Homeschooling

Daddy Daughter Dance
2025-04-12 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
You’re Invited to an Enchanted Evening!Daddy Daughter DanceJoin us for a whimsical night of dancing and fun at Learning and Families 1st Daddy Daughter Dance at our new location in Bradenton!Date: Saturday, April 12thTime: 5:00 – 7:00 PMLocation: Bethel Church – In the Gym1805 30th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205Cost: Daddy Ticket: $20.00 Link to daddy ticket: Daddy Daughter Dance – Daddy Ticket – Homeschooling Daughter Ticket: $10.00 Link to daughter ticket: Daddy Daughter Dance – Daughter Ticket – Homeschooling
This event is open to ALL AGES! Buy your tickets now and invite your LAF friends to go with you!Enjoy a DJ spinning your favorite songs, endless dancing, and delicious refreshments. It’s a night to celebrate the special bond between fathers and daughters. We can’t wait to see you there!

Spirit Day
2025-04-22, 2025-04-24
Come all Decked out in your Neon to celebrate Spirit Day.

Curriculum Sale & Kids Craft Market
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:30
Do you have used books and curriculum that you are no longer using? Do you LOVE crafts? Sign up for a table at our Curriculum Sale on Thursday, April 24th from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Gym at Renewal Church (7221 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota).
All of our LAF Support Community and Co-op families are invited to join and take part in the sale and participate in the kid’s market. There is no charge for a table, but you MUST let us know if you want to reserve a spot to sell your books. We will not be providing tables, so you need to bring any tables or materials you need with you to display your items. All curriculum, materials and crafts must be labeled and ready to display with clear pricing. At the end of the sale, all materials must be taken with you; nothing can be left behind. You have the option to share a table with another LAF family if you don’t have enough to sell by yourself.
To reserve your spot, email lafvpres@gmail.com before April 10th. Setup will be between 12:30 and 1:00 pm on the day of the sale.
Shopping is open to the public, so please tell your friends and share the events!

2025 Kindergarten Graduation
2025-04-25 11:00 - 13:00
Looking for the cutest thing ever? Wait no longer, come join us as we cheer on our Learning and Families Kindergarten Graduates. All are welcome, invite as many families and friends as you want to attend. There will be plenty of room to seat everyone for the ceremony. We will have some snacks in honor of our Graduates.

Lion King Jr, The Musical
2025-05-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00
Don’t Miss this opportunity to see the Lion King Jr. Musical performed by Woodland Fine Arts Academy students at Woodland Community Church. This is also a chance to a support several of your fellow LAF students who are performing in the show and who contributed to the set, props, and costume design for the performances. There are two options to see the show.
Friday 5/2 at 10am.This show requires a $6 per person ticket purchase and must be completed by 3/5 as tickets will be used to secure reserved seating for our group.
Saturday 5/3 at 6:30pmNo ticket purchase required and seating is first come first serve.
These Field trips are open to all students and community members and their families.
Location:9607 State Rd. 70 Bradenton, Florida
Please reply with number of students and family members attending and what show you will attend. If attending the Friday show, please purchase tickets in the shop starting tomorrow and post below how many will attend.

2025 LAF Prom: City of Stars
2025-05-03 17:30 - 22:00
Homeschoolers and their guests are invited to the 2025 LAF Prom: City of Stars! This will be a fun and exciting evening full of food, friends, music, dancing, and many great memories.

Before purchasing tickets, read all information carefully. Please be aware that failure to adhere to our guidelines will result in forfeiting your ticket without a refund. Students and guests must be in High school AND at least 14-years-old (by 9/1/24).

Last Day of Co-Op
2025-05-06, 2025-05-08
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:13

High School Graduation
2025-05-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
If you have never been to a homeschool graduation, mark your calendars and plan to join LAF as we celebrate our high school graduates and their families.

At Learning and Families, we strive to honor each student and their parents who traveled an unconventional road to the high school finish line! The LAF graduation features a heart-warming slide show to honor each graduate’s unique homeschool journey. The grad’s parents are welcomed on stage to turn their tassels and present their diplomas. We get to hear a few words about each student’s accomplishments and their plans after graduation, and the grads are inspired by a special keynote speaker.

LAF high school graduations are open to the community, so mark your calendar, and plan to join us.

Around the Bend Nature and Dip Netting Tour
2025-09-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
🌿🐠 Explore Nature & Marine Life at Emerson Point!
A hands-on field trip for curious kids and families!
Join us for a fun and educational adventure where kids and parents will:
🦀 Dipnet & Discover Marine Life

Use dipnets to catch and release small fish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars, and more

Learn about fish, crustaceans, and mollusks through observation and Q&A

Study real marine animals up close — and have a blast doing it!

🌳 Nature Walk Through Forest & Mangroves

Peaceful walk under the canopy

Explore ancient Native American shell midden mounds

Identify native & exotic plants, birds, and maybe some wildlife!

🪶 Hands-On Native American Tools

Explore a replica collection of archaeological tools

Learn how early Floridians lived off the land

A great tie-in to local history and museum exhibits

📍 Location: Emerson Point Preserve; 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221🎒 Bring: Water shoes, sunscreen, lunch, curiosity, and a sense of adventure!
Purchase Tickets in the shop, First ticket is $17, additional siblings are $15

Mom's Night Out/Middle and High Ice Cream Social
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Ice Cream Social & Game Night!
Calling all LAF Moms & Middle/High School Students!Join us for a sweet night of fun, fellowship, and games at Co-op on Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 PM!
Teens – Bring your favorite board or card game and get ready for a night of laughs, connection, and lots of ice cream!
Moms – Relax, enjoy some fellowship, and create your perfect ice cream sundae while connecting with other awesome moms.
Everyone brings a topping to share – sprinkles, chocolate chips, caramel sauce… You name it! We will either have a sign-up, or just have everyone post what they are bringing.
Let’s make memories, have some fun, and build community—one scoop at a time. See you there!

Park and Splash Day
2025-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Parrish Community Park, 7550 Fort Hamer Rd, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Bring out your Prek-Elementary for a morning at the park and splash pad at the new Parrish Community Park! Bring a lunch to have a picnic after playtime.

October's Mom Night Out
2025-10-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Wheat + Water, 7303 52nd Pl E, Bradenton, FL, 34203, United States
Come take a break and enjoy some delicious food and good conversations! Wheat + Water has delicious Italian dishes, and there are plenty of non-pasta/pizza options as well. Please be sure to RSVP on the LAF Community Facebook page

Middle/ High School Fall Party
2025-10-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Ally Ehrhard’s House, 1322 Thornbury Dr., Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Middle/High school teens come hang out and enjoy fun fall games, dinner, and treats! Parents, you can drop off and RSVP under the event section on the LAF Community group.

School Picture Day
2025-10-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Make sure to look your best, it’s picture day! Pictures will be taken from 9 AM-1 PM in the Gym, come ready with a smile

Student Prom Committee Meeting
2025-10-09 12:15 - 13:45
High School Students! Join the Prom Committee!
Be part of creating the most magical night of the year. From choosing the theme to planning decorations and music, the Prom Committee is where creativity and teamwork come together.
✨ Responsibilities include:
Brainstorming and selecting the prom theme
Designing decorations and venue setup
Coordinating music, entertainment, and photography ideas
Ensuring every detail makes prom unforgettable
🌸 Members will receive a Prom Committee sash to wear at Prom.
How to Join
Come to our preliminary meeting on Thursday, October 9th at 12:15 in the gym at Co-op, or email Allison Flagg lafvpres@gmail.com to join the Committee!
Let’s make this year’s prom a night to remember!

Trader Joe's Behind The Scene Field Trip
2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Trader Joe’s, 8111 Cooper Creek Blvd, Bradenton, FL, 34201, United States
Join us at our local Trader Joe’s, where the kids will learn all about the history and what makes Trader Joe’s different from other grocery stores and how it all works. We will take a tour of the facility, including the back rooms and the freezer, where kids will experience temperatures below freezing! At the end of the tour, each child will recieve a goody bag. We have two tours, as we are limited to 10 kids per tour. Please RSVP for either 1 Pm or 2 PM on the Facebook group under events.

Prek-Elementary Meet up
2025-10-17 10:00 - 17:00 | JJ Foxs Treehouse, 907 57th St E, Bradenton, FL, 34208, United States
🎉 PreK–Elementary Meet-Up! 🎉
Come join us for a day of fun, laughter, and play at JJ Fox’s Treehouse Kids Indoor Playground! 🌳🛝
✨ Meet new friends✨ Climb, slide, and explore✨ A safe and exciting place for kids to play and parents to connect
📍 JJ Fox’s Treehouse Kids – the ultimate indoor adventure spot!
Let’s make memories together — see you there! 🎈

Fall Festival and Kids Market
2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:15
It’s That Time of Year Again! We are thrilled to host LAF’s 2nd Annual Fall Festival & Kids Craft Market (formerly Trunk or Treat) Thursday, October 30th 2:00–3:15 PM At Co-op (back of the building near the Woodshop & grassy area)
Kids Craft Market – Reserve Your Spot!Back by popular demand!No fee to reserve a table – but space is limited to 12 tables!To reserve: email Allison Flagg at lafvpres@gmail.comPlease include:Young entrepreneur’s name & ageProducts they wish to sellPrice pointAllison will reply with full details!
FREE Snow Cones! Enjoy a tasty treat, on us! FREE Face Painting
Costume GuidelinesAll participants must wear a costume. Students are welcome to wear their costumes all day at co-op, or change into it right before it starts.Fun ideas:Dress as your favorite book character Superheroes, princesses, animals, etc. No scary costumes or scary masks – this is a family-friendly event! Masks are allowed Scary masks are not allowed – anyone in a scary mask will not be able to participate.
Who Can Participate?Primarily for elementary-age studentsMiddle & High School students in costume are welcome!If you have class during this time, speak with your teacher first and come in a non-scary costume
Trunk Volunteers Needed!We need about 10 families to decorate their trunk & pass out candy!If you decorate a trunk, you do not need to bring candy.Need ideas? Check Pinterest for non-scary trunk themes!We already have a few families signed up – we’d love more! Email or post in the thread.
Candy DonationsEach family is asked to donate 1 large bag of candy or non-candy items. This will be distributed among the decorated trunks.
Arrival Info:THURSDAY Junior Co-op Families:Eat lunch right after dismissal at 1:00 (pack or order pizza).Event starts at 2:00!TUESDAY Co-op & Support Community Families:Arrive at 1:50 PM on the 30th.Drop off your candy donation at the table in front of the gym.Wait in the gym until the event begins. Please do not park in the front paved spots or the sectioned-off Woodshop area. Consider decorating a trunk since you’re available earlier!
Let Us Know You’re Coming!Please comment in the threads below with:Participants’ names & gradesWhether you’re bringing a bag of candyOr decorating a trunk!
Let’s make our 2nd Annual Fall Festival a huge success! We can’t wait to see your creative costumes and support our amazing young entrepreneurs!

Make Up Picture Day
2025-11-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States

Teen Night At Fish Hole LWR
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 | The Fish Hole at Lakewood Ranch, 10725 Rodeo Drive, Bradenton, FL, 34202, United States
Teens come out and enjoy a fun night of putt-putt. Make sure to have $10 for the event and extra for a treat, such as ice cream or coffee, after! Parents feel free to stay or drop off, some of us will be meeting for dinner beforehand if you want to join!

Mom's Night at Elixr Tea House
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Elixr Tea House, 1926 Hillview Street,, Sarasota, FL, 34239, United States
🌸✨ Mom’s Night Out at Elixir Tea House! ✨🌸
Take a break, sip something soothing, and connect with other amazing moms in a cozy, European-style tea lounge. 💕
🍵 Over 80 gourmet teas to explore🍰 Delicious handcrafted pastries & savory bites🥂 Relax in themed private rooms — perfect for laughter & conversation
📍 Elixir Tea House1926 Hillview Street, Sarasota, FL🗓️ 11/14 ⏰ 6 PM
💫 Come for the tea, stay for the memories. Don’t miss this chance to relax and recharge!
👉 RSVP soon

Myakka Elephant Ranch Field Trip
2025-11-15 11:45 - 12:30 | Myakka Elephant Ranch, 4450 Verna Bethany Rd, Myakka City, Florida, 3425
Come out for an unforgettable experience learning about our own local Elephant sanctuary! Kids and adults will get to learn all about elephants and what it takes to care for them. They will also get to touch and take pictures with the elephants! Follow this link and put code EDU10 for a discounted ticket. Be sure to pick November 15th at 11:45 am. Make sure to wear your field trip shirts so we can find each other easily on the day of the event.
https://go.theflybook.com/book/867/ListView/0#/base/867/11c17f1e-5264-479b-8395-5e3dedae742b/config/13245/15812/activity

Interactive Horse Barn Field Trip
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Smart With Heart, 4640 County Road 675, Bradenton, FL, 34211, United States
🐴 Horse Therapy Barn Field Trip! 🐴
Join us for a heartwarming and hands-on visit to Smart with Heart — where learning meets the magic of horses!
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 19th🕙 Time: 10:00 AM📍 Location: Smart with Heart — 4640 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
✨ What’s Included:

A short introduction and safety talk on how we communicate with horses

A horse scavenger hunt to discover colors, markings, and barn treasures

Grooming and bonding time with our friendly horses and ponies

Interactive games to learn about horse care, body parts, and grooming tools

A closing reflection and optional photo opportunity with our equine friends!

🕒 Visits typically last 1.5–2 hours, depending on the group.💲 Cost: $21 per child👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and chaperones attend free!
🥪 Pack a lunch! After the activities, families are welcome to enjoy lunch together under the shaded pavilion.
Come experience the joy, connection, and calm that only horses can bring! 🌾🐎

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-24 09:00 - 2025-11-28 15:00
Enjoy your time with your family and friends. This week, the co-op is closed.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!

Field Day
2025-12-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
🏃‍♂️🎉 Mark your calendars!Field Day – Friday, December 5th | 10 AM–2 PMA day full of games, fun, and friendly competition! 🏅👉 More details coming soon!

Ice Skating with LAF
2025-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St E., Ellenton, FL 34222, FL, 34222, United States
❄️⛸️ Indoor Ice Skating! ⛸️❄️
Glide into the holiday spirit with festive fun for all ages!📅 Monday, December 8th🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM💲 $15.00 per skater
Bring your family for a joyful morning on the ice 🎄✨

Middle/High Christmas Party
2025-12-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave W,, FL, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
🎄✨ Middle/High Christmas Party! ✨🎄Join us for an evening full of Christmas games, gift exchange, yummy food & holiday fun! 🎁🍕🍪
📅 Date: 12/14⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Meeting in the Canopy building
Bring your holiday cheer – you won’t want to miss it! 🎅❄️
