For many homeschool families in Volusia County, finding a learning environment that supports both parent and child can feel like a missing piece. That’s what inspired Jaclyn Veloce to create Academic Oasis—a supplemental learning academy for K–6 students rooted in hands-on, project-based instruction that enriches the homeschool journey.
“We’re not a school. We’re a supplemental learning academy,” Jaclyn says. “Parents are the primary educators; we’re here to support their vision, not replace it.”
After more than two decades in the public school system, Jaclyn began tutoring students one-on-one. She envisioned a small, flexible center—but the families she worked with had bigger ideas. “They basically convinced me to do what I’m doing,” she says.
The result is a space shaped by parent feedback. “Everything in my calendar—they created that,” Jaclyn explains. The daily rhythm reflects what homeschool families asked for: a fresh, creative setting where their children could thrive beyond the kitchen table.
At Academic Oasis, students incubate chicks, build butterfly gardens, and explore through tactile lessons. From pine cone turkeys to seasonal crafts, the curriculum brings back meaningful traditions in ways that resonate today. At the same time, Jaclyn incorporates modern tools like IXL, which provides students with real-time insight into their progress and struggles. “We individualize for each student,” she says.
Every family begins with a one-on-one consultation. Jaclyn meets with parents to understand their child’s history, needs, and learning style before pairing them with the right tutor. “I sit down and talk to parents, ask them what’s going on, and then explain how I can help,” she says.
The curriculum follows project-based learning and clear rubrics instead of textbooks or high-stakes tests. It’s designed for students who don’t fit the mold. “Even though he was a fourth grader, he was doing nothing on a fourth grade level,” she says of one student. “We meet the child where they’re at.”
That’s what draws so many families in: a model that prioritizes the child, not the system. “We’ve never changed the model of public school in over 100 years,” Jaclyn says. “Obviously it’s time for a change.”
This winter, Academic Oasis will open a new facility with a virtual reality-powered classroom, offering immersive lessons guided by live teachers. Students will learn on Mars, under the Eiffel Tower, and beyond—proving what’s possible when a child is truly seen, supported, and allowed to shine.