Our mission
Ohana Institute nurtures each student's unique potential by creating a caring, creative, and student-centered environment. Using innovative technology, we offer a blended, experiential education that supports social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.
Our vision
To transform education by guiding students along personalized learning paths where they can discover their passions and reach their full potential in a supportive and inspiring environment.
At Ohana Institute, we believe that every student deserves an education tailored to their unique strengths, passions, and potential. From kindergarten through 12th grade, our mission is to foster a supportive, engaging, and individualized learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.Lettye Burgtorf, Founder and Executive Director
Ohana means family
The word is Hawaiian, and we chose it on purpose. Our teachers know every student personally, which is what makes personalized attention possible rather than a promise on a brochure. Class sizes typically run between twelve and fifteen students, so a child who is ready for more gets more, and a child who needs a different route to the same destination gets that too. The school operates on a flexible calendar that emphasizes project-based learning and combines theoretical and real-world experiences through an engaging and broad array of subjects.
Learning that looks like real work
Beyond the core classes, Ohana students take part in enrichment and problem-based learning days. These hands-on experiences, from biology labs and essay workshops to film studies, music, sports management, and foreign language projects, let students explore their passions while building critical thinking, creativity, and leadership.
Academics and standardized testing
From kindergarten through 12th grade, our curriculum blends rigorous core classes with immersive, real-world projects to ensure every student graduates ready for their next chapter. Standardized testing is one of many tools we use to guide instruction and student growth:
- Grades K to 7: students take the Iowa Assessment each February. These low-pressure assessments help teachers find learning gaps and improve instruction while giving students early experience with test-taking.
- Grades 8 and 9: students begin taking the PSAT to prepare for college readiness.
- Grades 10 and 11: students take the PSAT/NMSQT, which also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- High school: every student receives targeted SAT and ACT preparation through Kaplan resources and dedicated courses.
Our campus
Our freestanding, two-story school in 30Avenue holds roughly 20,000 square feet of purpose-built learning space, with a professional recording studio, a STEM lab, flight simulators, art and science rooms, and classrooms designed to feel more like a living room than a lecture hall. We've also grown into additional spaces around the community as the school has grown. The address is 12805 US-98, Suite J100, Inlet Beach, FL 32461, a short drive from Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Alys Beach, and the rest of 30A.
The school calendar
Ohana follows a balanced-year, modified calendar. School begins in early August and concludes in late May or early June, with five extended breaks for rest, travel, and enrichment: a fall break in October, Thanksgiving in November, a Christmas and New Year's break from mid-December into early January, a winter break in February, and a two-week spring break in late March and early April. The rhythm gives students consistent learning while making sure families have time to recharge throughout the year.
Athletics, clubs, and activities
Ohana does not field organized sports teams. Students who want to compete play with local public school programs, and every one of our core courses is NCAA-approved for student-athletes aspiring to play at the collegiate level. After-school clubs include golf, basketball, volleyball, Girls on the Run, theater, art, culinary, film club, after-school band, National Honor Society, student government, Medical Skills Club, robotics, Spanish Club, Lego Club, and service clubs like beach clean-up. Student-led clubs and new ideas are always encouraged.
Why Ohana
At Ohana Institute, education goes beyond textbooks and tests. Our goal is to nurture confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the challenges of the modern world. By combining rigorous academics, hands-on experiences, and meaningful personal connections, we prepare our students not only for college and career but for a lifetime of learning and leadership.
Ohana believed in me before I believed in myself. With the support of my teachers and the encouragement to find my voice, I discovered a passion that shaped my future. Now I get to give back to the place that gave me so much, teaching by day and performing on weekends as a vocalist.Lindsey Matthews, Ohana alumna, teacher, and vocalist
A letter from our founder
Meet the faculty and staff
How admissions works