Dear Ohana Institute family,
Since founding Ohana Institute in 2011, our mission has stayed rooted in a deep commitment to educate students in innovative and meaningful ways, empowering each child to discover their passion, build confidence, and thrive.
We are proud of the impact we've made over the years and of the vibrant community we've created together. Our freestanding, two-story school in 30Avenue, approximately 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space, serves as a daily reminder of what is possible when vision, dedication, and support come together. In addition to our main building, we've expanded into additional spaces throughout the community as our programs have grown.
Ohana Institute has always been inspired by our surrounding community, and we believe real learning is enriched through connection. Over the years, our students have engaged with a wide range of local businesses and organizations, from Amavida Coffee's entrepreneurship program to Food For Thought, Hurricane Michael relief efforts, and the Muscogee Nation's land transformation initiative. Our Rock on the Road program has taken student musicians across the country to use music as a way of giving back.
As we look ahead, we are thrilled about our strategic partnership with Kaplan, a global leader in education. This collaboration opens up a wide range of academic and college-preparatory resources for our students, including nationally recognized SAT and ACT test preparation, Advanced Placement courses, and comprehensive career-readiness tools.
In addition, Kaplan brings a renewed focus on STEAM education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, particularly at the high school level. Through expanded opportunities in aeronautics, robotics, and partnerships like Space Florida, students can expect cutting-edge programming that inspires innovation, exploration, and real-world application of skills. We are excited about what's ahead.
While Ohana Institute is no longer structured as a 501(c)(3) organization, those who wish to support our unique programs and student opportunities can still do so through the Ohana Institute Foundation. Donations made to the Foundation directly contribute to the continued development of dynamic learning environments and life-changing experiences for our students.
We remain passionately committed to providing an education that is individualized, creative, and future-focused, where students learn organically, grow authentically, and feel supported every step of the way.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for believing in the power of education to transform lives.
With gratitude,
Lettye Burgtorf
Founder and Executive Director, Ohana Institute
I believe in a caring, creative environment that delivers an experiential, student-centered, and blended education.
How Ohana started
Ohana began as a homeschool program Lettye built for her own children, one of whom did not thrive sitting still in a traditional classroom. Growing up in Spain and Puerto Rico gave her a deep appreciation for different cultures and approaches to learning, and that international upbringing shaped the multi-sensory, project-based program the school still runs today. Jonathan Mitchell moved from Atlanta in 2011 to become the school's first teacher and founded its band program, which grew into Rock on the Road in 2015. What started as a private experiment in love became a school, and the school became a community.