How to choose a homeschool program
A plain guide for Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota families. Start with the learning experience, schedule and family involvement that fit your child, then ask the same practical questions wherever you visit.
The four common options
These terms describe different ways to organize learning, and their meanings can overlap. Each option can serve different family needs; the details of an individual program matter more than its label.
Parent-led co-ops
Families organize learning together, often sharing teaching, planning or other responsibilities. The subjects, meeting schedule and level of parent participation depend on the group, so ask what your own role would be.
Drop-off programs
Children attend a scheduled learning day while parents spend that time elsewhere. Age eligibility, teaching arrangements and the length of the day vary, so confirm which students can be dropped off and what the day includes.
Microschools
Microschools bring a small group of learners together in a shared learning setting. Their schedules, curriculum and educational arrangements vary; ask how the program is organized and how it fits your family’s homeschool plans.
Online programs
Online programs provide learning through digital lessons, live classes or a combination of both. Ask how much teacher interaction, independent work and adult support are expected, along with how the schedule works at home.
Questions to ask on any tour
Take these questions with you to any visit. Clear answers help you understand the teaching, the daily routine and the responsibilities your family would take on.
- How many children are in each group?
- Who teaches each subject, and are they paid professionals or parent volunteers?
- Who writes the curriculum?
- Can I talk directly to the owner or director?
- Is the address public, and can I visit?
- How long is the day?
- Is it a Step Up direct provider for PEP and UA, and do I pay up front?
How Mindful Leaders answers those questions
- How many children are in each group?
- Mindful Leaders Academy uses small cohorts. Ask Meghan about the cohort for your child’s age and current availability when you tour.
- Who teaches each subject, and are they paid professionals or parent volunteers?
- A hired specialist teaches each subject at Mindful Leaders Academy. Teachers get to know the children in their cohorts and guide learning within their subject.
- Who writes the curriculum?
- The Academy’s curriculum is custom written with instructional designers and subject experts, with learning experiences suited to each program.
- Can I talk directly to the owner or director?
- Yes. Meghan, the founder and director, answers the phone and talks directly with families about the program.
- Is the address public, and can I visit?
- Yes. Mindful Leaders Academy meets at Harvest United Methodist Church, 14305 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211. Families can book a tour to visit.
- How long is the day?
- The Academy meets on Mondays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a full six-hour day. Drop-off is for elementary and middle school students; parents learn alongside their children in Mommy & Me.
- Is it a Step Up direct provider for PEP and UA, and do I pay up front?
- Mindful Leaders Academy is an approved Step Up For Students direct provider for PEP and UA. For eligible scholarship-funded services, the school sends invoices through Step Up and families approve them in their accounts, rather than paying up front and waiting for reimbursement. Confirm eligibility, coverage and available funds for your family.
Visit us at 14305 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211, or call (540) 907-1884 to speak with Meghan.
Learn about PEP and UA direct payment
Come spend a Monday with us
Tours are short and honest. You will see the rooms, meet the guide who would lead your child's cohort, and get straight answers about fit.