Lighthouse Homeschool Co-Op Anchors
Our co-op offers a Christ-centered group learning experience for children in preschool through 5th grade. The program is designed to support families with a joyful cooperative environment, hands-on learning, and community connection.
Overview
Our homeschool co-op is a faith-based, parent-led community designed to support and encourage homeschooling families with children from preschool through 5th grade. Meeting every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, we come together for a full day of learning, friendship, and connection in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Families work cooperatively to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences centered around history, science, and art. Classes are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning while allowing children of different ages to grow together in community. Parents play an active role in leading classes, assisting throughout the day, and helping create a warm and encouraging atmosphere for every family.
More than just classes, our co-op is a place where children build friendships, families find support, and learning is approached with joy, purpose, and a foundation of faith.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, at Lighthouse Homeschool Academy, we strive to be a beacon for homeschooling families — a place of guidance, community, and encouragement where children can grow, families can connect, and faith can shine brightly.
FAQ
Co-Op 4 Year Plan
Science / Social Studies
Fall 2026: Life Science - Anatomy/Physiology/Nutrition wraps up with a student created Science Museum.
Spring 2027: Life Science - Life Cycles/Ecosystems wraps up with a student created Science Fair.
Fall 2027: Physical Science - Matter/Energy wraps up with a student created Science Museum.
Spring 2028: Physical Science - Forces/Electricity wraps up with a student created Science Fair.
Fall 2028: Civics/Government includes a mock election.
Spring 2029: Geography - NC/SC history/map skills/culture wraps up with a student created Culture Fair.
Fall 2029: Earth Science - Geology/Meteorology wraps up with a student created Science Museum.
Spring 2030: Earth Science - Solar System/Oceanography wraps up with a student created Science Fair.
Student skills
Students will learn note taking skills, especially in 4th-6th grade.
History
Fall 2026: Victorian Age / Industrial Revolution / WWI & WWII wraps up with a student created Invention Museum.
Spring 2027: Modern Age wraps up with a student created Historical Landmark Museum.
Fall 2027: Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Bible lands, Tabernacle, Seder meal wraps up with a student created Diorama Museum.
Spring 2028: Ancient Civilizations: Greece/Rome wraps up with a student created Drama.
Fall 2028: Middle Ages, Church History Coat of Arms & Middle Ages wraps up with a student created Final Feast.
Spring 2029: Renaissance & Reformation wraps up with a student created Renaissance Festival.
Fall 2029: Birth of a Nation / Revolutionary War / Colonial wraps up with a student created Wax Museum.
Spring 2030: Westward Expansion / Civil War wraps up with a student created Time Traveler’s Suitcase.
History will offer a literature study of the time period with writing emphasis.
PRINCIPAL and VICE-PRINCIPAL
Principal - Bethany Alvarez
Bethany Alvarez was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Maine, where she developed a lifelong love of learning and community. She spent 17 years teaching preschool and elementary students before transitioning to homeschooling after the birth of her daughter. She holds two master’s degrees in education and is passionate about fostering engaging, high-quality learning environments.
In Florida, Bethany founded a homeschool co-op that continues to thrive today, reflecting her commitment to supporting families in their educational journeys. She currently homeschools her two children - a 14-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son - both of whom also attend Lighthouse Homeschool Academy.
Bethany enjoys horses, reading, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and investing in her local community. She serves as the middle school class leader at Community Bible Study in Wesley Chapel.
She is excited to serve as the Principal of the Lighthouse Homeschool Academy Co-Op and looks forward to building a strong, supportive community for students and families.
Assistant Principal - Shaila Speakman
Shaila Speakman, wife to her best friend of 22 years, and a grateful homeschool mama of three; a 14-year-old son, a 9-year-old daughter, and a 5-year-old daughter, who will all attend Lighthouse Homeschool Academy. Originally hailing from the West Coast, Southern California, with stops in Northern California, the High Desert, Central and South Florida before residing in the Carolinas.
She’s a former school counselor and therapist who has traded in the traditional office for the beautiful, intentional journey of homeschooling. Shaila holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, emphasis in child psychology and a Master’s of Education K-12 School Counseling and Clinical Counseling from private Christian Universities in Southern California.
She is passionate about lifelong learning and loves diving into books, exploring new places, gardening, health, skiing, and spending time in nature. You’ll often find her hiking a trail, planning their next adventure, cheering on her Carolina Panthers, or learning something new- especially languages.
As the Assistant Principal of Lighthouse Homeschool Academy Co-Op, Shaila’s heart is to serve and support families by helping create an environment where both students and parents can thrive. She’s deeply invested in equipping, encouraging, and walking alongside others on this homeschool journey in the best way she can.
Ready to join the co-op?
Log in to your family portal to register a co-op student and accept the required terms and conditions.
Open Family Portal