Like many teachers, Jackie Veloce is a devoted educator who began her career right out of college, teaching within the public-school systems in New Jersey starting in 2000 and later in Florida. While in New Jersey, she earned two master’s degrees with the intention of eventually pursuing a career in school administration.
When COVID upended the education system, however, she experienced frustration with an institutional framework challenged to meet the diversity of learners. The struggle of public schools to meet these individualized needs became starkly apparent amid the stressors of parents juggling remote work and remote school life. She resigned from teaching in 2021.
Despite her plans to leave education behind, she was prompted by local parents to tutor their children who were continuing to struggle with the new “hybrid” learning environment. What began as a tutoring venture driving to students' homes ultimately evolved into a dedicated tutoring center.
Today, her business—Academic Oasis—stands as a premier "supplemental learning academy." While still providing afternoon tutoring from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., the academy is rapidly growing as a true sanctuary from traditional schooling. Following a significant move in July to a larger facility at 595 N. Nova Rd. in Ormond Beach, the space now accommodates 74 enrolled academy students compared to last year’s 28. This expansion also means the academy will now welcome seventh and eighth graders, alongside the introduction of vibrant after-school enrichment clubs such as dance, 3D printing, and robotics.
“We heard from many interested parents that it was difficult for working parents to make our 10am-2:30pm program work,” says Veloce. “Starting this month we’re offering early drop-off and extended day options. We’ve also been organizing optional Friday field trips for families who want to connect with other homeschooled families socially.” These curated excursions include visits to the Marine Science Center, Pioneer Village, Ormond Lanes, pontoon boat tours by the Florida Water Warriors, and even family painting nights led by the academy’s art teacher.
One of her specialties is collaborating with homeschooling families to provide rich educational outlets beyond the kitchen table. “In Florida, parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children,” says Veloce. “Our supplemental model provides the four core subjects plus art in what we call a ‘precision learning’ approach that is individualized and skill-based rather than age-based grade-level instruction. We don’t ‘teach to the test’ because we believe this can damage students’ self-esteem. We do begin with a diagnostic assessment and then simply track this data to ensure growth. Many of our students grow more than two grade levels in a single year despite attending fewer hours than traditional school. We also have teachers who are talented at creating customized labs and lessons for the specific students in front of them. We limit our classrooms to about 10 students per teacher to allow for this precision learning.”
Florida is unique as one of only five states with highly accessible government scholarship organizations (SGOs), allowing funding to seamlessly follow a family to their chosen educational setting. Academic Oasis is an approved location where parents can utilize their SGO awards to pay for elite services through Florida’s renowned “Step Up for Students” scholarship program.
Families are encouraged to arrange a one-on-one tour to explore the new facilities and offerings. As long as space remains available, Academic Oasis will help make an immediate, seamless transition possible—paving the way for students to discover their true academic potential in an environment designed entirely for their continuous personal growth.