Homeschool Guide for Lakeland + Polk County
Are you looking for homeschool enrichment classes or a parent co-op here in Lakeland? Interested in homeschooling but not sure where to begin?
Lakeland has an amazing homeschool community, multiple social and support groups, homeschool programs, and daytime classes and activities to help with your learning journey.
Whether you are a homeschool family or a family who is doing virtual school at home, whether you call it unschooling, deschooling, home education, or something else, we hope our Homeschool Guide helps you find educational resources for your family in Lakeland and Polk County.
Don’t miss our full Education Guide – it includes information on Polk County public schools, tutoring and test prep, colleges, scholarship programs, and more.
How to Begin Homeschooling in Florida
If you are new to homeschooling in Lakeland or Polk County, get connected with experienced homeschool parents {groups listed below} or an established umbrella school who can help you navigate the process. You can also use the free Parent How-To Course from WonderHere.
You do not have to be a certified teacher to homeschool, you simply have to comply with the requirements outlined below. You can start homeschooling at any time in grades K-12 – even in middle school or high school. The PCPS Website has a helpful list of FAQs.
The Florida Parent Educators Association is also a helpful resource for Florida homeschool families. According to the FPEA, these are the six steps to begin homeschooling in Florida:
◆ Submit a notice of intent to your school district. In Polk County, visit the PCPS Homeschool website for a Notice of Intent form. On that page you’ll also find a helpful Parent Information Packet. You can also submit your own Notice of Intent letter (FPEA download) to your public school district. You can also enroll with an Umbrella School that will take care of this paperwork for you.
◆ Choose your educational approach or curriculum. If you prefer a set curriculum, the good news is there are MANY educational materials to choose from. {This is also the bad news for anyone who is indecisive like me}. Parents in one of the co-ops or Facebook Groups listed below can help provide guidance to figure out what works for your family. You can also check the FPEA website for a list of quality educational teaching materials and online homeschool curriculum.
◆ Maintain your portfolio – See the FPEA website for details.
◆ Submit an annual evaluation – A student learning in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational progress at a level equivalent to his or her abilities. As a parent, you select an evaluator (a Florida-certified teacher) to review the portfolio and/or administer an evaluation, and then submit the appropriate paperwork to the school district. Learn more about Homeschool Portfolios.
â—† Preserve your records
◆ Submit your notice of termination if you decide to stop home schooling. This form can also be found on the PCPS Website.
Note that the requirements above are for a home education program led by a parent or guardian. They do not apply for students who have already enrolled in Polk Virtual School or Florida Virtual School.
Homeschool Resources in Lakeland + Polk County
- Homeschool Co-Ops + Social Groups
- Homeschool Enrichment - Arts + Crafts
- Homeschool Enrichment - Dance
- Homeschool Enrichment - General
- Homeschool Enrichment - Gymnastics
- Homeschool Enrichment - Sports + PE
- Homeschool Enrichment - Theater
- Homeschool Enrichment – Music
- Homeschool Enrichment – Nature + Animals
- Supplemental Programs + Umbrella Schools
HELPFUL TIP: Use the filter button (3 horizontal lines) to narrow down the list by city and/or category. All city filters are a general geographic area, check each listing address for a specific location. Use the map at the bottom to find Homeschool Resources Near You.
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The Florida Children’s Museum {formerly Explorations V Children’s Museum} opens in November 2022 at Bonnet Springs Park.
Does your child have a natural glam for the stage or film? Have they expressed wanted to act or perform in any capacity? Are you longing to help them find their voice and gain confidence in themself and public speaking? At Act With Me, kids will have fun and explore. Antonisha Andrews has 10yrs of acting training, 8yrs working professionally in the entertainment industry and she is a Professional Talent Manager with Arcos Management.
After years of performing on the stage and on the screen, Karissa Barber’s practical experience takes learning out of the theoretical and into real life. Private acting coaching (for the stage, film or public speaking) or audition prep sessions (for Harrison or college theatre programs) are available from professional actress Karissa Barber with 14+ years of experience in her home studio in south Lakeland.
We are passionate about teaching our piano students to become well rounded musicians. We focus on helping our students play the music they love, while enjoying every step of the way.
Adagio Youth Orchestra is a new youth orchestra for ages 7 – 18 with the goal of providing music education to string students who do not have an orchestra program at their school, are looking to expand their repertoire and to learn the basics of orchestra performance, or simply to play for fun while being challenged!
Focuses on Archery, Community Service, Dog, Public Speaking, Dog Enthusiasts. Meets 1st,2nd,3rd Thursday, at 1:00pm; and every Friday at 3:30 pm in Lakeland.
Applewood Private Education is a Florida-based Umbrella School program, designed to offer you and your family the most freedom possible on your homeschooling journey. Our qualified staff of education professionals is always available to offer guidance and support: we’re here to help your child learn and grow!
Art Centric Studio is an art studio for children of all ages in Lakeland, Florida, providing them with authentic opportunities to make and create. The studio offers a wide variety of classes for ages 1-101! Whether it’s a Homeschool Class, After School ArT, or even a KiDz NiGhT OuT, you’re sure to find a new way to create a lasting memory with us.
Bok Tower Gardens is a Polk County Gem. With over 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, 205 foot Singing Tower carillon, and a fantastic children’s garden play area, it is one of our favorite places to be outdoors. Learn more and see photos in our article on Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens.
We offer homeschool enrichment activities for art, history, science, theatre, and stem. Kid approved and portfolio lesson plan included!
Branch Christian Academy is a 501 (c) (3) organization in Polk County that seeks to educate families at home and in a community together. “We are a group of families that seek to educate our children at home and in a community together, leading and guiding them in the way they should go. Â We desire to do life together and support one another through this journey. Â As in the church, we are one body with many parts; all are essential to the co-op family. We all have something to offer, and value each person in our co-op.”
Calvary Baptist Church Academy is a K-12 private Christian school and homeschool support group in Lakeland, Florida offering an award-winning fine arts program (choir, band, drama, visual art), junior varsity and varsity sports, and academic record keeping.
Camp Gilead offers children, families, churches, and groups a life-transforming adventure and a fun, safe, Christ-centered environment in which to LEARN, EXPLORE, and GROW. They offer Summer Camps, Retreats, Bible Clubs, and GileadCLUBS Homeschool Enrichment.
We believe piano lessons should be fun, creative, and engaging. We take time to learn about your student, and use creative materials and resources to help them engage and learn in the best ways. We teach piano lessons kids LOVE! Piano lessons are available Monday through Thursday, from 10am-7pm. Lessons for ages 3 – adult.
Kelly Recreation Complex is a 30,000+ square foot facility that provides a variety of features and offers the residents of Lakeland (and visitors) access to a diverse selection of recreation activities. Programs offered at Kelly Rec include pre-ballet for kids, adult dance classes (latin, swing, belly dance, line dance, salsa), martial arts, basketball, chess, sewing, guitar, etiquette, and more.
Classical Conversations is a national Christian-oriented curriculum company and homeschool organization. Classical Conversations Communities meet weekly during the school year. Trained parent-tutors model skills and facilitate activities that give students opportunities to practice these skills. There are multiple communities in Polk County, to find a community near you, visit the Website.
Home Education is a wonderful choice, and it may just fit your family’s vision and lifestyle! Classical Conversations has been equipping and encouraging homeschool families for more than 18 years! We can help provide you and your student with the support, accountability, and resources to unlock the lost tools of learning and prepare them for anything God has purposed for their life!
Our mission is to bring positive enlightenment to diverse audiences through offering a variety of dance classes and community performances, to strive for excellence in dance education, and to teach students a unique style and approach to dance! Crystal’s World of dance offers dance classes, holiday camps, and after school programs.
The Cygnet School is an inclusive small private school serving K-12 students in Lakeland, Florida. At Cygnet, each child is recognized as an individual with his or her own strengths, challenges, and interests. We utilize multi-age classroom instruction and offer both part- and full-time programs combining academics and electives to keep students interested and cultivate a love of learning.
Offering nature-based programs for ages 5 to 12.
Families of Faith Christian Academy adheres to the conviction that God has ordained that parents are directly responsible for the education of their children. The goal of FOFCAI is to serve families that believe in and practice Parent Directed Education. Each student and family is different, with varying educational needs. Students might be homeschooled, enrolled in a traditional campus program through a private school, or even taking virtual classes at home.
Christian Homeschool Support Group in the Auburndale area, membership comes from Auburndale, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Alfred, Polk City. Provides encouragement and support for Christian homeschool families through group events, Moms meetings, co-op classes, and more.
The FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators.
Florida Unschoolers is a private umbrella school focused on independent home education, serving unschoolers and other home educators all across Florida. It is private school enrollment for attendance purposes while you support your particular child’s learning at home.
A cooperative group of homeschooling parents and children. Teachers’ (that’s the parents) meetings the first Friday of the month at Lake Hartridge Nature Park on Havendale Blvd.
Highland School of Dance was opened in Lakeland in 1974. We offer classes in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, musical theater, and acrobatics, along with summer camps and dance intensives!
Polk County 4-H offers more than 35 community clubs for you to choose from, including Home Grown 4-H that meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in Auburndale. They focus on Archery, Community Service, Sewing, Exploring 4-H.
HOPE is a community of families that both give and receive support for the homeschooling journey. This exchange of practical support happens at the Moms’ Night Out events, Future HOPE meetings, on the playground during Park Days, at field trips, over the phone, and by other communications within the group. We serve one another during times of triumph and struggle and endeavor to minister in any way God prompts us to do so.
Journey Homeschoolers is a Christian homeschooling support group serving the greater Lake Wales and Winter Haven area. They provide support and encouragement for homeschooling parents as well as a social environment for children through park days and member-led field trips.
The Lake Wales Arts Council offers fine arts programs for kids and adults in the fall, spring, and summer. Â Scholarships, multi-enrollment discounts, and payment plans are available. Includes visual arts, digital arts, choir, orchestra, painting & pottery, and more.