Enrollment Now Open:
Check Out Our Current Classes & Exciting Upcoming Offerings!
New Sprouts class time coming soon!
Saplings & Wild Pines Creator’s Space coming soon!
Download our Program Calendar & Overview below.
Are you ready for your child to explore, create, and thrive in a space where nature and art come together? At Palmetto + Pine, we believe that kids learn best through play, curiosity, and hands-on experiences. Our program blends arts with life skills and Forest School principles, offering a one-of-a-kind enrichment opportunity for homeschooling families.
FAQs & Program Requirements
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Palmetto + Pine is a nature-based, enrichment program that blends performing and fine arts with STEAM, life skills, and outdoor exploration. We focus on fostering creativity, confidence, and a deep connection to nature and community. While learning happens naturally through our activities, we are not a school, preschool, or childcare program and do not manage academic curriculum. Families who are registered with a county school district as a home education program (Florida Statue 1002.41), registered as PEP students, or an umbrella school are welcome to apply. As a home education program, the parent/guardian is the educator of record and is able to make all educational decisions.
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Palmetto + Pine is an all-weather program, which means we play and explore outdoors in all safe weather conditions. This forest school principle helps children build resilience, adaptability, and a love for all types of weather. We do not hold outdoor activities when there is lightning within a 10-mile radius of our location. Safety always comes first!
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The right clothing is key for your child’s comfort and enjoyment in all weather. Here’s what we suggest:
Clothing: Water-repellent layers, water shoes, hiking boots, and a hat for sun or rain.
Extras to pack: A full change of clothes, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
Required: Reusable water bottle, lunch, and snacks.
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Children enrolled in the Palmetto Troopers group (5-12 years old) must:
Be fully toilet-trained and able to communicate when they need to go.
Use the bathroom autonomously. While we are happy to help with changing clothes, we legally cannot assist with diapers or pull-ups.
Some of our outdoor locations or field trips may not have access to traditional indoor bathrooms. In these cases, we provide portable toilets with a privacy tent. Handwashing stations or sanitizing options will always be available. We encourage kids to check in with their bodies and communicate any needs to a guide.
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We follow an emergent curriculum approach, which means that our activities are inspired by children’s natural interests, curiosity, and the environment around us. Each month is built around a unique theme that guides exploration, discovery, and creative expression. Our sessions culminate in student showcases where kids share their projects, performances, or creations with the community.
Want to try us out?
Interested in Palmetto + Pine Arts and Learning Community but want to experience it first? We offer trial classes so your child can explore our nature-based, child-led approach before committing! *We’re working on offering trial classes through Step Up.
Palmetto Sprouts
Ages: 2 (or walking) to 5 years old with accompanying caregiver
Monday’s and Wednesday’s
9 - 10:30 AM at Tom Varn Park
Monthly Tuition:
1 day a week = $100
2 days a week = $200
The Spouts program offers a nurturing environment where young children can explore the arts, nature, and social skills through engaging, hands-on activities. As a parent participatory program, families are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s learning experience. This option is perfect for families seeking a balanced approach to early childhood development and community engagement.
Palmetto Troopers
Ages: 5 to 13 years old with accompanying caregiver
Monday’s 12- 4 PM at
Tom Varn Park
Monthly Tuition:
1 day a week = $200
*Half Day Option
The Troopers program combines creativity, nature exploration, and project-based learning to inspire confidence and independence in children. This option is ideal for families looking for an enriching, well-rounded experience that supports both personal growth and creative development.
At Palmetto + Pine Arts and Learning Community, we are committed in making our programs accessible to all families. We are working to accept Florida Step Up Scholarships and strive to offer financial flexibility so every child can experience the benefits of our program.
*At Palmetto + Pine Arts and Learning Community, we are committed to providing a high-quality, enriching experience for your children. For our inaugural course parental attendance during class is required to ensure the safety and supervision of all participants.
Looking ahead, our second course will transition to a drop-off format, allowing children to participate independently while being cared for by our trained staff. Tuition will reflect this transition to support the added staffing and resources necessary for a safe and engaging drop-off environment. If you do not want to drop off we can discuss accommodations privately. *Palmetto Sprouts will remain a parental participatory class.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we grow together to create a vibrant, child-centered learning community.
A Celebration of Creativity: Student Showcase
At the end of every program, we host a Student Showcase where children have the opportunity to share their hard work and creativity with family, friends, and the community. Whether it’s a performance, an art exhibit, or a project presentation, this showcase allows children to demonstrate their growth and accomplishments in a supportive environment.
This experience is incredibly important for fostering confidence—standing before an audience and sharing their creations empowers children to believe in their abilities, celebrate their unique talents, and take pride in their progress. It also strengthens their connection to the community, as families and local supporters come together to celebrate the children’s achievements, creating a deeper sense of belonging and support.
*Program Calendar subject to change as we grow and add more session opportunities, community days, performances, and field trips.
Participation in the showcase is completely optional and can be tailored to your child’s comfort level. Whether they choose to take center stage or simply enjoy the experience from the sidelines, we celebrate every child’s journey at their own pace.
We believe that showcasing creativity not only boosts self-esteem but also reinforces the importance of community, collaboration, and the power of self-expression.
