Brazil: Rainforest to Rio — History & Culture
From the depths of the Amazon to the energy of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a country of extraordinary contrasts — breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and a history that spans thousands of years. Students explore it all through hands-on projects, creative activities, and immersive learning experiences designed for every age and level.
¡Viva México! — History & Culture
Students of all ages are invited to discover Mexico — one of the world's most vibrant, diverse, and historically rich cultures. From ancient Aztec civilizations to colorful folk art, festive traditions, incredible food, and modern-day life, this unit brings Mexico to life through hands-on projects, creative activities, and immersive learning.
Data & Dirt — Science of Precision Agriculture
Modern farming isn't just tractors and dirt — it's satellites, sensors, and data. In this unit, students discover how today's farmers use GPS mapping, soil sensors, drone technology, and real-time data to grow more food with fewer resources. From understanding soil health at a microscopic level to seeing how a single field can be managed acre by acre, Data & Dirt connects the science of agriculture to the technology driving it forward.
Grow Wild: Organic Farming & Permaculture — Agriscience
From seed to harvest, students explore the science and philosophy behind growing food with deep roots. This unit connects kids to the land — learning how healthy soil, composting, crop cycles, and sustainable design all work together to feed communities and care for our planet as one of many types of food production. Hands-on, inquiry-based, and grounded in evidence-based agricultural science.
Summer of Survival — Primitive Survival Skills
Fire. Shelter. Water. Food. Navigation.Summer of Survival teaches students the core skills of outdoor survival through hands-on, real-world challenges designed for every age and ability level. Whether your child is just discovering the outdoors or craving a serious wilderness challenge, this academy is built for them.
Hook & Arrow — Archery & Fishing Primitive Skills
Students build primitive bows and handcrafted fishing tools — lines, lures, hooks, and more — using natural materials and ancient techniques. Part history, part science, and completely hands-on, this unit connects kids to the ingenuity of early humans in the most tangible way possible: by making what they made.
Fire & Feast — BBQ, Asado, and Slow Cooking
Across the Americas, fire has always been at the heart of the feast. Fire & Feast explores the art of open-fire cooking — from grilling fundamentals and fire safety to the rich traditions of American BBQ and South American asado. Hands-on, cultural, and genuinely delicious at every level.
The Kitchen Lab — Science and Skills of Cooking
The kitchen is a lab — and every recipe is an experiment waiting to happen. Students learn real prep techniques, safe food handling, and the professional habit of "mise en place", all while making things they are genuinely proud to eat.
Kaleigh Bruner joins Kids by Design as Learning Success Coach
Kids By Design is pleased to announce that Kaleigh Bruner has joined the organization as a Learning Success Coach, supporting students through individualized and small-group learning while collaborating closely with Academy Instructors.
Shawna Ferguson Joins Kids By Design as Academy Lead and Instructor
Jackson County educator Shawna Ferguson joins Kids By Design as Academy Lead and Instructor. She brings 17 years of experience in education across elementary, middle, and high school programs to local homeschool families.
Now Enrolling: Winter Agriscience Academy — Field to Future
Agriscience Academy is built around real-world, place-based learning, helping students understand how agriculture, natural resources, and science shape daily life and local communities. This winter session focuses on Jackson County, using the county’s land use framework to explore how farms, homesteads, forests, public lands, and working landscapes function as interconnected systems.
Now Enrolling: Winter Explorer Academy — Welcome to Japan
Explorer Academy offers a deep, immersive learning experience centered on one location per session. This winter, students will explore Japan through hands-on, project-based learning that brings culture to life. Rather than surveying many places, students slow down and engage deeply—learning how history, geography, tradition, and modern life connect through shared experiences.