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.
Don’t see your business listed here? Use the button below to add a Featured or Basic listing.
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.
I teach beginner sewing and crochet to students age six and up. Â In person lessons in Lakeland and remote lessons are available.
Kipe Academy is a non-profit microschool that offers full-time and part-time tutoring services, themed-weekend workshops (open to any K-5 student regardless of school choice), and other homeschool services to students in grades Kindergarten to fifth grade. We are a Step Up For Student Provider.
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.
Lakeland Community Theatre boasts a Main Stage season of five high quality productions; The Eunice Fuller Theatre for Youth three show season as well as classes, summer camps, workshops, Master Classes; The Out of the Box Troupe for special needs youth and adults, a Senior Troupe and many special productions and events each year.
Lakeland Homeschool PE offers classes for students age 5 (as of Sept. 1) – 12th grade. To become a member, come out to the park and sign up. Tuesdays, 9 – 10:30 AM at Lake Parker Park, Entrance 2 at the soccer fields. Check FB page for updates and start date. Students participate in exercise, team sports, fun, and friendship. This is a true co op, parents participate and do not leave while students attend PE. Cost is $5 per child annually, with a family cap of $25.
Our Arena in the heart of Lakeland offers year-round public ice skating as well as Professional Coaching for both Figure Skating and Ice Hockey, all Hockey Camps, Tournaments and Special events, Elite Level Hockey Opportunities, Organized Travel Hockey Programs, Rec hockey, Ice Skating Camps, Spaces for Parties and special events.
The Lakeland Public Library is a member of the Polk County Library Cooperative, an inter local agreement between 13 municipalities with public libraries and the Board of County Commissioners, enabling all residents of the county, including those in the unincorporated area to have library services. Check out their fantastic programming for adults and children, including storytime, writing club for teens, children’s theatre, technology programs, summer programs, and more! Visit the website to see a full list of upcoming programs. You can also find them all on our calendar at lakelandmom.com/calendar.
Lakeland School Of Music is Lakeland’s largest music school with over 14,000 lessons taught annually. We offer music lessons in over 25 different instruments, and have 16 dedicated music teachers on staff, ready to serve you and your family. Guitar, Piano, Singing, Voice, Drums, Violin, & more. Lakeland School of Music also offers Music Fun Time, an innovative and proven early childhood curriculum for kids 18 months to 7 years old.
Lighthouse is a cooperative of parents that strives to meet the needs of the families within the group. Field trips, educational events, social activities, and parent/teacher support are the major focus of the group. Lighthouse is a Christian led organization but is not an exclusively Christian group.
The mission of Main Street Homeschool Auxiliary is to promote curiosity and creativity in a supportive community of learners. We supplement the work you do at home by offering workshops for a variety of age groups, from preschoolers to adults. Our classes are small, project-based endeavors where the children are actively engaged in topics as wide-ranging as their interests.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum which houses an outstanding collection of fossilized remains, area memorabilia, and educational exhibits on the Phosphate Industry. You will experience the Earth’s past, viewing the remains of various types of marine life as well as reptiles and mammals dating back millions of years. Dig for sharks teeth and fossils in our outdoor pile!
I believe a well-rounded approach to piano instruction is important. I teach technique, ear-training, sight reading, performance, theory, ensemble and accompaniment techniques, and improvisation. Whether students are headed toward music study at a university, or taking piano lessons for their own enjoyment, they will receive quality instruction in those 8 areas. WunderKeys program for ages 3-5.
“We offer clarinet, flute, saxophone, piano and singing lessons in your home, online or at community centers around Central Florida including Davenport, Four Corners, ChampionsGate, and Clermont areas. We run weekly community choirs, bands and offer specialized courses for teachers.”
A contemporary, casual, do-it-yourself art studio featuring pottery painting, mosaics, fused glass jewelry, clay, & host parties, special occasions, field trips, family nights, youth group outings, etc! Our studios & cafe are a great destination for creative activities & things to do in Lakeland, Fl. PicassoZ Art Cafe / Breakables Mosaics / Party Loft / Tea Largo
What was once the Polk County Courthouse is now the historical museum and library which serves Polk’s community through special events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. Throughout the year, the History Center hosts rotating exhibits and educational programs that feature a variety of subjects specific to Polk County. Highlights include artifacts and displays from Polk’s early industries (cattle, citrus, farming, railroads, phosphate mining), long-time Polk businesses (Badcock, Coca-Cola, Harrell’s, Mosaic, Publix and Citizens Bank), historic courtrooms, and a children’s room. The Polk County History Center offers educational programs and tours designed for classroom students, scouts and other large groups,
The Polk Museum of Art is the largest and the only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and has been a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum since 2010. The museum offers workshops and classes for teens and adults, after school art for children, weekend workshops, spring break camp, summer camp, and the annual Mayfaire by the Lake.
Polk’s Nature Discovery Center sits on one of Polk County’s treasured Environmental Areas, Circle B Bar Reserve. The center not only offers outdoor educational opportunities, but chances to learn about our surrounding local environment in an indoor setting. We encourage you to stop in for an educational experience before you hit the trails, which will have you coming back for more.
Saints Sports is an open-to-the-public community league for boys and girls ages 5-12 dedicated to developing a well-rounded athlete. By giving participants equal playing time, building self-esteem, and teaching the fundamentals of each sport, we help young athletes develop a love of the game that sets them on a path for a healthy lifestyle, safe play, and future athletic success. Located at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball and Volleyball.
Skating to Excellence Academy offers a supportive community dedicated to helping figure skaters and hockey skaters of all levels achieve their goals. Our academy follows US Figure Skating standards. Homeschool skating classes are offered weekly at Lakeland Ice Arena with public skate immediately following.
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!
Southern Grace Dance Company is a dance studio conveniently located in central Lakeland and welcomes dancers ages 2 through adult. Ballet, ​Pointe, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, ​Jazz, Tap, ​Pre- Dance​​, Special Needs (Joyful Soles), ​Home School Program, Competition Teams (SG Elite).
Spirit Gymnastics Sports Academy’s mission is to build and encourage true character in all ages as they learn the sport of gymnastics. Offering Recreational/Team Gymnastics, Summer Camps, After School Care, Birthday Parties, Dance Classes, All Star Cheer Team, Tumbling, and more. HUGS Special Needs classes.
The HEAT offers a variety of sports and activities for homeschool families – preschool through graduation. One of 4 homeschool groups that are part of the Florida High School Athletic Association. Offering field trips, academics, extracurriculars, and sports.
The Village Schoolhouse is a veteran owned and operated company that offers life skill classes to all ages! Brittany, a published author, long time nanny, mother of two and life-long baker will be teaching: Baking, Creative Writing, Colors Numbers and Letters (for toddlers), Newborn Safety Workshop and The World Around Us for toddlers. Jarrod, a former Marine now certified physical fitness trainer will be teaching: Physical Fitness, Managing Money, Taxes and Stocks, Prepared and Readiness, Understanding Nutrition, Joining the Military Workshop and Coffee and Espresso Workshop.
Local Community Theatre in Winter Haven, Florida. Each year, Theatre Winter Haven produces a five-play Main Stage subscription season, a two-play Theatre for Young People’s series, a summer musical, two touring productions and a three-play staged reading series called StageRead.
TimberNook West Central Florida provides innovative outdoor play experiences that challenge the senses and inspire creativity, imagination, and independent play in the great outdoors. TimberNookWCFL provides year-round programs for ages 18 months through middle school. Join us on Social Media or find our current programs on our website.
Ultimate Dance Center (UDC), bringing you the BEST in DANCE since 2016, offers a standard of excellence in dance education that is for EVERYONE, all ages, all levels. UDC offers a diverse array of dance styles under one roof. We offer opportunities with a variety of styles for ALL ages 2 – Adult and levels of experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Indoor trampoline and adventure park with attractions for all ages.