frequently asked questions

Our curriculum is carefully developed by our directors to help children make connections across subject areas. We pull from a variety of resources to establish our goals of making all of our activities high-interest and hands-on.  All of our activities are memorable, FUN, and in line with our mission. 

Each child's home education is the parent's responsibility, and we do not claim to be a substitute or alternative to the education provided at home.  Our program is meant to be a helpful, supplementary enrichment option for parents who homeschool their children. The topics we cover can be used as a springboard for more in depth learning at home, but it is the responsibility of the homeschool parent to track their child(ren)s overall progress.

Our directors are Elena Mazzelladibosco and Kelsey Morosini.  We both live in Boca Raton and homeschool our own children.  We would love to meet you!  We hope that all of our applicants will come to one of our informational park play dates so that we can get to know each other.

Although we may provide some additionally fun activities for your child to complete at home that are based on what we learned that week, they will always be completely optional.  However, for the 3rd through 5th group as well as middle grades 6th-8th, novel studies novels are used as a tool for reinforcing reading comprehension, vocabulary, literary terminology and writing skills. Children will be responsible for reading 1 to 2 chapters at home each week (of course, parents can read to the child if needed). We do not test on any of the material covered, and we do not grade any work. 

Our K-5th curriculum is developed in such a way that while the children will all be learning the same general topics, different age groups will learn it in an age appropriate way.  We separate into different groups by grade/age: K - 2nd and 3rd -5th. 

Our middle school programming combines 6th - 8th grade.  We believe the ability to do this is one of the blessings of homeschooling, and that children learn best when learning and playing alongside children of different ages. Please review the course descriptions and schedule for more information. 

Children will need to bring: 

A packed snack and lunch

A sturdy, refillable water bottle

Children will need to wear:  

Down to Earth Co-op T-shirt 

Pants or shorts 

Closed toe shoes (no shoe laces unless child is able to tie on their own)

No. We are not a school or a daycare facility.

Down to Earth Co-op operates as a supplemental instructional program designed to support families who are educating their children at home. Students participate in instructor-led lessons that enrich the learning already taking place within their family’s homeschool. Students in our program do not receive grades or take formal tests through our program. The homeschooling parent remains fully responsible for their child’s educational progress and compliance with Florida homeschool requirements. Participation in our program is intended to supplement parent-directed homeschooling. Families remain fully responsible for their child’s education and for meeting all requirements of Florida homeschool law. 

We are happy to provide families with a list of homeschool evaluators within our local community upon request.

Down to Earth Co-op does NOT allow electronics such as cell phones, smart watches, tablets, Nintendo, etc.  Please keep them at home. Parents will have the direct cell phone numbers of all directors and instructors in case of emergency.

Yes, we are direct pay providers and can be found under Down to Earth Co-op in the EMA. If you do not have Step Up, we do provide an invoice. If you choose not to pay directly through the EMA, we cannot guarantee your Step Up reimbursement, and we cannot reimburse your fees should your reimbursement be unsuccessful for any reason. Please be sure to evaluate your spending accounts/caps to ensure our program is right for your family. 

• A printable list of topics and activities covered by date to include in your homeschool evaluation portfolio 
• The opportunity for homeschooled children to develop meaningful, long lasting friendships 
• A connected network of like-minded homeschooling parents who are willing to share their wisdom and expertise for the good of one another
• Discounted group rates for optional Down to Earth Co-op family field trips. (Cost of field trips are not included in our membership fee)
• Start your homeschool week off right by beginning each Monday with us. Ignite your child’s spirit for learning at home and reaffirm your resolve to homeschool bravely. 

…And so much more!  

Please reach us at downtoearthlings@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.