Tampa’s most affordable private school, and Hillsborough County’s only school for self-directed education!
Admissions and Enrollment Overview
​
​
-
Tuition is offered on a membership basis, making us one of the most affordable private schools in Tampa. Tuition is generally paid in monthly installments from August – June, but we offer discounts for paying per semester and per year, and for setting up autopay. Learn more about our tuition process here.
The goal at Real Life Agile Learning Center is to create a space where kids are encouraged to learn by following their interests and passions, at their own individual pace. We strive to create an environment that is free from judgment or coercion; in short, a program where a child is free to succeed at their own life.
We understand the importance of building our community, and look forward to welcoming you! Below is some general information about our program. Of course, we’re here if you have any questions, or need further information.
Altitude Trampoline Park: Kids can jump to their heart’s content with other home-schooled kids in the area. The classes offered have been a big hit with our kids; previous classes have included: Yoga for beginners, Mad Science class and Harry-Potter themed crafts. You can check out their website here https://altitudetampa.com/homeschool-co-op/
A typical day at the South Tampa Location starts with a morning meeting; we check in with the kids, and get their intentions for the day. Often the morning meeting includes a game or activity to start the day. Learning is self-directed with classes/offerings available such as on-line classes, videos, arts and crafts, nature observation walks, and much more. Each week a different culture is observed, voted on by the kids, where we encourage the kids to bring ideas and offerings relevant to the culture of the week. The end of the day starts with clean-up time, where all the kids participate in cleaning the space, after which is a conclusion meeting, where kids reflect on their day, what they’ve learned or what they like / didn’t like about their day.
Love of Learning (LOL) is a community of homeschooling families that offers a wide array of activities for the kids. You can check out their website, including class schedules, at https://lolfamilies.info/
Field Trip Fridays: The kids decide on the location/activity, and they are posted on our Real LIfe ALC Facebook page along with cost information.
​
​
Enrollment Process:
Step 1: Research!
We are not a typical school! ALCs are committed to trusting children to direct their own education. Explore the ALC educational model of self-directed learning and our comprehensive FAQ page on the ALC Network site. Learn from some of the videos, books, and articles that have inspired this approach to learning and community. Dig into the content in our Philosophy section. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Step 2: Decide on your Membership Option
Please read through our Tuition Page to understand our membership options.
Step 3: Attend a Parent Interest Night
RSVP to a Parent Interest Night to learn more about our ALC and have your questions answered. You may (in fact we encourage you to) attend a Parent Interest Night before applying. If there isn't one scheduled soon, we will let you know, and we will invite you to our location for a visit.
Step 4: Fill Out the Admission and Enrollment Form
​
Click on this link to fill out our admission and enrollment form (it opens in a new tab).
​
Step 5: Visiting Week(s)
Real Life ALC, Tampa requires each prospective new student to attend a paid visiting week before being admitted to the school as a student.
​
The visiting week allows the student to experience what it is like to be an ALC student and allows everyone to determine if our ALC is a good fit. Visiting week preferences can be chosen in the enrollment application. The fee for the visiting week will be prorated from the tuition you would pay for the year, and is due on the first day of the visiting week. Visiting weeks are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We limit the number of visiting children each week.
Step 6: Final Enrollment
After the visiting week, enrollment will either be offered or it will be communicated that ALC cannot serve the applicant at this time. When enrollment is offered, we will require your first and last month’s installments of your annual tuition (if making monthly installments) or your semester payment (10% discount) or annual payment (20% discount). Enrollment will be officially confirmed when the admission form is submitted and money is received, ensuring your student/s a place at the school for the year. Please review the Tuition page to determine how much your child/ren’s tuition will be.
