Shawna Ferguson Joins Kids By Design as Academy Lead and Instructor
Kids By Design is proud to welcome Shawna Ferguson as Academy Lead and Instructor, expanding its commitment to experiential, collaborative learning and comprehensive support for homeschool families.
Shawna brings 17 years of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, along with more than 20 years of leadership with FFA as an advisor and coach. She is a certified Florida teacher in elementary education, middle grades integrated curriculum, agriculture for middle and high school, and exceptional student education (K–12). Her background uniquely positions her to lead both Explorer Academy and Agriscience Academy, where hands-on learning and real-world application are central.
Her academic credentials include a Master’s in Educational Leadership (2006) and a Bachelor’s in Education (2005) from the University of West Florida, with specializations in elementary education, ESOL, and exceptional student education. Shawna is also a multiple-time Teacher of the Year award winner, recognized for instructional excellence, student connection, and educational leadership.
At Kids By Design, Shawna will guide students through immersive, project-based learning environments designed specifically for homeschoolers—spaces where students learn with and from one another, not in isolation. In Explorer Academy, students collaborate as they explore cultures outside their own, building empathy, global awareness, and curiosity. In Agriscience Academy, students develop technical and essential life skills and systems-level understanding, learning how we feed, clothe, and fuel ourselves while gaining insight into agriculture as a cornerstone industry in Jackson County.
In addition to leading the academies, Shawna will also offer academic tutoring, homeschool evaluations, and educational consulting services to homeschool families through Kids By Design—providing individualized support and expert guidance tailored to each family’s needs.
Winter Academy Enrollment Now Open
Enrollment is now open for Kids By Design Winter Academies, with registration open through January 11.
This winter, Kids By Design is offering:
Explorer Academy – Welcome to Japan: An immersive cultural experience where students explore Japan through hands-on projects, creative expression, movement, and collaboration.
Agriscience Academy – Field to Future: A hands-on STEM enrichment program focused on agriculture, natural resources, and real-world systems rooted in Jackson County.
Both academies are open to students ages 7–12, with limited spots available for younger learners ages 4–6 (parent or guardian assistance required). Programs are led by a certified Florida teacher and designed specifically for homeschool enrichment.
Florida Step Up Scholarship direct pay is accepted.
Space is limited. Enrollment closes January 11.