From September through November, Sanibel Sea School welcomed more than 250 students to its Homeschool at Sea program — for 11 weeks of exploring and learning along the coast. Each week brought new adventures as homeschool families dove into marine science through hands-on lessons.

“Homeschool at Sea is a special time of year,” said Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director of Youth Education at Sanibel Sea School. “It’s a program that blends science, wonder, and connection —kids leave sandy, curious, and a little more in love with the ocean.”

Each week, students explored a new theme —from growing up in the sea to protecting coastal ecosystems and discovering who’s who in the big blue. “One of my favorite parts about this program is the meaningful relationships we create with the kids,” said Marine Science Educator Izzy Lutz. “Many of these students came for all eleven weeks, allowing them to feel comfortable at Sanibel Sea School and build strong bonds with the educators.”

During the first class for ages 10–13, one student lovingly created nicknames for each educator. “She nicknamed me ‘Pom Pom’ and for some reason it stuck, so I was Pom Pom for the next 11 weeks,” says Izzy. “It was so rewarding to watch her grow from the silly jokester from week one to a marine science expert by the end of our classes together!”

During “The Science of Symbiosis” week, students played a game on surfboards, paddling in a way that represents symbiotic relationships. “The kids were super engaged in the game and halfway through, one of them looked at me with a shocked expression, exclaiming, ‘Wait, are you trying to trick us into learning?!’” shared Marine Science Educator Austin Wise. “I said, ‘Yes, of course!’ She responded by saying, ‘Okay, I kind of like it.’ That is how I know I’m doing my job, by kids having so much fun they forget they are learning.”

Homeschool at Sea continues to grow as one of Sanibel Sea School’s core programs. With flexible scheduling for ages 6 to 17 and a discounted rate of $40 per course, made possible through the school’s scholarship fund, the program ensures that every child can experience the magic of marine science.

“Our goal has always been to make ocean education accessible and personal,” said Rivard. “Whether a student comes once or attends every week, we want them to leave feeling connected — to the water, to each other, and to nature.”

From knee-deep explorations in the mangroves to afternoons sketching shells in the shade, the fall season was a celebration of discovery. As families packed up for the last session in November, one young student summed it up best: “I didn’t know learning could be so fun!” Sanibel Sea School’s team couldn’t agree more. “That’s what we’re here for,” said Rivard. “When kids learn through wonder, they carry that connection with them. That’s how we build future stewards of our coast.”

About Homeschool at Sea
Homeschool at Sea is a seasonal program by Sanibel Sea School, part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) family. Designed for homeschool families, the program combines science, art, and field experiences to inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship. Courses run from September to November and are offered for children aged 6–17, with both morning and afternoon sessions available.