homeschool Hybrid
Lighthouse Learning is offering K-6 academic instruction and homeschool enrichment for the 2023-24 school year! They are currently located in Longwood but their Facebook page says they’re looking for a new location.
lighthouselearningmicroschool.com
Mad Science of Central Florida
A leading science enrichment provider that delivers unique, hands-on science experiences for children. Homeschoolers can participate in a STEM Lab and/or Robotics classes provided twice a month at the Mad Science Lab or virtually.
Oviedo & Ocoee 386-898-4570
cfl.madscience.org
Meta Humans
Meta Humans is a new business in Winter Park, Florida, that has membership options that accommodate your child’s home school, virtual school, after school, weekend, tutoring, summer and holiday camp needs.
metahumans.com
North Park Learning Group at Engage the Brain
Homeschool students ages 7 – 14 may participate in this homeschool hybrid micro-school. In-person classes meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Students work in small groups in an experiential and academically-focused environment. Their project-based instruction encourages communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Instructors bring learning to life with activities based in real-life application.
620 North Wymore Road, Suite 240, Maitland | 407-636-9281 | info@engagethebrain.org
https://engagethebrain.org/services/homeschooling-support/northpark-learning-group-homeschool-hybrid
Orange County Library System
Kids can learn how to run a business, make a web page, build video games, embroider and even how to cook through free classes at the library!
Multiple branches, 407-835-7323
ocls.info/classes-events
Orange County Regional History Center Homeschool Days
The History Center provides monthly Home School Days! These classes offer curriculum designed to meet grades K-5 standards, but all ages are welcome. Take your 4-year-old or your high schooler – they are sure to have a great time learning through hands-on activities and projects!
thehistorycenter.org
Orlando Science Center Homeschool Days
This bi-monthly science lab for homeschoolers in grades K–8, exposes students to a variety of exciting topics such as chemistry, astronomy, physics, renewable energy and more!
Orlando, 407-514-2000
osc.org/learn/education
Palette Art Studio
A former middle school art teacher started the studio in Winter Springs. There is a homeschool art class offered on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays in addition to many after-school classes.
https://www.paletteartstudiows.com
Planet Obstacle Homeschool Days
Every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Homeschool and Virtual School students are welcome to an all access pass for $15.95.
1150 Emma Oaks Trail, #100, Lake Mary
planetobstacle.com
The Dreamers’ School
The Dreamers’ School is a Waldorf-inspired enrichment program for homeschoolers in downtown Orlando. They offer classes twice a week for children ages four through thirteen.
thedreamersschoolorlando.com
The Lighthouse School of Winter Garden
The Lighthouse School offers non-graded, non-credit weekly classes in all subject areas for ages four and up to supplement your family’s homeschool education plans. Learning is facilitated through activities including experiments and projects in addition to more traditional lesson plans. In combination with academic enrichment, The Lighthouse School provides community and socialization for homeschoolers and their families.
thelighthouseschoolwg.com
The REP’s Homeschool Theater Program: Wonders of the Wizarding World
The Orlando Repertory Theatre is offering a theater class for homeschoolers starting on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. this September.
https://www.orlandorep.com/youthacademy/homeschool-wonders-of-the-wizarding-world
The Taste of Curiosity
This teaching studio is cooking and crafting classes for kids and adults in Oviedo, Florida.
https://thetasteofcuriosity.com
Religious Homeschool Programs in Orlando
Christian Victory Academy of Central Florida
CVA Offers custom on-campus plans: 2, 3, or 5 days a week.
christianvictoryacademy.org
Circle Christian School
Parent Directed Education with Private School Credibility
A fully accredited private school with multiple campus locations across Central Florida. Circle Christian School offers parent-directed education with private school credibility for K4 through 12th grade.
circlechristianschool.org
Faithful Fruit Leadership, Inc.
Liz Washington provides in-person and online math tutoring, in addition to resume help, college advising, academic support, professional development, career counseling and educational events to the Central Florida Area.
407-341-6910
Facebook.com/FaithfulFruitLeadership
Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA)
The FPEA exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, an annual convention in Orlando, local conferences and events, informative communications, and individual encouragement — all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.
fpea.com
Highland’s Latin School’s Orlando Cottage School
The HLS Orlando Cottage School offers instruction in core subjects using the Memoria Press curriculum through a one-day per week traditional classroom experience, with parents providing homework help and individual assistance throughout the week.
highlandslatin.org/orlando/cottage-school
IEW at the Farm
Mary Odell is a writing tutor and former NASA technical writer, who has been certified in the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method.
Geneva, Florida
iewatthefarm.com
Soaring Preparatory Academy
A parent-led Christian Homeschool Co-op in East Orlando, serving K-12 students using Charlotte Mason Based teaching.
https://www.soaringprepacademy.com/
The Ark Academy
This Homeschool Co-Op program for Pre-K through Grade 4 offers a Finnish approach to learning rooted in God-centricity, character development and academic excellence.
Their campus, located in Sanford, offers 2 and 3 day programs.
https://thearkacademy.org/
The Classical School at The First Academy
The Classical School at The First Academy offers a 2-day homeschool hybrid program, in addition to a full homeschool curriculum and support services such as testing, consulting and a private school umbrella program.
thefirstacademy.org/academics/classical
Watermark Homeschool Enrichment
Watermark offers enrichment classes for all grade levels and partner with some amazing businesses in the community. They are able to offer 68 classes for the 2022-23 school year at the main campus in East Orlando. Watermark is launching a 2nd campus in Oviedo in January 2023. Contact info@BeWatermark.com with questions.
BeWatermark.com
Willow Creek Home Educators (Co-Op)
This program ran by Willow Creek Church in Winter Springs, offers many activities throughout the year, including co-op classes for students grades Pre-K through high school, special events (such as geography, biology, and science fairs), meet-ups and holiday parties — as well as a supportive environment for both parents and students to form lasting friendships. WCHE does not offer an “umbrella school” program. They are true co-operative that relies on the time and talent of its members to make events successful.
homeschool-life.com/fl/wche
Homeschooling is a great alternative for parents to provide their children with the best education possible. While homeschooling is not for everyone, it does have its benefits.
Are we missing something? Email heather@playgroundmagazine.com to have it added to the list.
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