Ask a therapist...What are your thoughts on homeschooling? And do you have any local resources for homeschoolers in Los Angeles?
- Kim Gibson, MS, ATR, LPCC
- Dec 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Ask a therapist…what’s your thoughts on homeschooling? And do you have any local homeschooling resources to share?
Recently, I had a parent reach out to inquire if I had availability to see their teen. They shared that they hoped that I was “OK” with homeschooling because they had other professionals who questioned their decision. It’s hard to believe that some clinicians (& doctors) still question homeschooling but unfortunately some that still do. Openly. Some worry homeschooling won't be as academically challenging as a brick and mortar school or fear it will increase anxiety or contribute to social awkwardness. None of these are a given. Many professionals are simply unaware of how many social opportunities there are for homeschoolers and they also aren’t fully aware of how traumatizing school can be for some kids who are neurodivergent, gender fluid or navigating a chronic medical condition.
Fortunately, a quality education & socialization does not have to take place at a brick and mortar school. Learning and making friends can take place anywhere. And most importantly, professionals really should trust that families know what is best for their child or they should become curious and ask questions to gain a better understanding of what a family really needs.
So in an effort to support homeschoolers in my practice & in my community, here are a list of resources in the West LA/South Bay area of Los Angeles.
Learning Centers- Learning Centers are places where homeschoolers might come all day for classes and activities or they might just take one or two classes a week. There are quite a few learning centers in Los Angeles, so definitely google Learning Centers and your neighborhood.
Realm Academy In Santa Monica. Kids come for one class or stay the whole day. Offers over 120 classes. Serves ages 5-15, and is expanding. They are working on creating a High School. Courses are listed on their website. I toured Realm a few years ago and really enjoyed talking with the director. A very warm and welcoming place and definitely neurodiversity affirming.
Creative Learning Place Currently, offers in person classes in Culver City on Mondays and Wednesdays and virtual on Friday. Has been around since 2009 and serves students from 5-18. Courses are listed on their website.
Asteme Academy - From their website, “At ASTEME, we have reimagined the traditional education system, giving families and students the flexibility to create their own custom schedules. Choose from over 60 different elective classes and full-time or part-time (1 day – 5 days) options.”
Angles Workshop School From their website: Angeles Workshop School is a revolutionary Private School for grades 6-12 located in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West Los Angeles. We practice a student-led, application-based curriculum where learning is rooted in creative, authentic interaction with our diverse community.
Davinci Hybrid Program- From their website- Da Vinci Connect High is a hybrid independent study, dual enrollment public school in El Segundo, CA that combines in-person and remote learning with two days per week of on-campus learning. Students take college classes beginning in 9th grade with our dual enrollment partner ASU. After completing their high school coursework, students have the option to work toward an AA or Bachelor's degree with Rivet School.
New West Connect - hybrid in person and at home- high school program. A LAUSD charter. From their website: “Our students attend each one of their classes once-a-week for (usually 2-3 days on campus) but are free to choose when they do their school work before attending their next class.”
The Loft Creative Academy - El Segundo
Waterfront Education- science and sailing classes in Marina Del Rey and Redondo Beach for homeschoolers.
Citizens of the World Pathways Program (https://cwclosangeles.org/cwcpathways/) A middle school charter, located in West Los Angeles, is offering a new hybrid in person/homeschool program for 6-8th graders. Starting in 2026/27 school year, students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips, sports & clubs while having a flexible schedule.
Homeschool Gym Classes & Sports
ECF Kids Has a location in Culver City and has hosted classes at local parks for homeschool kids too.
EMH Sports Offers homeschool gym classes at local parks, including Culver City, and also offers 1:1 coaching sessions and/or family workout sessions.
Breakthrough Sports Offers homeschool gym classes at local parks. Closest one to the westside is Redondo Beach.
Flag Football for girls and boys ages 6-14 (NFL Flag West LA) meets in Culver City
A lot of homeschool kids join sport teams through their local communities. For example, our local YMCA offers basketball leagues. There are also volleyball clubs, fencing programs, rock climbing teams & baseball teams that are not affiliated with a specific school. Homeschoolers can pretty much find a way to compete in any sport or activity that they are interested in.
Surf Classes/Competitions for Homeschoolers
Little Surf Company- Huntington Beach. Is a vendor for several charter schools.
Perfect Day Surf- In Jan 2025, they sent an email stating they offer homeschool surf club on Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30 AM. I don’t see it listed on their website, so reach out to them for more info. They also have camps, private lessons and a Moms Surf Club. Redondo Beach and Santa Monica.
Scholastic Surf Series SoCal’s only school-based surf league — and homeschoolers are welcome! SSS will help homeschoolers get placed on a team based on district boundaries. The season runs from October to March.
Homeschool Art Classes or Art Experiences
(There are a lot of music, art and drama classes out there. Many will offer during the day classes for homeschoolers and take charter funds. These opportunities are usually posted in local homeschooling Facebook groups. Please email me if you would like to get a list of local FB groups for homeschooling families).
Homeschooling Nature Programs
LA Nature Kids
Homeschool Cooking Classes
From Scratch Bakers (Redondo Beach)
Online Classes
Coral Academy https://www.coralacademy.com/
Museums
LA’s Science Center Homeschool Days link
Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific link for Homeschool Days
La Brea Tar Pits link to their homeschool days
Descano Gardens also offers homeschool days.
Forging Classes
Adam's Forge- Simi Valley, CA Forging the Future. Learn blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and other metal arts in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re completely new or looking to build advanced skills, we offer classes for every level.
Falconry Experiences
Talon & Flight- Ojai Valley. Hands on Falconry experiences, Owl experiences & Hawk walks
Comments