Read our Q&A with an experienced Homeschool Mom about the ins and outs of the Home Education Program…
Many families have inquired about WonderHere. On a regular basis we tackle the question… are you a school? And we respond by saying, no… WonderHere is not a school. It is a Learn & Play studio where students are able to attend full time, part time, or after school and receive a high quality, individualized WONDER-driven education. This thing we are calling ourselves, “Learn & Play Studio”, is not a common idea, and we love it! We are excited to bring to Lakeland this family focused, FUN-driven form of learning through all types of enrollments and spaces and even through our birthday party packages.
Our students who come to us for all or part of the school day identify as homeschool children so that they can enjoy the benefits of being under the Florida Home Education Program. Our students are afforded a very personalized instruction with the freedom to learn at their own pace under the homeschool umbrella while in a class setting of just 12 or less taught by certified and passionate educators. There is nothing quite like us anywhere else! Learn more about homeschooling by enjoying the interview of a Florida homeschool mom, Leslie Martino, as she shares her experiences and understanding of the Florida Home Education Program.
Why do you homeschool?
Once upon a time (though not that long ago) I was a school teacher. I lived in New York City and worked at the most magical little school in the heart of East Harlem. It was a place where children were allowed to be children. They made choices about their own learning and they were trusted and respected by the adults around them. Teachers valued play, deep and authentic work, and really knowing the whole child. Not only did I think that this place was magical for the children who went there, but I knew that it was a magical place for me, as well. It was a type of learning/work environment in which I thrived as a teacher. After moving to Florida, finding a similar school where I could work was not so easy. I decided to pursue other things but it was from then that I knew deep down that I wanted to one day homeschool my own children, and to help create for my children, and possibly others, the type of learning environment for which I was searching. The ultimate extension of this was to make this type of environment a way of life – a way to do life with my family where we value knowing ourselves and each other, value each other’s work, and who we are as demonstrated through this work. Although we have probably since added to the list of reasons why we homeschool, this is how I initially came to the decision. As a former public school teacher, I know that there are fabulous public schools and fabulous teachers who are completely dedicated to what they do. Unfortunately, public school teachers are facing so many challenges right now that seriously undermine their ability to create rich learning environments where children can thrive in multiple ways. They are burdened by limited budgets, unrealistic bureaucratic mandates, and often a mistrust of their expertise. I try not to talk about homeschooling in such a way that discredits all that I personally value in the field of education. It is not “us” vs. “them.” What is important is CHOICE and the ability to choose the right educational setting for your child, whether it be in the classroom or at home.
What is the difference between a home education vs homeschooling under an umbrella school?
Being enrolled in the Home Education Program means that you are registered as a homeschooler with the state of Florida. You have sent a Letter of Intent, telling the county of your intent to homeschool and you keep an attendance log and portfolio of your child’s work. You have an annual evaluation of the child’s work (this could also be a test) completed by a certified teacher. An umbrella school option is when you are homeschooling but you are actually registered as a private school student. There are many options for this within the state of Florida, all with different requirements and varying levels of autonomy for how you choose to homeschool your child.
Can students participating in Home Education dual enroll?
Dual enrollment is for high school students to enroll, tuition free, at a local state or community college. Responsible only for the cost of books and other fees, it is something in which many homeschool students participate, but as of very recently, students registered as private school students can no longer participate in most college dual enrollment programs.
Can high school students enrolled under the Home Education program qualify for Bright Futures?
It is possible to apply for this Florida college financial aid grant program as a homeschool student, but it is important to be aware that there are different requirements for those registered with the county than those registered with a private school.
Can homeschool children participate in extracurricular activities?
Section 1006.15 of the Florida statutes explains that local public schools are obligated to allow home education students to participate in extracurricular activities. Once students are in 9th grade, this participation falls under the “Craig Dickinson Act.” Before 9th grade however, it is up to the individual school whether or not they allow homeschool students to participate. As I have heard many times from other homeschooling families, it is best to contact your locally zoned school (rather than the home education office) to speak with them directly about your child’s involvement. I have known moms whose children have participated in art, music, and gifted classes at public schools, while homeschooling.
How do you juggle home, job, young children, and homeschool?
I think staying organized is key. I homeschool, work part time, and try to keep track of everything going on in our lives. So doing things like meal planning, for example, really help me to grocery shop more efficiently and to spend less time on a daily basis figuring out what I’m cooking for dinner. There are other things, like putting away laundry, that always fall to the bottom of my priority list – and I’m okay with that. So in some ways, you have to figure out what you’re willing to have be less than perfect. Another key for me is constantly reassessing my/our values. I would encourage any family setting out on their homeschooling journey to decide what your values are and to make sure that the things that you and your children are working on throughout the day are evident of these ideals. For example, do you value quality time spent together? Is the flow of your day such that you are actually spending time together? And is what you’re doing together during that time what you would deem as quality? Do you value exploring real interests in depth? Do your children have the materials to explore that would allow them to figure out what their own interests might be? Do they have uninterrupted time throughout the day, to really dwell on what draws them? Reassessing values can happen in any area, not just related to homeschool. It helps to put things in perspective as you try to hold all the pieces together.
Do you have an educational background? Do you need one to homeschool well?
I have an educational background but no, you do not need one! This actually leads to the next question and the importance of being part of a community, whether it be online, weekly meetups, monthly group meetings, etc. Being part of a learning community benefits all involved. You can grow as a homeschooling parent and receive support on many different levels. Children also have an opportunity to make more friends and learn cooperatively with a group of peers. This peer group is often of mixed ages. Mixed aged groupings also have numerous benefits for all involved. It is actually how I personally am used to teaching in a classroom setting. Most of our day to day communities are mixed aged groupings (home, work, etc.). It is a very natural way to learn.
Would you enroll your child in WonderHere?
Yes!!! Wonderhere offers so much and is really a breath of fresh air. I think many parents come to realize that homeschooling does not have to look like traditional public school – at home. What I love about Wonderhere is that it offers a play based, hands-on approach to learning that puts children right at the center, the way it should be! To top it off, this is all led by fabulous teachers who truly love and understand children. They dare to dream about what the learning possibilities among a range of children might be.
If you are interested in learning more about WonderHere, please visit our website at WonderHere.com or schedule a private tour of our facility by emailing WonderHere.LLC@gmail.com or calling with your requested date/time at 863-698-7782. We at WonderHere believe in cultivating within each child the love of learning, and we hope you will consider partnering with us towards enhancing your child’s educational experiences. Whether you homeschool, private school, or public school; there is a place for your child to learn and grow here with us. Class enrollment is ongoing! Please contact us with any questions 🙂
