Discover Creation
Students investigate coastal ecosystems and observe God's living creation in authentic environments.
Naples MicroSchools × The Lion's Den Leadership Academy
Beach B.U.M.S. Biblical Understanding of Marine Science
Serious Science. Saltwater Classroom.
A Christ-centered coastal learning program where students explore God's creation through discovery, inquiry, academic excellence, fieldwork, and environmental stewardship.
Done-for-You Homeschool Program
All core subjects and curriculum are provided.
BYOC Available
Bring your own curriculum and we'll support it.
A partnership between
Naples MicroSchools & The Lion's Den Leadership Academy
Naples MicroSchools logo
Lion's Den logo
September through May ·
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Approximately ages 6–17
The Program
Four things every student does here
Beach B.U.M.S. is not a beach day. It is a structured academic program that happens to have the best laboratory in Southwest Florida.
Engage in Inquiry
Students ask questions, collect evidence, record observations, and participate in guided field research.
Build Knowledge
Strong academics are paired with print-based practice, individualized learning, marine science, writing, and research.
Grow in Faith
Biblical integration helps students connect faith, stewardship, responsibility, and scientific discovery.
How families participate
A complete homeschool program—planned for you
Beach B.U.M.S. provides all core academic subjects and curriculum, giving families a structured, done-for-you homeschool option. Students receive guided academic support, print-based practice, marine science instruction, inquiry-based fieldwork, and quarterly progress reports.
Parents remain the heart of their child's homeschool journey. Our Learning Guides come alongside families to provide structure, instructional support, encouragement, and consistent communication.
Done-for-You Program
- All core subjects and curriculum provided
- Structured daily learning plan
- Dedicated Learning Guide support
- Print-based academic practice
- Marine science and field learning
- Quarterly progress reports
- Family communication and support
Choose either — or blend both
BYOC — Bring Your Own Curriculum
- Families may continue using a preferred homeschool curriculum
- Learning Guides support students with BYOC materials
- Students may also participate in the program's in-house curriculum and marine science offerings
- Individualized academic planning is coordinated with the family
These are flexible participation options inside one program—not two separate schools. Many families combine them, and your Discovery Call host will help you decide what fits.
Academic Tracks
Curriculum by cohort
Each cohort pairs core academics with marine science. Select a cohort to see the curriculum used.
Cohort 1
Grades 1–2 · Lower SchoolReading
Reading Eggs with print-based practice
Mathematics
MathSeeds with print-based practice
Phonics
Treasure Hunt Reading
Social Studies and Writing
In-house curriculum
Marine Science
Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures, Second Edition
Cohort 2
Grades 3–5 · Upper SchoolReading
Lexia Core5 with print-based practice
Mathematics
Zearn with print-based practice
Social Studies and Writing
In-house curriculum
Science
Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures, Second Edition
Cohort 3
Grades 6–8 · Middle SchoolReading
Khan Academy or FLVS coursework. FLVS may provide access to high school credit opportunities for eligible accelerated learners.
Mathematics
Khan Academy or FLVS coursework. Accelerated students may access appropriate high school-level coursework when eligible.
Social Studies and Writing
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Science
Apologia's Exploring Creation with Marine Biology
Cohort 4
Grades 9–10 · High SchoolReading and Language Arts
Khan Academy or FLVS coursework
Mathematics
Khan Academy or FLVS coursework
Social Studies and Writing
Institute for Excellence in Writing and appropriate high school coursework
Marine Science Research and Capstone
Students engage in:
- Capstone projects
- Semester-long research projects
- Year-long research projects
- Environmental stewardship
- Innovation
- Research design
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Scientific communication
High school research projects will be overseen or chaired by a biologist with a master's degree or higher.
FLVS may offer credit-bearing coursework depending on student eligibility and enrollment. High school credit is not automatic and is not granted by Beach B.U.M.S.
Pod structure
How students are grouped
Our pods begin as mixed-grade groups and will gradually transition into grade-level cohorts as interest and enrollment grow, allowing students to learn and thrive alongside their peers.
Lower School
Grades 1–2
Upper School
Grades 3–5
Middle School
Grades 6–8
High School
Grades 9–10
Initial grouping depends on location, interest, and enrollment.
A Day at Beach B.U.M.S.
What a program day looks like
Every day runs 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The shape of the day depends on the track your family chooses.
Core academics plus marine science
- Arrival and Prayer
- Discovery Walk
- Individualized Learning Timewith a dedicated Learning Guide
- Lunch and Coastal Exploration
- Marine Science Lab
Academic instruction includes reading, mathematics, writing, social studies, and science based on each student's cohort and learning plan.
Marine science and coastal inquiry
- Arrival and Prayer
- Discovery Walk
- Marine Science Learning
- Lunch and Coastal Exploration
- Marine Science Lab
- Field Learning Experience
Three-Day Immersion
The three-day option follows the two-day academic flow and adds a third full day for deeper fieldwork, enrichment, project development, data collection, and research.
High School Add-On or Research Emphasis
High school learners may participate in guided marine science research and capstone projects focused on environmental stewardship and innovation.
The Setting
The coastal classroom
Our classroom has no walls. Learning happens on the sand and in the shallows, with the ecosystem itself as the lesson.
Beach Tent & Sun ShelterShaded home base for gear, instruction, and breaks.
Flexible SeatingTowels or folding beach chairs — comfortable, movable, ready to learn.
Sandy BackdropA natural, hands-on environment built for discovery.
Ocean ViewEvery session opens onto the water students are studying.
Come Prepared
What to bring daily
Pack a backpack each program day with these essentials. We keep the academic materials on our end.
Refillable Water BottleHydration for a full morning in the sun.
Hearty Lunch & SnackEnough fuel for fieldwork and a full lab.
SunscreenApplied before arrival and reapplied as needed.
TowelFor drying off and for flexible seating.
Print workbooks are kept with Beach B.U.M.S. There is no need to carry academic materials back and forth — we store and manage each student's print-based practice on site.
A uniform top and secure water shoes are also required for water exploration. See the safety section for the full equipment list.
Educational Approach
Six commitments that shape the work
Academic Excellence
Students complete grade-appropriate reading, mathematics, writing, social studies, and science coursework.
Marine Science
Students study marine organisms, coastal ecosystems, conservation, water systems, and environmental relationships.
Inquiry and Fieldwork
- Make observations
- Ask testable questions
- Record findings
- Collect appropriate data
- Use field journals
- Participate in labs
- Analyze evidence
- Communicate conclusions
Biblical Integration
Students consider stewardship, creation, responsibility, service, and faith throughout their studies.
Individualization
Learning Guides support students based on academic readiness, pace, chosen curriculum, and family goals.
Quarterly Progress Reports
Families receive quarterly progress reports documenting academic growth, participation, developing skills, and areas for continued support.
Tuition and Options
Choose your attendance track
Three tracks, one program. Every track includes marine science, coastal inquiry, and Learning Guide support.
One day per week
$4,500per year
- Enrichment-focused participation
- Marine science learning
- Field experiences
- Coastal inquiry
Two days per week
$7,500per year
- Core academics and marine science
- Individualized learning time
- Dedicated Learning Guide
- Quarterly progress reports
Three days per week
$10,500per year
- Everything in the two-day track
- Additional full day of fieldwork
- Enrichment and research time
- Extended projects
Meals. A meal-plan add-on may be available for any track. Families should ask their Discovery Call host for current pricing and availability.
Program offerings, schedules, locations, and pricing are subject to final enrollment, staffing, facility, and program approval.
Safety
Serious science requires thoughtful safety
Beach B.U.M.S. is a marine science and coastal field-learning program, not a recreational swim program.
1:10
On the coast
Maximum ratio of 1 Learning Guide to 10 students.
1:5
In the water
Maximum ratio of 1 adult to 5 students. Additional adults are added when students enter the water so the maximum in-water ratio remains 1:5.
Water activities
- Students may participate in supervised wading and shallow-water exploration
- Water access is based on student height, age, ability, conditions, and staff judgment
- Students must maintain stable footing
- Students are not permitted to enter water requiring swimming
- Students remain inside clearly marked exploration boundaries
- Buoys, ropes, flags, or visible markers identify the permitted exploration zone
- All students remain behind the boundary markers
- Staff may further restrict water access at any time
Water supervision
- At least two adults should be visibly positioned with student groups during in-water activities when enrollment requires it
- Adults are placed in positions that support direct water supervision and boundary monitoring
- Students use assigned buddy groups
- Attendance and headcounts occur before, during, and after activities
Uniform and equipment
- Uniform top required
- Secure water shoes required for water exploration
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun-safe hat recommended
- Sunscreen
- Appropriate field-learning clothing
- Any additional required safety gear communicated before the activity
Personal flotation devices
U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices may be required based on student swimming ability, activity type, environmental conditions, location, or program safety procedures. They are required for activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, docks, or water access beyond routine shallow wading if such activities are offered.
Marine life
Students observe marine organisms respectfully and handle specimens only with direct permission and supervision.
Safety authority
Learning Guides may modify, relocate, postpone, or cancel any activity when environmental conditions, student readiness, marine hazards, staffing, visibility, water quality, or weather create a concern.
Family Partnership
We come alongside homeschool families
Parents remain central to the homeschool journey. Beach B.U.M.S. provides structure, curriculum, Learning Guide support, accountability, progress communication, and hands-on educational experiences while honoring each family's homeschool goals.
- Regular family communication
- Quarterly progress reports
- Individualized support
- Done-for-you curriculum option
- BYOC flexibility
- Discovery Calls
- Orientation before the program begins
- Clear expectations and policies
Leadership
Led by microschool founders who homeschool
Beach B.U.M.S. is led by experienced microschool founders and homeschool parents. Dr. Dee Philippi and Ms. Asia Culbreth understand both the opportunities and responsibilities of homeschooling and are committed to partnering closely with families.
We support families in the home and in the saltwater classroom as students learn, grow, and thrive.
Dr. Dee Philippi
- Experienced microschool founder
- Homeschool parent
- More than 20 years in education
- Ed.D. in Higher Education and Adult Learning
- Founder and leader of Naples MicroSchools
Ms. Asia Culbreth
- Experienced microschool founder
- Homeschool parent
- Education and family-focused leader
- Leader of The Lion's Den Leadership Academy
Locations
Where we meet
Locations may include the communities below. Additional locations may be added based on interest and enrollment, and not every track is available at every location.
FloridaNaplesHome of Naples MicroSchools
FloridaBonita Springs
FloridaFort Myers
FloridaSanibel
Tell us which location works best for your family on the interest form—location interest helps determine where cohorts open.
Apply / Get Started
Your next steps
Three steps, and a real conversation with a person at every stage.
Complete the Family Interest Form
Tell us about your student, your preferred location, your attendance track, and whether you want the done-for-you program or BYOC.
Complete the Interest FormQR code placeholder — add to site settings
Book a one-to-one Discovery Call
Bring your questions about academics, marine science, safety, meals, and fit. We'll walk through the options together.
Book My Discovery CallAttend Orientation
Join us for Orientation Day to meet your Learning Guide, review program expectations, and become familiar with the saltwater classroom.
What the interest form asks
Before you start
- Parent or guardian name
- Phone
- Student name
- Student age
- Current grade
- Desired location
- Desired attendance track
- Done-for-you or BYOC preference
- Current homeschool curriculum
- Academic support needs
- Marine science interests
- High school credit interest
- Research or capstone interest
- Best time to contact
The public interest form does not collect medical details. Health information is handled later through secure enrollment documentation.
Weather
Inclement weather plans provided
Families receive timely plans and updates whenever weather affects programming. Activities may be modified, relocated, postponed, or replaced with an appropriate alternate learning experience.
Advance notice
Updates are provided no later than 6:00 p.m. the day before, though we always strive for the earliest possible notice.
We move indoors
When needed, the pod moves to an indoor location such as a local library, or shifts to a live Zoom session.
Severe weather
Severe weather, such as hurricanes, will be cause for cancellations. Detailed emergency procedures are shared with enrolled families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions families ask
Is Beach B.U.M.S. a full homeschool program?
Yes. The done-for-you option provides core subjects and curriculum. Families may also select BYOC and receive Learning Guide support with their preferred curriculum.
Is this only a marine science enrichment class?
No. The two- and three-day tracks integrate core academics with marine science, coastal fieldwork, inquiry, and faith-based learning. The one-day option is more enrichment-focused.
What should my child bring each day?
A backpack with a refillable water bottle, a hearty lunch and snack, sunscreen, and a towel. A uniform top and secure water shoes are required for water exploration. Print workbooks are kept with Beach B.U.M.S., so there is no need to carry academic materials back and forth.
Does my child need to be a strong swimmer?
The program is not designed as a swim program. Students participate primarily in supervised wading and shallow-water field exploration within marked boundaries. Individual requirements and restrictions will be explained during enrollment.
How are students supervised near the water?
The maximum general coastal ratio is 1:10. The maximum in-water ratio is 1:5, meaning additional adults are added when students enter the water.
How deep may students go?
Students are limited to marked areas where they can maintain stable footing. Depth limits are based on each student's height, age, ability, conditions, and staff judgment.
Are life jackets required?
U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices may be required depending on the student, activity, location, and environmental conditions. Specific requirements will be communicated to enrolled families.
What happens during inclement weather?
Updates are provided no later than 6:00 p.m. the day before, though we always strive for the earliest possible notice. The pod may move to an indoor location such as a local library or shift to a live Zoom session. Severe weather, such as hurricanes, will be cause for cancellations. Detailed weather and emergency procedures are shared with enrolled families.
Will students be grouped by grade?
Our pods begin as mixed-grade groups and will gradually transition into grade-level cohorts as interest and enrollment grow, allowing students to learn and thrive alongside their peers.
Are quarterly reports provided?
Yes. Families receive quarterly academic progress reports.
Can my child use FLVS?
Middle and high school students may use appropriate FLVS coursework. Eligibility, placement, enrollment, and credit are governed by FLVS and applicable program requirements.
Is Beach B.U.M.S. Christian?
Yes. It is a Christ-centered program that integrates faith, stewardship, prayer, and the study of God's creation.
Are meals included?
Meal-plan add-ons may be available. Current pricing and availability will be discussed during the Discovery Call.
Is every track offered at every location?
Not necessarily. Track availability depends on enrollment, staffing, location, and program approval.