Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers for families considering The Village School of Sarasota.

Choosing an educational community is a meaningful decision. These answers explain what VCSS is, how students learn, what families are responsible for, and how enrollment works. Questions are welcome here.

  • VCSS is a faith-based homeschool co-op enrichment program designed in the style of a micro-school. Enrolled homeschool families learn together through level-based academics, shared meals and Table Talk, practical skills, rotating workshops, electives, outdoor learning, projects, field experiences, leadership, service, and community events.

  • No. VCSS is a part-time homeschool co-op enrichment program.

    Families retain responsibility for their homeschool education and continue instruction at home to advance grade-level progress and cover subjects that do not fit within the VCSS schedule.

  • For the 2026-2027 school year, the current offering is Kindergarten through 9th grade. Final placement is determined by readiness, program fit, available groupings, and admissions review.

    We anticipate expanding our class offerings to K-12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year, to accommodate families for the entirety of their homeschool journeys.

  • Classes are held Monday through Wednesday.

    The 3 Full-Day Program option is from 9:45 AM-2:45 PM.

    Half-Day Programs meet from 12:45-2:45 PM.

    A Thursday tutoring option may be available.

  • Families may choose 3 Full-Days, 3 Half-Days, or 2 consistent Half-Days.

    Half-Day options do not include Core Academics.

    Review the Program Options page for the current schedule and inclusions.

  • No. Families choosing the 2 Half-Day Program option keep the same two days for the school year because staffing, lesson continuity, materials, and planning depend on consistent enrollment.

    You may chose from classes on Monday/Tuesday, Monday/Wednesday, or Tuesday/Wednesday, depending on the life skills, workshops and/or electives you would like your child to participate in.

  • Parents have flexibility at VCSS.

    You have the option of dropping your student(s) off at the VCSS campus while you work, run-errands, etc.

    or

    We provide a Parent Coffee Lounge at our campus for parents who choose to stay and work or hang-out with like-minded parents for community building while enjoying coffee, tea, snacks and free WiFi.

    Parents are welcome to have lunch with their children outside or volunteer to help with life skills, workshops, electives, and/or special events.

    Parents who wish to stay on campus, must submit a VCSS approved background check prior to remaining after drop-off.

  • Core Academics are level-based, not strictly grade-based. Students are placed where they can grow most effectively and may be at one level for math and another for reading or language arts.

  • Students complete entry assessments prior to starting the school year in core subjects. Teachers also consider parent notes, prior work, observation, readiness, and learning needs.

    Placement can change during the year when rapid progress or additional support indicates a necessary move.

  • Core academics are only included in our 3 Full-Day Program option.

    Full-day students receive morning instruction in Math, Reading, Writing, and Language Arts. These lessons are then integrated later in the afternoon during life skills classes, workshops and/or electives.

    Please see our Program Options and Courses & Curriculum pages for more information.

  • No. Life skills, workshops, and electives rotate by season and year. Offerings depend on student groupings, curriculum plans, staffing, expert availability, materials, weather, and safety.

    Please see our Courses & Curriculum, A Day At The Village, Calendar and Program Options pages for more information.

  • At VCSS we intentionally keep class sizes small for more focused instructional attention on your child. Group sizes may vary by level, program, staffing, and safety requirements.

    Class ratios will not exceed 10:1.

    Kindergarten class ratios will not exceed 8:1.

  • Yes. Parents receive at-home study to reinforce concepts and support continued homeschool progress. The amount may differ by grouping, subject, need, and current learning goals.

    Assignments will not be busy-work or worksheets only. An example of a practical assignment may be: practicing interviewing skills by asking parents thought-provoking questions about their own personal experiences about a topic that the student is currently learning about.

  • VCSS offers a consistent three-day rhythm, faith woven into life-applicable lessons whenever possible, assessments, level-based academics, a coherent and fully integrated hands-on curriculum that builds upon itself as a child progresses throughout the year, Core Academics/life skills/electives all in one program, certified educators and expert instructors, annual learning blocks, Signature Experiences, a defined graduate portrait, leadership progression, entrepreneurship, integrous character building, outdoor learning opportunities, regular movement breaks, holistic and low-toxin learning environment, and a strong community culture, where children learn their identity in Christ, their capability, belong, are seen, heard, and known.

    Please visit out Why The Village Community School of Sarasota?, A Day At The Village, Courses & Curriculum, The Village Apprentice, Signature Experiences, Faith & Formation, Calendar, and Holistic & Low-Toxin Campus pages for more information.

  • The Village Community School of Sarasota incorporates substantial outdoor learning and seeks to use the campus, garden, animals, and natural environment whenever appropriate.

    Students have an assigned indoor classroom where some lessons will be taught, with regular movement breaks.

    Daily plans may change for weather, safety, heat, or instructional needs.

  • Jesus and Biblical truth are foundational to VCSS. Scripture, prayer, identity in Christ, stewardship, character, discipleship, service, purpose, and biblical application are woven throughout academics, projects, relationships, and daily conversations. Faith is not just an additional Bible Study class tacked on the schedule.

    Please see our Faith & Formation page for more information.

  • Share relevant needs honestly during the Application, Introductory Call and Family Interview. VCSS considers each child individually and will discuss whether the current program, staffing, environment, and available resources can serve the student safely and effectively.

  • The Village Community School of Sarasota is a homeschool co-op community that builds each other up, supports one another, prays for one another and shares life together. Family partnership matters at VCSS.

    Current volunteer, event, communication, attendance, and community expectations are stated in the Enrollment Packet and Family Handbook.

  • Yes. The Village Community School of Sarasota is a Direct Pay StepUp Provider.

    VCSS gladly accepts eligible payments from PEP and UA Scholarships through the StepUp Marketplace. Under the Find Providers tab, search “The Village Community School”.

    Eligibility and reimbursement remain subject to StepUp rules.

    Please see our Program Options page for more information on tuition and fees.

  • A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to start the Admissions Process, which is applied toward the $150 Student Supplies Fee.

    A $250 Family Fee annually per family, not student.

    The remaining $50 Student Supplies Fee after acceptance.

    Student Supplies Fee and Family Fee Total $400.

    The required semester deposit. Price is dependent on program option choice.

    Tuition and fee details can be found on our Program Options page.

  • Yes. All interested families complete an Introductory Call and a Family Interview as part of the Admissions Process. The interview helps both the family and VCSS determine fit.

  • No. Applications, calls, interviews, records, placement needs, available space, and program fit are reviewed prior to acceptance.

  • Submit the application and application fee on our APPLY NOW! page. You will need to create an account on the Brightwheel app to complete your forms and payment. T

    he Admissions Team will guide you through the Introductory Call, Enrollment Packet, Family Fee, Family Interview, Acceptance Decision, Semester Deposit, and remaining Student Supplies Fee.