Giggle Magazine-Gainesville December/January 2026

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ART

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EDITORIAL

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Irving

Aníbal Rodríguez

Shane Irving April Tisher

Alexandra Burns, Reagan Poland

Meghan Shepp

Alexandra Burns, Nicole Irving, Lindsey Johnson, Crystal Ladwig, Katie Osterhout, Cole Purvis, April Tisher, Tracy Wright

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holiday celebrations with a twist

It’s finally happening. Something I have been dreading for years, but I knew it was coming. This will be the first holiday that our entire family, our core five, will not be all together for Christmas. I knew it was inevitable. What parent doesn’t know this is coming, but the fact that it is here already and we won’t all be together Christmas morning is a bit much for this momma who is holding on tight!

So, why aren’t I putting my foot down, having a tantrum, demanding full family participation and “making” him attend our family vacation to ski and visit his younger cousins with the rest of us? Oh, don’t worry, I did that already. And, I quickly had to realize that wasn’t getting me anywhere, just more frustrated and upset. After a few conversations with him and his dad, I realized that, as much as I was taking it personally and an viewing it as an attack on my holiday traditions, and seeing it as him just exerting his solid independence, at the expense of my holiday happiness… it wasn’t that at all.

In fact, it is quite the opposite. He is acting as a responsible adult, who has a job and a big

work project that requires his attention and participation over the holiday break. Asking off or me demanding for him to take off, would put his project and his co-workers at a disadvantage and more stress on him than need be. So, as the saying goes, this momma has to “suck it up buttercup” and realize that as the kids are getting older and have their own responsibilities, things will change, and I will have to lean into the changes more than fight them.

But leaning into changes and our new reality with older children does not mean we throw all traditions and holiday expectations out the window. Traditions can be “updated,” schedules can be tweaked and celebrations can happen on a different date, with the same intention and execution. We have scheduled opening presents under the tree for the weekend before the rest of us leave, complete with a full holiday feast. Christmas decorations will go up earlier and stay up while he is home to enjoy them, and we will all gather around to FaceTime Christmas morning to wish each other good tidings and share love and joy. This is the hardest part of parenting, knowing that change is inevitable

and learning how to embrace it, rather than mourn the past. It won’t be easy, but I will choose to see the glitter of a new holiday season as best I can, as I know this is only the beginning of all of my children spreading their wings.

So, whether you are navigating a new season of holiday traditions with older children or still in the thick of all the holiday hustle and bustle with littles, know that every moment is worth celebrating… and celebrate you shall!! Happy Holidays!

dec ● jan 2026

66 EXPECTING

Expecting More Than Santa’s Arrival: Announcing Your Pregnancy with a Holiday Twist

69 INFANT

Traveling with a Newborn: Tips and Guidelines

70 TODDLER

Create Holiday Enchantment with Your Toddler!

73 EARLY YEARS

WHY? How this Question Can Help Fuel Our Preschoolers’ Minds

74 KIDS

Homework Without Tears: Getting Through the Grind While Saving Your Sanity

76 TWEENS

The Friendship Game: Honoring the Old While Making New

78 TEENS

College Accommodations: What Parents Need to Know

How Do You Say Hello?

20 Where Hope Meets Healing: One Family's Resilience Through Leukemia

Brittany Lee, a Gainesville mother of two, knew something was wrong when her usually energetic 5-year-old daughter, Emily, became so exhausted that she could barely get through the day. What Brittany didn’t expect was a leukemia diagnosis, which would take the family on an ongoing journey through doctor’s appointments, inpatient hospital stays, chemotherapy and blood transfusions — all while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for themselves and their children.

forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Wreath

BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

Celebrate Christmas morning or indulge in a Christmas Eve midnight snack with a cinnamon roll wreath! Consisting of a whipped brown butter and cinnamon sugar filling and topped with vanilla cream frosting, fresh raspberries and mint leaves, this edible centerpiece is the perfect combination of classic holiday sweetness and elegance.

Whether you are hoping to dazzle family members on Christmas morning or thank holiday hosts with a festive treat, the Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Wreath will be sure to leave a lasting impression.

This easy-to-serve recipe elevates a classic and simple holiday breakfast into a sophisticated and Instagram-worthy dessert. Presentation and a little added creativity can transform almost any dish!

Dough

• 1 box Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix

• 1 cup hot water

• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted

• 1 egg, whisked

• 1 /2 cup flour

• 4 tablespoons sugar

Filling

• 1 /3 cup melted and cooled brown butter (made from browning salted butter)

• 1 1 /4 cup light brown sugar

• 2 1 /2 tbsp cinnamon

• 1 /8 tsp nutmeg

• 2 tsp vanilla extra

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 1 /2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp salted butter, room temperature

• 1 /2 cup heavy whipping cream

Toppings

• 6-ounce package of raspberries

• 0.5-ounce package of mint leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease two cookie sheets.

2. Combine the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix and yeast with the hot water, melted butter, whisked egg and sugar.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and use your hands to knead the flour into the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes. If the dough is sticking too much to your hands, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

4. Fold the dough into a ball, place it in a floured bowl with a towel on top and leave it to rise in a warm area for 30 minutes.

5. While the dough is rising, begin your filling. Combine the brown butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract in a bowl. Ensure the butter has cooled or it will not allow the filling to whip.

6. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whip with an electric mixer on high speed for about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the crushed walnuts.

7. To create the frosting, use an electric mixer on high speed to combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, butter and heavy whipping cream. Whip until the frosting has a thick consistency and forms stiff peaks.

8. After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle with a width of about 1 cm. Slather the filling evenly on the dough, leaving about a half inch of space between the edges.

9. Start from the longest side of the rectangle and begin to tightly fold the roll toward the opposite end, pinching as you go.

10. Using unflavored and unwaxed dental floss, cut the rolls to approximately 1 1 /4 inches in width.

11. Place six rolls on each cookie sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden.

12. After the cinnamon rolls have cooled, arrange them in a wreath-like circle on a large platter.

13. Using a piping bag, drizzle the frosting back and forth over the rolls.

14. Wash and dry the mint leaves and raspberries. Now is the time to allow your creativity to flow! Place the leaves across the cinnamon roll wreath and add one raspberry on top of each leaf or leaves.

Molluscum Contagiosum: What Every

Parent Should Know About the Highly Contagious Skin Infection

BY ALEXANDRA BURNS

As we enter the winter season of sharing jackets and cuddling together under movie night blankets, skin infections can quickly spread among your little ones, possibly more easily than you might have expected.

Molluscum contagiosum is one to watch out for, as it is a highly contagious skin infection that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and primarily affects children. Cases of the viral infection were also reported to be increasing in prevalence, according to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Knowing what to look out for and understanding the proper precautions can prevent you and your children from taking multiple trips to the dermatology office this holiday season.

What is Molluscum and How Can It Spread?

Molluscum contagiosum, commonly known as molluscum, is a viral skin infection that leads to small pink, white or skin-colored pimple-like bumps, lesions or warts on the skin. The bumps, which can accumulate in clusters when spread and are usually painless, can excrete fluid or become sore, swollen or itchy if irritated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The infection is most common in children ages 1 to 12, as reported in an article from The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, primarily due to their higher likelihood of touching objects and interacting with peers more frequently.

Adults can also contract molluscum, though it is less common because they often have developed some form of immunity prior to exposure, according to Dr. Michael Lavery, Dr. Anita Arthur, Dr. Jacob Nosewicz and Dr. Akshitha Thatiparthi from the UF Department of Dermatology.

Direct skin-to-skin contact, including casual contact between children during play, can spread the virus, according to the UF Dermatology doctors. Personal items and objects, such as towels, washcloths, clothing, toys, razors, shared sports gear and gym mats, that an infected individual has contaminated can also lead to infection if shared. The UF Dermatology doctors described how the virus can also be passed to other parts of the body by scratching the lesions and can be spread in adults through sexual contact.

The molluscum lesions do not need to be open in order for the virus to spread, the doctors said.

“Molluscum can spread even when lesions are intact because viral particles are present within the central core of lesions, and any contact that disrupts a lesion can lead to release of viral material,” they wrote.

How is Molluscum Treated?

Molluscum typically resolves on its own within one to two years, although it often clears sooner, according to the UF Dermatology doctors. Treatment is not mandatory and will not affect a child’s longterm health if left untreated, they said.

A pediatrician or dermatologist can diagnose the infection, often based on its appearance. A dermatologist may scrape part of the infected skin off and examine it under a microscope, as noted in an article from the American Academy of Dermatology.

To prevent discomfort from the virus, speed recovery or stop transmission to various parts of the body or to others, a dermatologist may recommend a particular form of treatment to remove the infection.

According to AAD, the primary purpose of treatment is to remove the molluscum bumps without causing damage to the skin. This is often done through Cantharidin, an extract from the blister beetle, which can be used on children 2 years of age or older. The juice is placed on the bumps, forming a water blister on each bump within 24 to 48 hours. The bumps and blisters will then heal and disappear, usually in about two weeks, as reported in the article.

The blisters may cause pain, according to a Cantharidin treatment sheet from the Siperstein Dermatology Group; however, it is expected to subside over the next one to two days.

An infected individual may require repeated treatments, as new bumps can appear while others are healing, according to an article from Healthline.

How Can Transmission or Infection Be Prevented?

When changing your children’s diapers or clothing, remain vigilant for any changes to the skin, including pimple-like bumps. For parents with older children, alert them to notify you of any unusual bumps or lumps they may notice.

According to the UF Dermatology doctors, preventative measures to reduce the risk of transmission or exposure include:

• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, clothing and other personal items

• If infected, cover the lesions with band-aids or clothing when possible, especially during close-contact play or sports

• Consistently wash hands and keep nails trimmed to reduce scratching

• Avoid shared baths with siblings

Though it might be slightly more time consuming, packing extra clothing, jackets, blankets or towels for your child before they arrive at school, attend sports practice or sleep over at a friend’s house could make all the difference in you and your family’s health.

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Call 352-332-7873 (PURE) to schedule your Wellness Consultation. We can’t wait to Renew Beautiful You®.

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Where Hope Meets Healing: One Family's Resilience Through Leukemia

BY ALEXANDRA BURNS PHOTOS BY SWEET SERENDIPITY PHOTOGRAPHY

During what was usually one of her favorite activities of the week – T-ball practice – Emily sat sluggishly on the metal bleachers and told her mother, Brittany Lee, that she was “too tired” to play.

During the two-minute walk back to the car, she dragged her feet and begged to be carried. By then, Brittany realized her typically full-of-life 5-year-old was battling something far more serious than a little sleepiness or the flu.

“She never really recovered from that,” she said.

Brittany's unwavering intuition, followed by a series of blood tests and doctor visits, ultimately led the family to the UF Health Shands Pediatric Emergency Room. Within 30 minutes of arriving, a doctor told Brittany and her husband, Ryan Brown, that there was a 99.99% chance their daughter had leukemia.

Another doctor said, “If I were a betting person, I would bet my next two paychecks that it’s leukemia.”

Emily was assigned a room one hour later and hooked up to an IV to receive blood and plasma transfusions. By the next morning, she underwent her first bone marrow biopsy and began chemotherapy, the first step in an ongoing stretch of months of inpatient hospital stays, transfusions, doctor visits and social distancing.

The unexpected afternoon cold has settled over the field near Southwest Archer Road, where we’ve gathered to take photos. Dressed in diamond stud earrings and a tweed pink dress, dotted in golden sparkles and a miniature bow on the side, Emily grips a squishmallow in one fist and her chirping black and yellow cardinal “Tweet Tweet” in the other.

“Look, Tweet Tweet is kissing me,” she shouts as the overhead trees cast their reflection onto a picnic table.

At exactly 5 and three-quarters years old, she carries herself with the demeanor of someone far older – confident, selfassured and full of opinions and requests.

Her once shoulder-length, dirty blonde hair has shrunk into small tufts sprouting from her scalp, a side effect of her chemotherapy. Brittany attempts to comb Emily’s hair down to one side, yet it's relentless in its mission to stand straight up.

It’s hardly apparent that about seven months ago, Emily was unable to muster the energy to rise from bed in the morning and preferred silence over watching television. For five days in early spring of 2025, she faded in and out of intense moments of lethargy, causing Brittany to assume that she had simply caught the flu or a bug from classmates.

“She just [had a] complete lack of energy that it was very clear that there was something else going on,” Brittany said.

The pair decided to visit an urgent care, where a doctor performed a strep test that returned negative. Brittany texted her friend and Emily’s primary pediatrician, Dr. Mary Grooms, who said that if she wasn’t feeling better in the next day or two, she should come into the office. The following day, Emily’s fatigue had not improved, and the series of swabs at her primary care facility continued to confirm negative results for common illnesses like the flu.

Dr. Grooms alerted Brittany to follow up with another appointment if the symptoms recurred. Two weeks later, Emily became lethargic again, leading to repeated tests and a similar assumption that it was a viral infection, yet a warning that she would require a blood test if it happened again.

When it returned for the third time, Dr. Grooms ordered a blood panel and called Brittany, who had traveled 40 minutes away for a work conference, the next day.

“Where’s Emily?” Dr. Grooms immediately asked.

Brittany explained that she had left Emily at home with her grandfather because she was too sick to attend school that day.

“Tell him to meet you at Shands’ [Hospital] with Emily,” she said. “This cannot wait.”

“Normal is never something I thought I would strive for as a parent because you want your kids to have the best childhood.”

- BRITTANY LEE

it was leukemia. Friday: lumbar punctures, a bone marrow biopsy and the first day of chemotherapy. Several days later in May, formal confirmation from the biopsy arrived, officially diagnosing Emily with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

“I never for a second considered it was going to be something as serious as leukemia,” Brittany said.

B-ALL is a rare blood cancer that affects the development of the white blood cells known as B lymphocytes, which form inside bone marrow and help the body fight off infections. When they become abnormal due to cancer, these cells can spill from the bone marrow into the blood, quickly spreading throughout the body, according to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Emily’s form of leukemia progresses extremely quickly and leads to the sudden onset of severe symptoms, such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, joint and abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or excessive bruising or bleeding, the foundation wrote.

The five-year survival rate for children with B-ALL is above 90%, and 85% of children with the illness remain cancer-free after five years, according to the foundation. But the process of removing the cancer includes harsh and uncomfortable treatment, including chemotherapy and medications, for typically two to three years.

“It was very rough,” are the only words Brittany could use to describe the emotional rush of the initial two-day hospital ordeal. Thursday: a race to the emergency room, blood transfusions and numerous doctors confidently expressing their conviction that

Emily’s treatment is divided into blocks, each with its own schedule and location. Her current block consists of an inpatient stay at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital from Monday to Sunday morning, yet the exact dates can vary, every other week, where she receives chemotherapy and blood tests.

The previous block allowed Emily to wear a backpack with a pump connected to her port, offering chemotherapy 24 hours a day

for 28 days straight. Emily can sleep in and shower in the backpack, which she has never complained about, Brittany said.

Next month, Brittany believes Emily will return to another block of treatment with the backpack pump, although she admitted that she hasn’t read beyond their current block on the information sheet. Treatment is expected to end on Aug. 19, 2027.

Since Emily spends a majority of her time in and out of the hospital, and due to her suppressed immune system, she is unable to attend kindergarten in person at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy. Instead, her teachers have saved a seat for her at Table Two and placed a teddy bear labeled with her name to hold her spot in the classroom.

Emily Zooms into class and can stay up-todate with most of the lessons, Brittany said, interacting with her classmates through an iPad that the teacher occasionally turns around to show students. The virtual classes have helped maintain a sense of normalcy in Emily’s otherwise hectic and unusual routine.

“Normal is never something I thought I would strive for as a parent because you want your kids to have the best childhood,” Brittany said. “You want them to excel in everything, you want everything to be better than normal. But we are definitely in our striving for normal phase.”

The Child Life Specialists at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital have also become an essential resource in helping Emily understand her diagnosis and stay connected with others, Brittany said, even if her life has become one of white coats and hospital floors.

When Emily first arrived atUF Health Shands Pediatric Emergency Room, she was immediately greeted by a staff member

from its Child Life Program. The program provides certified professionals to work with children and families, easing the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization, according to UF Health’s website.

Brittany described UF’s Child Life Specialists as a lifeline, partially due to their ability to introduce Emily to her diagnosis and each step of her treatment in a language that isn’t intimidating, confusing or scary.

“I didn't really have to do much of the heavy lifting there because from the very beginning, there was always someone from Child Life there,” she said.

When Emily first received her port access, a Child Life Specialist entered the room to explain what the port would look like. Before losing a significant amount of hair from chemotherapy, one of her specialists, Katie, gifted her Samantha: a hairless American Girl doll dressed in a white coat and scrubs and fitted with a sewn-in port.

Specialists, volunteers and interns from the program visit Emily throughout the day during her inpatient hospital stays to play board games, craft, discuss future treatment steps and listen to her list of never-ending dad jokes. If she has to attend an infusion center for the day to receive medicine, her two assigned specialists, Katie and Maddie, stop by for the day.

Emily’s passion for her specialists is difficult to miss – her face immediately lights up at the mention of Ms. Katie or Ms. Maddie, a giggle escaping her mouth between bites of McDonald’s chicken nuggets.

Katie Walker, a Certified Child Life Specialist with UF Health, described the program as an opportunity to promote overall well-being and coping mechanisms for the entire family, according to a Facebook video published by UF Health.

“The hospital can be a scary and overwhelming place, and Child Life plays an important role in promoting psychosocial well-being both for our patients and their siblings and their families,” Walker said in the video.

The program has also offered a sense of respite for the busy couple. Brittany, who serves as the vice president of Gainesville’s Florida Blue Farms, Inc., and Ryan, a P.E. teacher at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, have had to juggle their careers and raise their 8-year-old son, Jeb, while keeping up with Emily’s medical schedule.

“I think this is just a secondary effect, but they [Child Life] allow her the opportunity to be a kid and laugh and have a good time in a hospital setting,” Brittany said. “As her parent, it’s comforting. It’s helpful for me to be able to see her enjoying herself.”

“Balancing our daughter's fight with leukemia and keeping life steady for our son has been the most important work of my life.”

- RYAN BROWN

When asked how she’s doing, Brittany stared off and sighed, unable to offer an answer.

“I don't know,” she said. “I don't know that I've taken lots of time to reflect. I think we'll do that when we're done. I think now we're just like, ‘Let’s get it done. Let's take care of it.’ And then in August 2027, we'll have a couple [of] minutes.”

In the meantime, Brittany said she and her husband have worked to divide and conquer their parental duties in an effort to offer both children as many opportunities as possible.

One of their biggest goals is that Jeb doesn't miss out on his own childhood, Brittany said. Ryan has taken on much of that responsibility, focusing on taking Jeb to all of his sports, camps and academic activities.

“Balancing our daughter’s fight with leukemia and keeping life steady for our son has been the most important work of

my life,” Ryan said. “Our son keeps me grounded in the everyday moments that still make us a family.”

Jeb appears to hold a special place in Emily’s heart – his loud, boyish mischief softens when Emily tightly wraps her arms around him, her shoulders slightly relaxing.

Brittany described the duo as a team and said Jeb is often the first person Emily asks for when in the hospital.

“The first thing she wants to do is FaceTime Jeb, talk to Jeb,” she said. “He’s definitely the most important person in her life.”

Brittany hopes that Emily’s diagnosis and the family’s experience can serve as a testament to parents to advocate for themselves, their children and their gut feelings.

“If you think something is wrong, don't ignore it,” she said. “Look into it until you're satisfied that it's resolved or you have found some sort of answer.”

Balancing Emily’s treatment with the stress of everyday life, careers and parenting has pushed Brittany, who considers herself to be a Type-A individual that does not typically need help from others, to realize the necessity of accepting help from others and leaning on a support system.

For Brittany, this support group has included her family, friends, faith and their pediatrician, but most importantly Emily, whose unbothered “let’s get this over with” attitude seems infectious.

“I think she’s really shown strength and resilience,” she said. “I knew she was a tough kid, but [I] definitely did not know how tough.”

This sentiment is shared by Ryan, who agrees that Emily's strength is bold beyond her years.

“Watching her courage has changed me — it’s shown me resilience, grace and how far love can stretch through fear and exhaustion,” he said.

WhereCuriosityGrows

GIRL SCOUTS OF GATEWAY COUNCIL

Discover the magic of Girl Scouts - where curiosity sparks courage, and every adventure helps girls grow strong and confident. Complete the word search to earn your very first Girl Scout patch for free! Scan the QR code to claim your patch and start your journey of friendship, fun, and discovery. Hurry - troops are forming now!

Word List: Adventure, Ambassador, Badges, Bridging, Brownie, Cadette, Camp, Campfire, Character, Confidence, Cookies, Courage, Daisy, Friendship, Fun, Girl Led, Gold Award, Junior, Leadership, Life Skills, Outdoor, Senior, STEM, Troop

BY NICOLE IRVING

It's Up to Us

2026

Education Guide

Your guide to early childhood education, private schools, charter schools, homeschooling and afterschool programs in Alachua County.

Presented by:

Gainesville

1. Abiding Savior Lutheran Preschool 9700 W. Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 331-7770 abidingsavior.info

2. B’nai Israel Community Day School 3830 NW 16th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-1508 bnaiisraelcds.org

3. FUNrichment After School 333 SW 140th Terrace Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 331-8773 suncountrysports.com/ funrichment/

4. Gainesville Country Day School 6801 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-7783 gainesvillecountrydayschool.org

5. High-Class Educated Role Models Academy 1905 S. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 824-4377 theeheracademy.org

6. Holy Trinity Episcopal School of Gainesville, Inc. 301 N. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 377-2290 htesgnv.org

7. Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp 12425 SW 154th St. Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-2728 jordanglen.org

8. Kiddie Academy 6476 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 264-7724 kiddieacademy.com

9. Morning Meadow Preschool and Kindergarten 813 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 339-1417 morningmeadow.com

10. Oak Hall School 1700 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609 oakhall.org

11. Open Arms 1823 NW 5th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32603 (352) 373-5856 flcgainesville.org

12. Persimmon Elementary 2211 NW 40th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-6988 persimmonela.com

13. Premier International School 10 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 519-5300 premierinternationalschool.com

14. Queen of Peace Catholic Academy 10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 qopacademy.org

15. Rising Star Educational Academy 1938 Waldo Road Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 384-3900 therisingstaracademy.com

16. Saint Patrick Catholic School 550 NE 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 spsgnv.org

17. Sunny’s Pre-School at Sun Country Sport Center® 333 SW 140th Terrace Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 331-8773 suncountrysports.com/ preschool

18. The Einstein School 5910 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 335-4321 emschool.org

Important Events

JANUARY 10, 2026

Oak Hall School Saturday Campus Tour 1700 SW 75th St. | Gainesville, FL 32607 oakhall.org/visit

Join us for a Saturday campus tour and discover a community where students are inspired to learn, grow, and thrive. Explore our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and see firsthand what makes Oak Hall School extraordinary.

JANUARY 22, 2026

Saint Patrick Catholic School Open House 550 NE 16th Ave. | Gainesville, FL 32601 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Discover all that St. Patrick Catholic School has to offer at our open house on Thursday, January 22. Tour our campus, meet our caring teachers and learn about our academic programs, enrichment classes and athletics for students in grades PreK3 through 8th grade.

JANUARY 24, 2026

Persimmon Elementary Open House 2211 NW 40th Terrace — 1st - 5th Grade 1121 NW 6th St.— Kindergarten Gainesville, FL 32605 | 9:00 a.m.

Join us for Persimmon’s open house! Tour our beautiful classrooms, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn more about our hands-on, play-based approach to early learning. Discover why families love Persimmon’s nurturing environment and engaging curriculum. We look forward to welcoming you and your child!

Abiding Savior Lutheran Preschool

Ages: Preschool

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:8 for 4 yr.

olds, 1:8 for 3 yr. olds, 1:6 for 2 yr. olds

Tuition: Varies by program choice

Financial Aid: Limited/Need-based

Abiding Savior Lutheran Preschool has been connecting hearts to Jesus in the Gainesville area for 31 years and counting. Enrollment for the current school year is ongoing.

Our preschool 2s, 3s and 4s classes provide a Christ-centered developmentally appropriate curriculum through play, as well as teach skills for school readiness. We have program options for two, three or five days a week.

Call now or visit our website to reserve your child’s spot for the 2026-2027 school year. Open enrollment begins on Monday, January 26, 2026.

B’nai Israel Community Day School

Ages: 3 months – Pre-K

Teacher/Student Ratio: Small class sizes

Tuition: Varies by program. Please contact the office for specifics.

At B’nai Israel Community Day School, children are welcomed with open arms and inspired to explore, create and grow. Rooted in the Jewish values of caring for each other and the world around us, we embrace familes of all faiths and structures.

Through play-based learning, nature exploration, music & movement, as well as art, each child discovers their unique strengths and abilities. Two separate playgrounds and an indoor sensory gym provide safe, engaging opportunities to build confidence and motor skills.

Registration for the upcoming year opens in January. Full-time and part-time programs, as well as winter and summer camps, are available. Here at BICDS, learning, values and community converge.

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Average Teacher/Student Ratio: 12/1

Financial Aid: Yes

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy

• Everything You’re Looking for in a School—And More

• Serving your Family from Pre-K to 8th Grade

• Academic Excellence & Enrichment

• Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence

• (2011 & 2023)

• Advanced Math & Language Arts programs

• High School credit available in Math and Foreign Languages

• Two foreign languages offered beginning in Pre-K

• Certified STEAM curriculum that promotes hands-on, crossdisciplinary learning

• State-of-the-art Media Research Lab, Science Lab, and Arts Center

Safe & Supportive Environment

• Full-Time School Resource Deputy on campus

• Dedicated, caring, and experienced administration and staff (100% of our staff are emergency trained, CPR and First Aid Certified)

• Respectful, cheerful, and loving school culture

• Emotional and social programs that support a positive and focused learning environment

• A place where your child will feel safe, respected, and loved

Well-Rounded Student Life

• Competitive sports programs and beautiful athletic fields

• Band, Choir, and Visual Arts classes

• Offering Competitive Sports, Chess and Decathlon Teams.

• Morning Care/Aftercare which offers Drama, 4H, Strings, Art

• Spacious classrooms in a beautiful campus setting

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is more than a school — it’s a community dedicated to nurturing the whole child: academically, emotionally, and socially.

Giggle Magazine's

2026 Education Guide

Early Childhood Education

Abacus Learning Center 5205 SW 91st Drive Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 758-4135 abacuslearningcenter.com

Abiding Savior Lutheran Preschool 9700 W. Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 331-7770 abidingsavior.info

Admission: Preschool@ abidingsavior.info

Specialty: Our foundation is based on a constant supply of love and nurturing, a focus on Christ and the fostering of a close family feeling in a classroom “home.”

Ages: Preschool Teacher/Student Ratio:

1:8 for 4 yr. olds, 1:8 for 3 yr. olds, 1:6 for 2 yr. olds

Annual Tuition: Varies by program choice

Financial Aid: Limited/Need-based Full Profile on Page 34

A Child’s Academy 3401 NW 34th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 371-3360

A Hidden Child’s World 3237 SW 41st Place Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 378-6343 hiddenchildsworld.com

Angels Christian Academy LLC 1907 SE Hawthorne Road Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 374-8521

A World of Angels 1119 NW 42nd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 381-0080

UF Early Childhood Collaboratory at Baby Gator 1244 Newell Drive Gainesville, FL 32610 (352) 273-8000 babygator.ufl.edu

Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd.

Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2886 bhaktischool.org

B’nai Israel Community Day School 3830 NW 16th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-1508

bnaigainesville.com Admission: hannah@bnaiisraelcds.org

Specialty: Our goal is for our children to leave us with the tools to be successful leaders in any community. Ages: 3 months – Pre-K Teacher/Student Ratio: Small class sizes

Annual Tuition: Visit our website for tuition rates and fees Full Profile on Page 34

Brentwood School 1111 NW 55th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-3222 gobrentwoodschool.com

Cedarville Global Community School 2530 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 225-3224 cedarvillegcs.com

CHILD Center for Early Learning 820 SW 62nd Terrace

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 519-1345

Child’s Delight At Eden Park 1340 NE 39th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 672-6249

Cuddly Kids Academy 1023 SE 4th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 336-3200 cuddlykidsacademy.org

Education Station & Preschool

1. 2411 NW 41st St.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 335-0026

2. 13851 Tech City Circle Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 588-3221 educationstationandpreschool.com

First Christian Academy 24530 NW 199th Lane

High Springs, FL 32643 (386) 454-1641 firstchristianacademy.net

First Presbyterian Preschool 106 SW 3rd St.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-1818 1stpc.org/preschool

Flowers Montessori School 3111 NW 31st Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-4700 flowersmontessori.com

FUMPers Preschool at First United Methodist

419 NE 1st St.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 372-8523 fumcgnv.org/fumpers-preschool

Gainesville Country Day School 1. 2304 SW 75th St.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-9032

2. 6801 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-7783

gainesvillecountrydayschool.org

Admissions: Luci Riffee Ages: Infants – 5th Grade Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 48

Granny D’ Learning Center 901 SE 1st Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 872-5852

Greenfield Preschool 21805 W Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 472-7977 greenfieldofnewberry.com

Hand N' Hand Christian Child Care Center 1936 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 335-9622

High-Class Educated Role Models Academy 1905 S. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 824-4377 theeheracademy.org

Admission: Shawndria Dennison

Specialty: H.E.R.® Academy specializes in cultivating confident, compassionate, and intellectually curious young girls through a luxury, research-based curriculum that blends Montessori, STEAM, and character education.

Ages: Pre-K3 – 5th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 50

Holy Trinity Episcopal School of Gainesville, Inc. 301 N. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 377-2290 htesgnv.org

Admission: Jason Hill

Specialty: NAEYC accredited preschool providing a day filled with love, respect and learning with a state approved curriculum for children 6 weeks old to 5 years old.

Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years old

Teacher/Student Ratio: Infants 1/3, Ones 1/4, Twos 1/6 Threes and up 1/8 Full Profile on Page 41

Imagine Learning Center 4840 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 371-5450 imaginelearningcenter.com

Jonesville Preparatory Preschool 379 NW 136th St. Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 300-7669 jonesvilleprep.org

Kiddie Academy 6476 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 264-7724

kiddieacademy.com

Admissions: Shanie Carmon

Specialty: Kiddie Academy provides the perfect balance of childcare and learning.

Ages: 6 weeks – 12 years

Teacher/Student Ratio: State ratios Annual Tuition: Varies by age Full Profile on Page 41

Kidworks

1. 3003 NW 53rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32653 (352) 335-1335

2. 120 SW 130th Way Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 331-3833

kid-works.com

La Petite Academy of Gainesville 2755 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 371-0720

lapetite.com

Lee’s Fun to Learn Day Care & Tutoring

18129 Douglass St. High Springs, FL 32643 (386) 454-5568

Presented by:

Lee’s Preschool and Nursery Center

14017 NW 166th Place Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2109

Rising Star Educational Academy

Ages: 1-5, and Afterschool age 6-11.

Teacher/Student Ratio:

3 years old: 10-1 4 years old: 10:1

Unique Abilities Program: 4:1

Annual Tuition: Call for pricing

Financial Aid: Yes

Rising Star Academy has been serving families for over 21 years in early childhood education. Our preschool offers a warm, nurturing environment where children grow through hands-on learning, social play and individualized attention. We proudly provide VPK readiness programs to prepare little learners for kindergarten success and serve nutritious hot meals daily to support healthy development. We are a proud member of the Early Learning Coalition and accept approved vouchers. Now, Rising Star is accepting Step Up for Students vouchers for the State Empowerment Unique Abilities program. This offers specialized learning opportunities for children ages 3–4 with unique abilities and developmental delays. Through individualized education plans, therapeutic support and compassionate care, we help every child reach their fullest potential: academically, socially and emotionally.

The Einstein School

Ages: 2nd – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:5

Annual Tuition: Free

The Einstein School is a charter school for students with dyslexia and other reading or language difficulties. We opened in August 1999 with the very specific and unique mission of serving the needs of students with dyslexia, language or speech impairments, and/or other language-based reading difficulties. Our program is designed for students in grades 2–8 who are struggling academically due to these difficulties. Research-based methods are used to teach our students the critical skills they need for sounding out words when reading. They learn to see, hear, and feel each specific mouth movement. By using hands-on activities whenever possible and providing small group instruction in reading, language arts, and math, we give students opportunities to succeed in their areas of strength, as well as remediate their weaknesses.

Lil Scholars Learning Academy

3520 NW 13th St.

Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 519-5552

Little Angels Child Care and Learning Center

14821 NW US Hwy 441 Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 418-2211

Little Warriors Day School 1300 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 451-4623 littlewarriorsds@gmail.com

Living Springs Academy

23901 NW 212th Ave. High Springs, FL 32643 (386) 454-2777 lsasda.com

Love N Care Christian Learning Center 1001 NE 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 378-5190

Love-N-Care Preschool 12440 NW US Highway 441 Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 418-0404

Martin-Rochelle Learning Center 13645 FL- 45 Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-9346

Millhopper Montessori School 8505 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 375-6773 millhopper.com

Morning Meadow Preschool and Kindergarten 813 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 339-1417 morningmeadow.com

Admission: Sylvia Paluzzi

Specialty: Certified Waldorf early Childhood Center

Ages: Nursery – Kindergarten Financial Aid: Step Up approved for Kindergarten Full Profile on Page 48

My School Child Care Center 2720 SW 2nd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 373-1328

O2B Kids Preschool & Afterschool 7383 SW 17th Road

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-5500 o2bkids.com

Oak Hall School

1700 SW 75th St.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609

oakhall.org

Admission: oakhall@oakhall.org

Specialty: Oak Hall School specializes in providing a balanced, college-preparatory education that nurtures intellect, character, and confidence in every student.

Ages: 3-year-old Preschool –12th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11

Annual Tuition: $24,590

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 43

Open Arms 1823 NW 5th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32603 (352) 373-5856

flcgainesville.org

Admission: Brittani

Specialty: We are a faith-based center with a long standing staff and director

Ages: Infant (3 months) – VPK

Full Profile on Page 47

Orange Blossom Prep 6200 SW Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 375-8900

www.orangeblossomprep.com

Persimmon Elementary 2211 NW 40th Terrace

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-6988

persimmonela.com

Admission: Bonnie Bowman bonnie@persimmonela.com

Specialty: Persimmon specializes in a hands-on, play-based approach that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Grades: K – 5th

Teacher/Student Ratio: Low student/teacher ratios

Financial Aid: Step Up for Students

Full Profile on Page 45

Premier International School 10 SW 75th St.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 519-5300

premierinternationalschool.com

Admission: Keyla Gonzalez

Specialty: An international school for children birth through 5th grade, with a focus on academic excellence and Biblical morals without strict indoctrination.

Ages: Birth – 5th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: Proudly offering small class sizes.

Annual Tuition: Please contact our Admissions Specialist for more information.

Financial Aid: Yes

Pumpkin Patch Day Care Center 6105 SE 205th St.

Hawthorne, FL 32640 (352) 481-2709 pumpkinpatch-childcare.com

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy 10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 qopacademy.org

Admission: dscoogan@ qopacademy.org

Specialty: Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is well known in the community for preparing our students for the rigorous academic and social challenges of any and all high school programs.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 35

Rising Star Educational Academy 1938 Waldo Road

Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 384-3900

therisingstaracademy.com

Admissions: Bonita Williams

Specialty: Through individualized education plans, therapeutic support and compassionate care, we help every child reach their fullest potential—academically, socially and emotionally.

Ages: Age 1-5, and Afterschool age 6-11.

Teacher/Student Ratio: 3 years old: 10-1 4 years old: 10:1 Unique Abilities Program: 4:1

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 37

Santa Fe College Little School 3000 NW 83rd St. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 395-5597 sfcollege.edu/little-school

Small World Daycare and Learning Center 1214 NW 4th St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-0917 swdc.co

Sonshine Day Preschool at Westside Baptist Church 10000 W. Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 333-0017 sonshineday.org

Spirit of Faith Christian Center Church Gainesville 7510 NW 4th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 505-0192

Saint Patrick Catholic School 550 NE 16th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 spsgnv.org

Admission: C. Kimball Bosko bosko@spsgnv.org

Specialty: From Pre-K3 – 8th Grade, St. Patrick nurtures every child’s potential with individualized attention, academic excellence and a valuesdriven Catholic community. Grades: Pre-K3- 8th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 39

Step By Step Childcare and Learning Center 2211 NW 40th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-6988

Stepping Stones

Preschool at Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32653 (352) 416-3025 trinitygnv.org/preschool

Sunny’s Pre-School at Sun Country Sports Center® 333 SW 140th Terrace Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 331-8773 suncountrysports.com/preschool Admission: office@ suncountrysports.com

Specialty: Sunny’s Preschool prepares children for future success with an engaging curriculum combined with physical activity. Ages: 2.5 – 5 years

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10

Annual Tuition: Visit our website for prices and policies Full Profile on Page 45

The Child’s Garden 1497 NW 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 374-8586 thechildsgardenpreschool.com

The Kidz House 4232 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 371-6269 thekidzhouse.com

Premier International School 10 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 519-5300 premierinternationalschool.com

Presented by:

Full Profile on Page 49

St. Anne Early Learning Center 4300 W. Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 448-9395 stanneelc.org

The Rock School 9818 SW 24th Ave., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-7625 therock.school

FUNrichment After-School at Sun Country Sports Center®

Grades:

Kindergarten – 5th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12

Tuition: Visit our website for prices and policies

At FUNrichment After-School, your child can enjoy exploration, play, and learning in the afternoon. We provide convenient transportation services from local schools and offer a drop-off option as well. Our commitment to our students is evident through our low student-tocounselor ratios as well as our DCF and first aid certified staff who ensure personalized attention and safety throughout the facility. Our dedicated counselors are experienced in organizing engaging activities, providing homework supervision and closely monitoring the children. With a variety of exciting specialty rotations, as well as special guests and field trips, your child is guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.

This program is licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) (Lic #C08AL0013) and has achieved national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA).

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Grades: Pre-K 3 – 8th

Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1

Financial Aid: Yes

At St. Patrick Catholic School, we nurture each child’s potential from age 3 through 8th grade. Small class sizes and a caring environment allow our dedicated teachers to provide every student with the individual attention they deserve. Alongside strong academics, the school curriculum provides students with the opportunity to grow through enrichment in art, music, Spanish, P.E. and technology. Our athletic program, including soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, cheer and track, builds teamwork, confidence and school spirit. We proudly accept Step Up for Students Scholarships and the ELC VPK Voucher, making quality Catholic education accessible for all. Join our St. Patrick family, where faith and learning grow together.

Elementary Schools

Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd. Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2886 bhaktischool.org

B’nai Israel Community Day School 3830 NW 16th Blvd.

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-1508 bnaiisraelcds.org

Admission: Teresa@bnaiisraelcds.org

Specialty: Our goal is for children to leave us confident and kind, with a deep connection to their community and a lifelong love for learning and discovery.

Ages: 3 months – Pre-K Teacher/Student Ratio: Small class sizes

Annual Tuition: Visit our website for tuition rates and fees.

Full Profile on Page 34

Brentwood School 1111 NW 55th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-3222 gobrentwoodschool.com

Constellation Charter School 14450 NE 148th Ave. Waldo, FL 32694 (352) 604-6005 constellationchartergnv.org

Cornerstone Academy 5510 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-9337 cornerstoneacademy.school

Christian Life Academy 12000 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 495-3040 claofgainesville.org/

Countryside Christian School 10926 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-1493 myccs.net

Elevations Learning Academy 207 NW 23rd Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 451-4533 elevationslearningacademy.com

Gainesville Christian Community School

3536 NW 8th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 363-6322

gainesvilleccs.org

Gainesville Country Day School

1. 2304 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-9032

2. 6801 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-7783

gainesvillecountrydayschool.org

Admissions: Luci Riffee

Ages: Infants – 5th Grade

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 48

High-Class Educated Role Models Academy

1905 S. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 824-4377

www.theeheracademy.org

Admission: Shawndria Dennison

Specialty: H.E.R.® Academy specializes in cultivating confident, compassionate, and intellectually curious young girls through a luxury, research-based curriculum that blends Montessori, STEAM, and character education.

Ages: Pre-K3 – 5th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 50

Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp 12425 SW 154th St. Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-2728

jordanglen.org

Admissions: Jeremy Primosch

Specialty: Non-secular private school on 20 acres providing an enriching, nurturing and challenging experience.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7

Annual Tuition: Call for pricing

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 47

Millhopper Montessori School 8505 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 375-6773

millhopper.com

Presented by:

Oak Hall School 1700 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609 oakhall.org

Admission: oakhall@oakhall.org

Specialty: Oak Hall School specializes in providing a balanced, college-preparatory education that nurtures intellect, character, and confidence in every student.

Ages: 3-year-old Preschool – 12th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11

Annual Tuition: $24,590

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 43

Passage Christian Academy 5121 E. University Ave. Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 336-8983 passagechristianacademy.org

Persimmon Elementary 2211 NW 40th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-6988 persimmonela.com

Admission: Bonnie Bowman bonnie@persimmonela.com

Specialty: Persimmon specializes in a hands-on, play-based approach that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Grades: K – 5th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: Low student/teacher ratios

Financial Aid: Step Up for Students Full Profile on Page 45

Premier International School 10 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 519-5300 premierinternationalschool.com

Admission: Keyla Gonzalez Specialty: An international school for children birth through 5th grade, with a focus on academic excellence and Biblical morals without strict indoctrination.

Ages: Birth – 5th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: Proudly offering small class sizes. Annual Tuition: Please contact our Admissions Specialist for more information.

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 49

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy 10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 qopacademy.org

Admission: dscoogan@ qopacademy.org

Specialty: Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is well known in the community for preparing our students for the rigorous academic and social challenges of any and all high school programs.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 35

Saint Patrick Catholic School

550 NE 16th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 spsgnv.org

Admission: C. Kimball Bosko bosko@spsgnv.org

Specialty: From PreK3 through 8th grade, St. Patrick nurtures every child’s potential with individualized attention, academic excellence and a valuesdriven Catholic community. Grades: Pre-K3 – 8th Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 39

The Einstein School 5910 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 335-4321

emschool.org

Admissions: Danielle Melchor (Ms. Dani)

Specialty: We are a school designed to meet the unique needs of students with difficulties in the area of reading through double block reading classes and hands-on activities provided by highly qualified and certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators

Ages: 2nd – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 5:1

Full Profile on Page 37

The Frazer School 4700 NW 89 Blvd.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 642-0720 frazerschool.org

The Rock School 9818 SW 24th Ave., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-7625 therock.school

Trilogy School 8700 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-8802 trilogyschool.org

Windsor Christian Academy 918 SE County Road 234 Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 375-7316 windsorchristian.academy

Kiddie Academy

Ages: 6 weeks – 12 years

Teacher/Student Ratio: State Ratios

Tuition: Varies by age

Every day your child’s imagination grows and their curiosity gathers momentum — Kiddie Academy of Gainesville, Florida empowers and celebrates all of it. Our Life Essentials learning approach and curriculum encourages children to explore and progress in their own way, and at their own pace. At Kiddie Academy of Gainesville, Florida, your child will grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Our highly trained teachers are there every step of the way to guide, nurture and cultivate your child’s development.

During these uncertain times, nothing matters more than your child’s health, safety and security. That’s why Kiddie Academy follows our strict health and disinfection guidelines called Health Essentials, has a restricted-entry system and a thoroughly vetted staff trained in first aid, CPR and emergency drills. We look forward to serving your family!

Enroll NOW!

Holy Trinity Episcopal School of Gainesville, Inc.

Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years old • Teacher/Student Ratio: Infants 1/3, Ones 1/4, Twos 1/6, Threes and up 1/8

• Holy Trinity Episcopal School of Gainesville has served families in the Gainesville area since 1974.

• Located downtown just minutes from UF, Shands, and the VA.

• Walking distance to City Hall.

• Small class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratios.

• Full-time care for infants along with full-time or part-time care for one years old to five years old.

• Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

• They are an outreach mission of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and open to all faiths and backgrounds.

• Scholarships for School Readiness families are available.

• State approved curriculum with age appropriate play based activities. Visit their website or call the school to set up a tour.

301 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 377-2290 htesgnv.org

Middle Schools

Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd. Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2886 bhaktischool.org

Christian Life Academy 12000 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 495-3040 claofgainesville.org/

Cornerstone Academy 5510 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-9337 cornerstoneacademy.school

Countryside Christian School 10926 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-1493 myccs.net

Gainesville Christian Community School 3536 NW 8th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 363-6322 gainesvilleccs.org

Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp 12425 SW 154th St. Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-2728 jordanglen.org

Admissions: Jeremy Primosch Specialty: Non-secular private school on 20 acres providing an enriching, nurturing, and challenging experience.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7 Annual Tuition: Call for pricing Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 47

Millhopper Montessori School 8505 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 375-6773 millhopper.com

Oak Hall School

1700 SW 75th St.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609 oakhall.org

Admission: oakhall@oakhall.org

Specialty: Oak Hall School specializes in providing a balanced, college-preparatory education that nurtures intellect, character, and confidence in every student.

Ages: 3-year-old Preschool –12th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11

Annual Tuition: $24,590 Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 43

Passage Christian Academy

5121 E University Ave. Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 336-8983 passagechristianacademy.org

Queen of Peace

Catholic Academy 10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 qopacademy.org

Admission: dscoogan@ qopacademy.org

Specialty: Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is well known in the community for preparing our students for the rigorous academic and social challenges of any and all high school programs.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 35

Resilience Charter School 1717-A NE 9th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 226-8675 resiliencecharter.org

Saint Patrick Catholic School 550 NE 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 spsgnv.org

Admission: C. Kimball Bosko bosko@spsgnv.org

Specialty: From PreK3 through 8th grade, St. Patrick nurtures every child’s potential with individualized attention, academic excellence, and a valuesdriven Catholic community.

Grades: Pre-K3 – 8th

Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 39

The Einstein School

5910 SW Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 335-4321 emschool.org

Admissions: Danielle Melchor (Ms. Dani)

Specialty: We are a school designed to meet the unique needs of students with difficulties in the area of reading through double block reading classes and hands-on activities provided by highly qualified and certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators

Ages: 2nd – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 5:1

Full Profile on Page 37

The Frazer School 1520 NW 34th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 642-0720 frazerschool.org

The Rock School 9818 SW 24th Ave., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-7625 therock.school

Trilogy School 8700 NW 23rd Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-8802 trilogyschool.org

Windsor Christian Academy 918 SE County Road 234 Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 375-7316 windsorchristian.academy

High Schools

Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd. Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2886 bhaktischool.org

Christian Life Academy 12000 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 495-3040 claofgainesville.org

Cornerstone Academy 5510 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-9337 cornerstoneacademy.school

Countryside Christian School 10926 NW 39th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-1493 myccs.net

Gainesville Christian Community School 1520 NW 34th St.

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 363-6322 gainesvilleccs.org

Oak Hall School 1700 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609

oakhall.org

Admission: oakhall@oakhall.org

Specialty: Oak Hall School

specializes in providing a balanced, college-preparatory education that nurtures intellect, character, and confidence in every student.

Ages: 3-year-old Preschool –12th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11

Annual Tuition: $24,590

Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 43

Passage Christian Academy 5121 E. University Ave. Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 336-8983 passagechristianacademy.org

Saint Francis Catholic Academy 4100 NW 115th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 376-6545 sfcawolves.org

Siatech MYcroSchool 7022 NW 10th Place

Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 333-7952 siatechmycroschool.org

Presented by:

Oak Hall School

Ages:

3-year-old Preschool – 12th Grade

Average Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11

Average Annual Tuition: $24,590

Financial Aid: Yes.

Discover Oak Hall School,

Where every student is seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

At Oak Hall School, education goes far beyond the classroom. As Gainesville’s leading independent, college-preparatory school, Oak Hall serves students from 3-year-old preschool through grade 12 in a welcoming, inclusive community that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and character.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to be a welcoming, diverse, and supportive learning community empowering students to pursue their academic, artistic, and athletic passions.

From our youngest learners in the Early Childhood Learning Center to our graduates preparing to lead and serve in college and beyond, Oak Hall students are encouraged to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Our Lower School builds strong foundations through hands-on learning and character education. The Middle School challenges students to take ownership of their learning while discovering new interests. The Upper School offers rigorous academics, 27 Advanced Placement courses, championship athletics, and an award-winning fine arts program, along with premier opportunities like the Distinguished Scholar Program and Leadership Institute, which help students deepen their intellectual curiosity, strengthen their character, and develop the confidence to lead.

Outside the classroom, Oak Hall students explore leadership, service, and creativity through clubs, performances, and community partnerships. Here, learning is joyful, friendships are lasting, and every achievement is celebrated.

At Oak Hall, we believe that education should shape not only what students know, but who they become.

The Frazer School

4700 NW 89 Blvd.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 642-0720 frazerschool.org

The Rock School 9818 SW 24th Ave., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-7625 therock.school

Trilogy School 8700 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-8802 trilogyschool.org

Windsor Christian Academy 918 SE County Road 234 Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 375-7316 windsorchristian.academy

Homeschooling

Classical Conversations (910) 684-5665 classicalconversations.com

Community Christian Homeschoolers cchweb.org cchmembership@gmail.com

Florida Virtual School 800-374-1430 flvs.net

Charter Schools

Alachua Learning Academy 11100 W. State Road 235 Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 418-2080 alachualearningacademy.org

Boulware Springs Charter School 1303 NE 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 244-9732 boulwarecharter.com

Caring and Sharing Learning School 1951 SE 4th St. Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 372-1004 caringandsharingschool.com

Constellation Charter School 14450 NE 148 Ave. Waldo, FL 32694 (352) 604-6005 constellationchartergnv.org

Expressions Learning Arts Academy 5408 SW 13th St. Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 373-5223 expressionsacademy.org

Siatech MYcroSchool

7022 NW 10th Place Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 333-7952 siatechmycroschool.org

Healthy Learning Academy 13505 W. Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 372-2279 healthylearningacademy.com

Micanopy Academy 708 NW Okehumkee St. Micanopy, FL 32667 (352) 466-1090 micanopyacademy.com

Micanopy Area

Cooperative School 802 NW Seminary St. Micanopy, FL 32667 (352) 466-0990 macschool.us

North Central Florida Charter School

1000 NE 16th Ave., Building C Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 379-2902 ncfcharter.org

One Room School House

1. Lower Campus (3PK-K) 4180 NE 15th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 376-4014

2. Upper Campus (1-5) 3930 NE 15th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 727-4373 orsh.net

Resilience Charter School 1717-A NE 9th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 226-8675 resiliencecharter.org

The Einstein School 5910 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 335-4321 emschool.org

Admissions: Danielle Melchor (Ms. Dani)

Specialty: We are a school designed to meet the unique needs of students with difficulties in the area of reading through double block reading classes and hands-on activities provided by highly qualified and certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators

Ages: 2nd – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 5:1

Full Profile on Page 37

Private Schools

Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd. Alachua, FL 32615 (386) 462-2886 bhaktischool.org

B’nai Israel Community Day School 3830 NW 16th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-1508 bnaiisraelcds.org

Admission: Teresa@bnaiisraelcds.org

Specialty: Our goal is for children to leave us confident and kind, with a deep connection to their community and a lifelong love for learning and discovery. Ages: 3 months – Pre-K

Teacher/Student Ratio: Small class sizes

Annual Tuition: Visit our website for tuition rates and fees. Full Profile on Page 34

Brentwood School 1111 NW 55th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-3222 gobrentwoodschool.com

Christian Life Academy 12000 SW Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 495-3040 claofgainesville.org/

Cornerstone Academy 5510 NW 39th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-9337 cornerstoneacademy.school

Countryside Christian School 10926 NW 39th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-1493 myccs.net

Gainesville Country Day School 6801 SW 24th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-7783

gainesvillecountrydayschool.org

Admission: Luci Riffee

Ages: Infants – 5th Grade Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 48

Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp 12425 SW 154th St. Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-2728 jordanglen.org

Admissions: Jeremy Primosch Specialty: Non-secular private school on 20 acres providing an enriching, nurturing and challenging experience.

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7 Annual Tuition: Call for pricing Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 47

Millhopper Montessori School 8505 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 375-6773 millhopper.com

Gainesville Christian Community School 1520 NW 34th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 363-6322 gainesvilleccs.org

Presented by:

Persimmon Elementary

Ages: K – 5th • Teacher/Student Ratio: Low student/teacher ratios Financial Aid: Step Up for Students

Persimmon Schools proudly educate children from six weeks through fifth grade in a nurturing, play-based environment that values creativity and discovery. Our Early Childhood Campus, located at 1121 NW 6th Street, serves children from infancy through kindergarten, providing a warm and engaging start to their educational journey. The Elementary Campus, at 2211 NW 40th Terrace, builds upon that foundation with a strong academic program for first through fifth graders. Across both campuses, students enjoy a well-rounded experience that includes art and music as essential parts of the curriculum, encouraging self-expression and confidence. Persimmon Schools foster curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning—creating a seamless path for children to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Sunny’s Pre-School at Sun Country Sports Center®

Ages: 2.5 – 5 years Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10

Tuition: Visit our website for prices and policies

At Sunny’s Pre-School, we provide developmentally appropriate learning activities in a supportive, physically active, and engaging environment. We believe a child wasn’t meant to sit in a classroom 8 hours a day. We make sure our students play! Research shows that play has the amazing benefit of creating a safe space for children to engage and interact with the world around them, promoting their natural curiosities and problem-solving skills. We focus on kindergarten readiness by combining social-emotional learning with sports and our engaging academic curriculum. By focusing on the health and happiness of the whole child, we provide the foundation for their future success in school and beyond.

This program is licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) (Lic #C08AL0013) and has achieved national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA).

(352) 331-8773 suncountrysports.com/preschool

Jonesville Preparatory Preschool

379 NW 136th St.

Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 300-7669 jonesvilleprep.org

Oak Hall School

1700 SW 75th St.

Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609

oakhall.org

Admission: oakhall@oakhall.org

Specialty: OHS hosts monthly Saturday tours for families to visit campus for an immersive experience the whole family can enjoy. On the tours, families meet & interact with administrators & staff members while getting a comprehensive view of the school. If you would like to learn more about what Oak Hall has to offer your family, please register at oakhall.org/visit

Ages: 3-year-old Preschool –12th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 11:1

Annual Tuition: $16,790

Financial Aid: Yes

Full Profile on Page 43

Orange Blossom Prep 6200 SW Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 375-8900 www.orangeblossomprep.com

Passage Christian Academy

5121 E. University Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 336-8983 passagechristianacademy.org

Queen of Peace

Catholic Academy

10900 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 qopacademy.org

St. Anne Early Learning Center 4300 W Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32607 352-448-9395 stanneelc.org

St. Francis Catholic Academy 4100 NW 115th Terrace

Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 376-6545 sfcawolves.org

Saint Patrick Catholic School 550 NE 16th Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 spsgnv.org

Admission: C. Kimball Bosko bosko@spsgnv.org

Specialty: St. Patrick Catholic School fosters conscientious, creative and competitive students from age 3 to 8th grade through small class sizes, rigorous academics, diverse enrichment programs, strong athletics and a supportive community rooted in religion, respect and responsibility.

Grades: Pre-K 3 -– 8th Grade Financial Aid: Yes Full Profile on Page 39

The Rock School 9818 SW 24th Ave., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-7625 therock.school

The Frazer School 4700 NW 89 Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 642-0720 frazerschool.org

Trilogy School 8700 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-8802 trilogyschool.org

Windsor Christian Academy 918 SE County Road 234 Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 375-7316 windsorchristian.academy

After-School Activities

IndepenDANCE Studio 13537 NW 1st Lane Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 337-0017 independancestudio.com

Momentum Dance Arts of Tioga 133 SW 130th Way Ste. H Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 574-4564 momentumdancearts.com

Gainesville Dance Academy 3501 SW 2nd Ave., Suite G Gainesville, FL 32607 gvilledance.com

Cameron Dance Center 5003 NW 34th Blvd., Ste 120, Gainesville, FL 32605 camerondancenter.com

FUNrichment After-School at Sun Country Sports Center® 333 SW 140th Terrace Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 331-8773 suncountrysports.com/funrichment/ Admission: office@suncountrysports. com

Specialty: Our DCF licensed and COA accredited After-School provides children an exciting environment to be active, have fun and make new friends.

Grades: Kindergarten – 5th Grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12

Annual Tuition: Visit our website for prices and policies Full Profile on Page 39

Gainesville’s After School Program (G.A.S.P) 3536 NW 8th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 377-5744 gnvasp@gmail.com

Gator Junior Golf Association 7300 SW 35th Way Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 575-0636 gatorjuniorgolf.org

Gatorball Baseball Academy 401 NW 143rd St. Gainesville, FL 32606 baseball: (352) 514-4414 softball: (352) 339-3173 gatorballtraining.com

Girls Place 2101 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-4475 girlsplace.net

Kiddie Academy 6476 SW 75th St. Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 264-7724 kiddieacademy.com

Admissions: Shanie Carmon

Specialty: Kiddie Academy provides the perfect balance of childcare and learning.

Ages: 6 weeks – 12 years

Teacher/Student Ratio: State ratios

Annual Tuition: Varies by age Full Profile on Page 41

Huntington Learning Center 3822 Newberry Road, Suite A Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 448-7100

huntingtonhelps.com/locations/ gainesville-fl/

Sylvan Learning of Gainesville 4961 NW 8th Ave. STE A Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 448-3980 sylvanlearning.com

The directory was generated through research of area early childhood education centers, private schools, charter schools and homeschooling. Inclusion in this directory should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. School administrators are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Education Guide.

Presented by:

our website for a copy of this education guide plus many other guides, coloring sheets & family activities.

Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp

Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7

Annual Tuition: Call for pricing

Financial Aid: Yes

Celebrating 50 years, Jordan Glen is a hidden gem that has produced countless alumni that credit it with providing some of the happiest memories of their childhood. The school is situated in SW Gainesville on 20 beautiful acres. Walk around our grounds and it will be apparent why our school is such a special place.

We have a strong commitment to academic excellence and value individual differences and personal, social and global responsibility. Our experienced educators give us the opportunity to understand each child’s specific creative, social, emotional and intellectual needs.

We are advocates of children and childhood. We want our children to enjoy their time spent away from home and feel that we exemplify our belief that the joy of living and love of learning need never be separated.

Open Arms

Open Arms Child Development Center has been serving Gainesville and surrounding community since 2008 and offers a vibrant and creative atmosphere so that your child’s learning journey is a joy. We are a community center focused on the growth of children and their families so that all may share the love of Jesus Christ.

Our core values include quality and excellence in service. We believe in diversity and celebrating Jesus in all things.

Infants Through VPK Open Arms offers a plan of growth for your child. This plan begins in our infant program with guided play on through our VPK program that prepares your child for the adventure of kindergarten and beyond.

We are located five blocks from the University of Florida Drop off and Pick up Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Monday through Friday 1823

Gainesville, FL 32603 (352) 373-5856 flcgainesville.org

Gainesville Country Day School

Ages: Infants – 5th Grade

Financial Aid: Yes

At Gainesville Country Day School, we are committed to accepting children as they are, with their own backgrounds, experiences, interests, natures and abilities. Our teachers are dedicated to helping children learn, grow and find success in coming to school.

GCDS’s curriculum emphasizes active rather than passive learning, and activities are designed to encourage independence and creativity. Attention is given to utilizing basic skills and applying them in increasingly complex projects and activities. Our curriculum consists of integrated subject matter areas and flexible curricular experiences designed to meet the needs of children of different levels of ability and experience. Our low student-teacher ratio makes it possible to provide a varied and stimulating range of learning experiences for each child.

Morning Meadow Preschool and Kindergarten

Ages: Nursery – Kindergarten

Financial Aid: Step Up approved for Kindergarten

The early childhood years provide the foundation for a young person’s development. At Morning Meadow, we endeavor to give children a protected space in which to engage their imaginations, develop their creativity, make social connections with their peers, and develop a deep connection with the natural world. We utilize the comprehensive approach of Waldorf education which matches each level of the curriculum with the child’s stage of development. Our teachers are dedicated to nurturing in the child a genuine inner enthusiasm for learning that is essential for their future educational success.

Morning Meadow is a fully accredited member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America. Morning Meadow is an Apple Accredited school

32601 (352) 339-1417 morningmeadow.com

Premier International School

Birth – 5th Grade

Average Teacher/Student Ratio: Proudly offering small class sizes. Average Annual Tuition: Please contact our Admissions Specialist for more information.

Financial Aid: Yes.

Premier International School offers world-class education for children from birth through 5th grade, combining a nurturing environment with strong academic excellence. Using the rigorous Abeka Book curriculum, our students consistently test far above grade level, including our students with exceptional abilities, building confidence and mastery across core subjects. Even our tiniest infants follow the curriculum as our staff work daily with them to meet developmental milestones. Every moment is intentional.

As a true international school, every child learns Spanish through daily immersion, developing bilingual skills naturally and early—an advantage that lasts a lifetime. Tuition includes a full range of enriching extracurriculars such as soccer, art, and music, ensuring every student grows academically, creatively, and physically without added fees. We proudly accept all Florida state scholarship programs, including Step Up For Students (SUFS), ELC School Readiness, and the VPK voucher, making high-quality education accessible to every family.

At Premier International School, students are empowered, challenged, and inspired to excel in a global world.

Enroll today and give your child the premier start they deserve.

High-Class Educated Role Models Academy

Ages: Pre-K3 – 5th Grade

Average Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10

Financial Aid: Yes

Welcome to H.E.R.® Academy — Where Little Girls Become Great Women!

Established on April 19, 2020, H.E.R.® Academy has proudly become Florida’s first and only active all-girls preparatory preschool and elementary school, now expanding through 5th grade — serving Gainesville, Alachua County, and all of North Central Florida!

As a luxury educational institution, we specialize in developing bright, bold, and brilliant young ladies through a unique blend of Montessori, STEAM, and traditional academic excellence. Our classrooms are designed to empower every philosopher to learn, lead, and live with purpose.

Award-Winning Excellence:

• Favorite Local Daycare by Our Town Fave! 2024

• Platinum Winner — Gainesville Community Votes

• Best in Daycare, Best in Childcare Services 2024

• Gainesville Community’s Choice Award Finalist — Childcare 2024 … and many more honors that reflect our royal standard of care and education!

At H.E.R.® Academy, our mission is clear — to prepare our young philosophers, ages 3–5 and grades K–5, for lifelong success starting from their very first day of kindergarten.

Our comprehensive, high-quality programs emphasize: Academic Excellence • Character Development • Personal Achievement

Our philosophers thrive through a curriculum that builds:

• Self-Awareness & Self-Management • Responsibility & Decision-Making

• Leadership & Relationship Skills

We also provide Healthy Living initiatives and Family Engagement Programs that strengthen the home-school partnership.

Every week, our philosopHERS enjoy exciting enrichment units, including: STEAM, Chess, Martial Arts, Sign Language, Spanish, Robotics … and so much more!

At H.E.R.® Academy, we don’t just educate — we elevate.

Enroll your daughter today and give her the royal start she deserves.

The Children’s Trust of Alachua County proudly supports programs that help children learn, grow, and thrive. Working with thousands of children and families across Alachua County, we invest in early learning, after-school activities, health, and family support—because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

A state of deep relaxation and focused concentration that allows you to transform unwanted memories, beliefs, emotions, and habits.

Build confidence Improve athletic performance

Overcome anxiety, insomnia + fears Increase exam success

Release trauma self-limiting beliefs Quit smoking for good

Manage pain (with physician referral)

Helping both children and adults

Bonnie Lykes-Bigler Clinical

“It

Hypnotherapist

The 12 Days of Saving: A Family Challenge to Spend Less and Give More

BY COLE PURVIS

This holiday season, swap the spending spree for something more meaningful: a 12-day family challenge to save a little and give a little. Each day brings one small savings act and one act of generosity. The goal isn’t deprivation — it’s building financial mindfulness and a giving spirit together.

Why It Matters

Money habits start young. According to the University of Michigan, children as early as age 5 form emotional patterns around spending and saving that shape future behavior. Meanwhile, a 2025 commentary from HBKS Wealth found that families who connect giving to financial education raise children with stronger moneymanagement skills and a greater sense of purpose.

By linking saving and giving each day, families reinforce two key ideas: saving brings empowerment, and generosity adds meaning to money. Studies suggest these traits grow stronger when practiced together, making this challenge a simple way to strengthen both values.

Getting Started

Kick off by gathering everyone for a short talk: “For the next 12 days, we’ll spend less and give more — together.” Use a poster or chart labeled Day 1 through 12. Let each family member suggest one saving task and one giving activity. Keep it lighthearted and realistic.

Visual tracking makes a big difference. Research from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business shows that visual savings tools help children connect effort with results, reinforcing healthy financial habits.

Explain that saving isn’t just “not spending” — it’s choosing purpose. And giving isn’t “losing money” — it’s choosing kindness. That mindset is key before beginning.

Sample 12-day plan

• DAY 1: Save — Skip a treat like coffee or dessert and add the money to a clear jar. Give — Write a thank-you note to a teacher or neighbor.

• DAY 2: Save — Eat leftovers instead of takeout. Give — Donate a toy or clothing item.

• DAY 3: Save — Avoid impulse snacks for a morning. Give — Bake cookies for someone who could use a lift.

• DAY 4: Save — Buy a store brand instead of a name brand. Give — Pick up litter or help an elderly neighbor.

• DAY 5: Save — Unplug electronics for an hour to trim your electric bill. Give — Drop off food at a pantry.

• DAY 6: Save — Pack lunch instead of buying it. Give — Pay for someone’s coffee in line.

• DAY 7: Save — Pause one streaming service. Give — Volunteer an hour at a charity or school.

• DAY 8: Save — Use a generic product for one staple. Give — Leave encouraging notes in public spaces.

• DAY 9: Save — Walk or bike instead of driving somewhere nearby. Give — Gather loose change to donate.

• DAY 10: Save — Plan a home game night instead of going out. Give — Make care packages for a shelter.

• DAY 11: Save — Delay one unnecessary purchase by 24 hours. Give — Make handmade cards or gifts.

• DAY 12: Save — Count your total savings and put it toward a shared goal. Give — Reflect together on what the experience taught you.

Generosity, too, becomes a family habit. According to the University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity project, consistent acts of giving are linked to higher happiness and stronger social connections. Teaching that early turns giving into a lifelong reflex, not just a seasonal gesture.

Tips for Success

If you miss a day, pick up the next one. Rotate who leads each activity so everyone feels included. Spend a few minutes each night reflecting on what you saved, how you gave and how it felt.

On Day 12, celebrate. Count the savings, share stories of kindness and talk about continuing one or two habits year-round.

A New Kind of Holiday Countdown

The 12 Days of Saving isn’t about cutting costs — it’s about expanding purpose. It reminds families that spending less doesn’t mean losing joy. As the savings jar fills and the giving grows, you’ll find that the real reward isn’t in the money you kept — it’s in the gratitude you created together.

There is nothing “grinchy” about these tasty holiday sherbert floats. They are a fun treat for the whole family, pairing perfectly with popcorn, a warm blanket and one of the best holiday movies ever! happy home | crafting with katie

CRAFTING with Katie

Mr. Grinch’s Lime Sherbet Floats

BY KATIE OSTERHOUT

Ingredients

• Lime sherbert

• Lemon-lime soda

• Green food dye

• Green frosting to decorate the cup rim

How to Make

Mr. Grinch’s Float

• First, decorate the rim of your glass with green frosting and add some sprinkles or candies to make it playful.

• Then, scoop in your lime sherbert.

• Fill a separate glass or container with the lemon-lime soda. We used plastic tree ornaments!

• Let you kiddos add the soda to the sherbet and watch the Grinch bubble up!

• Be sure to add the soda slowly so it doesn’t overflow.

• Enjoy your green, bubbly, sweet treat!

To make it playful, try adding Grinch eyes or a smile to the outer part of the glass.

We’d love to see your tasty holiday sherbert floats! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!

"It

came without ribbons, it came without tags, it came without packages, boxes, or bags" and "Maybe Christmas, he

thought, doesn't come from a store"

College Accommodations: What Parents Need to Know

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

The time has finally come: senior year. Excitement builds as your young adult joins in all the senior festivities. But it also comes with significant stress. What’s next? Some students with disabilities will transition to a job, supported employment, vocational training or other activities that align with their independent living skills. Many others will attend college. Parents may feel anxious as their young adult with a disability transitions from a more supportive high school environment to college, where the laws and policies are very different. Understanding what to look for and how to prepare for college-level accommodations can help you set your future college student up for success.

What’s the Difference?

Throughout your child’s school career, federal laws have guided their education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools identify, plan and provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. However, the protections of IDEA do not extend into college.

That doesn’t mean that there is no support, though. The Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 requirements remain in effect. This means that colleges are legally required to provide equal access to education for students who self-identify as having a disability and produce documentation to receive accommodations in college classes.

The result is a shift for students who may have become accustomed to special education services and accommodations in public schools. As they enter college, services become less prominent, and

accommodations take center stage. Depending on the student’s needs, accommodations may focus on physical accessibility, educational access or other individual needs. It’s not uncommon to see students receiving accommodations such as small-group testing, additional time for tests or assignments, note-takers or preferred seating, among others.

What to Look For?

It’s important to visit potential colleges in person if possible. If not, do so virtually. This allows you and your young adult to see how accessible classes, buildings and activities are. Look for a clearly-defined office of disability services or accessibility. Visit their website, contact an accessibility specialist or visit their offices during a physical tour. Ask about the process for requesting accommodations, the services they offer, the types of accommodations they typically provide for students with similar needs as your child’s and other services offered by the college that may be helpful (e.g., tutoring, writing centers, accessible housing, mental health counseling, technology resources, transportation, etc.).

Where to Start

Once your young adult has been accepted to college, reach back out to the accessibility office for the next steps and a timeline of activities and due dates. Some schools require a current evaluation (within the past three years), while others accept older IEPs or 504 plans.

Advocacy in Action

Throughout the process, encourage your young adult to communicate their needs, schedule meetings and present their own documentation. Emphasize that self-advocacy builds independence and confidence. Remember, colleges want their students to succeed. At the same time, they rely on students to take initiative and speak up when they have needs related to a disability that require accommodations.

As your young adult transitions into this new phase of life, encourage them to seek and utilize the accommodations needed to help them achieve success.

conception2college

EXPECTING

Expecting More Than Santa’s Arrival: Announcing Your Pregnancy with a Holiday Twist

INFANT |

0-1

Traveling with a Newborn: Tips and Guidelines

TODDLER |

2-3

Create Holiday Enchantment with Your Toddler!

EARLY

YEARS | 4-5

WHY? How This Question Can Help Fuel Our Preschoolers’ Minds

KIDS | 6-9

Homework Without Tears: Getting Through the Grind While Saving Your Sanity

TWEENS

| 10-13

The Friendship Game: Honoring the Old While Making New

TEENS

| 14-18

How Do You Say Hello?

{ PREGNANCY }

Expecting More Than Santa’s Arrival: Announcing Your Pregnancy with a Holiday Twist

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L2

The holidays sparkle with excitement, tradition and joy, making them the perfect backdrop for sharing good news of a growing family. Whether you prefer a cozy in-person reveal, a beautifully staged photo or a playful social media post, announcing your pregnancy during the festive season can create a memory your family will cherish for years.

Holiday Gatherings - Sharing Good News in Person

Holidays bring friends and family together and can be the perfect time to announce your big news. Sharing information about the pending arrival of your baby can often be done more easily in person as families gather to celebrate the holidays. This can be the perfect time to notify family first before sharing with the world. (It will also help explain why you passed on the eggnog and couldn’t stay awake for midnight Mass.)

Spice Up Your Holiday Cards

Surprise loved ones with a clever holiday card announcing your good news. These photo card ideas will bring a smile to your friends’ faces and be remembered for years to come!

• Dress family members in matching holiday pajamas with an extra small-sized pair and an announcement stating the expected due date.

• Hang stockings on the mantle and include one for the new baby.

• Use clever taglines like, “We’re expecting more than Santa,” and include an ultrasound photo or baby rattle sticking out of Santa’s sack.

• “Our Christmas list just got longer” could include a photo of a Christmas list or shopping bags with baby items.

• Use a photo of the growing baby bump dressed with winter clothing and the tagline, “Baby, it’s cold outside, but our hearts are warm.”

• Using a onesie or other baby prop, include the phrase, “The More, the Merrier.”

Share on Social Media

Many of the same ideas for holiday cards can be used for social media announcements and vice versa. However, in addition to photos, you can add videos or reels on social media to give it a little extra oomph!

• Create a reel decorating the tree and finish with an ornament for the baby.

• Post a video clip of clinking hot cocoa mugs stating, “Mom,” “Dad-to-be,” “Big Sister” and/or “Big Brother.”

• Have the Elf on the Shelf hold a baby announcement sign, ultrasound photo or other baby paraphernalia.

• Create a video reel opening the days on an Advent calendar, with small baby trinkets in each day and a phrase like, “Counting down the days until our new arrival.”

• Create a video of opening a gift that includes a onesie or ultrasound photo and the phrase, “We’ve been keeping a little secret under the tree.”

Have fun creating the perfect announcement and use the spirit of the season to spice up your big reveal.

Regardless of how you decide to share your happy news, be mindful of your audience. While the holidays can be a time full of sparkle and excitement, it can also be a difficult time for some people. Holidays can bring sadness, loneliness, financial struggles or depression to the forefront. While you have every right to celebrate your good news, be aware that it might be hard for some to delight in your announcement at a time when they may not be feeling their strongest.

info@sweetserendipityphotography.com

When traveling with a newborn, whether you choose car or flight travel, both require different needs.

{

0-1 YEARS }

Traveling with a Newborn: Tips and Guidelines

BY TRACY WRIGHT

Congratulations — you just had your bundle of joy! But there are many friends and family who want to meet them too. And if that time is around the holidays, you may need to do the inevitable and frightening — traveling with a newborn. Although it seems daunting, the newborn stage may be manageable if you pay attention to some key tips to keep your baby healthy and happyand yourself sane as well!

Experts agree that babies should be at least a few weeks old before traveling, though some stress that three months is a safer bet. With newborns, health and safety are paramount at such a young age.

"[Waiting an appropriate amount of time] allows for their immune system to be better developed, making them more resistant to infections," said Scripps Health. "This applies to babies who are born full-term and have no other health conditions ... Infant immune systems are precarious at first. You do not want to risk exposing them to an illness during long travel."

Once you decide to take that trip, advanced planning is key, with feeding, napping and safety all taken into consideration.

“Have a plan and think about what your trip entails,” says St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Be prepared for things like delays, diaper disasters, hunger fits, minor illnesses, etc. If you can, bring some help with you.”

We know that babies need a consistent schedule, so ensuring that you have adequate supplies, like diapers, blankets, bottles and sleep items are key.

When traveling with a newborn, you are typically considering either car or flight travel, both requiring different needs. For flight travel, there are many expectations you must manage, including busy airports, flight delays and limited space.

Local mom Tara Freeland has traveled with both of her children as newborns across the country.

“It’s not for the weak,” Tara joked. “But my main tips are to have your baby in PJs to make them most comfortable. Nurse or feed baby once in seat and before takeoff since it helps with comfort and ear popping, and it can usually help put them to sleep. If not nursing, be sure to pack plenty of bottles especially if you are stuck on plane.

“Pack pacifiers, changes of clothes, and blankets, and be sure to change baby right before you get on plane," she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration does not require a ticket for children under 2 years old, so technically your baby will not have a seat. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that that safest way to travel with an infant of any age is to have a seat with a car seat installed.

“If you do not buy a ticket for your child, you may want to ask if your airline will let you use an empty seat where you can install a car seat for your baby. The safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint — an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device. It should be approved for your child's age and size, and installed with the airplane's seat belt,” according to the AAP.

Expressed milk and formula are permitted through security and do not have to abide by the FAA’s 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces. However, check the FAA website for regulations on both liquids and car seats.

For car travel, every newborn should be in a rear-facing seat. Avoid putting heavy coats or sweaters on babies that can cause them to overheat and impede the safety of the car seat. Plan frequent breaks for diaper and clothing changes, feeding stops and other unexpected delays.

“Traveling with a newborn requires careful planning and consideration,” said Scripps Health. “Consulting with your pediatrician is a good starting point. Whether traveling by plane or car, prioritize your baby’s safety, comfort and well-being.”

Create Holiday Enchantment with Your Toddler!

BY TRACY WRIGHT

The holidays are a magical time for the whole family, and your toddler wants to get in on the fun too! But it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of activities, and it’s important to focus on easy crafts and activities for toddlers at home and at playdates. What’s more, sensory rich traditions that toddlers can realistically accomplish are beneficial as well. { 2-3 YEARS }

"Sensory play plays an important role in your child's development from birth to early childhood," the Cleveland Clinic said. "It helps build nerve connections in their brand's pathways, which can help your child complete complex tasks."

So, how can you combine sensory play and simple crafts with holiday fun? Take time at home and build traditions with your little ones. Some ideas include:

• “Handsy” crafts: It’s such a special time to capture those little hands, feet and fingers. Some of my kids’ favorite crafts that I still have are made with imprints of their hands and feet, crafted into a cute art project. TheBump.com lists several examples like a Santa cookies plate, created by dipping their hands in paint to create a photo of Santa Claus with your toddler’s thumbprints decorating the plate. Your child’s handprints can also be used to make a Christmas tree with colored cereal as ornaments. You can also use your child’s handprints to make menorahs for Hanukkah.

Many craft stores also sell plastic ornaments that can easily be put together and filled with shreds of paper or glitter and decorated with your child’s painting. Make it simple and applaud your child for creating their own ornament to hang on the tree.

• Make and appreciate music! The holidays provide so many soothing and fun melodies to enjoy with your children. Some of mine and my children’s fondest memories are listening to holiday carols. If the days are long and overwhelming, pipe some music in your house and dance to the music. Teach your children to appreciate the festive and meaningful tunes. Want even more holiday fun? Let your children play along with the music! TheEmpoweredEducatorOnline.com says, “Grab some pots and spoons from the kitchen, jingle bells, home-made rattles made with dry beans or other “musical instruments. Have children clap their hands or stomp their feet to the beat. For children who

are sound-sensitive, find quieter instruments or use hands to tap on pots instead of spoons.”

• Introduce simple math concepts with sensory play. Help children “grow” candy canes by adding smaller to bigger treats every day. Scholastic.com suggests doing this by “helping kids bury small red and white candies (think M&Ms or Tic Tacs) in a bowl of sprinkles. Each night, swap out the small candies for bigger candies, starting with peppermint hard candies, then mini candy canes and finally full-sized candy canes. The kids will be delighted watching the candy canes sprout and grow until they’re ready to eat.”

• Let your toddler take the lead in creating sweet treats! Baking is one of the easiest ways to allow your child to get their hands dirty and see the results of their work. “From kneading cookie dough to measuring, sifting and pouring ingredients, getting your kids involved in the kitchen offers a tactile experience with the reward of a treat once they’ve completed the task," said brainbalancecenters.com. Decorating treats allows kids to tap into their creativity as well.” said brainbalancecenters.com.

• Create fun holiday-themed sensory bins.

TamingLittleMonsters.com suggests ideas like jingle bell bins filled with yarn, rainbow rice bin (rice dyed with any number of holiday colors i.e., green and red, blue and gold etc.), or even a bin filled with safe and non-breakable ornaments and decorations toddlers can play with. One of my favorites is dumping a bunch of “snow,” which can be salt or baking soda into a bin, and placing mini-trucks and cars in them. “This [is a] cozy winter scene…and kids will enjoy setting up and chugging trains through a wintry forest railroad!”

Whatever you choose, just be sure to stay in the moment with your toddler and allow them to take the lead with your supervision. Each child is different, and your children may prefer one activity over another. Whatever they choose, it will be sure to help you and your child create lasting holiday memories.

{ 4-6 YEARS }

WHY?

How This Question Can Help Fuel Our Preschoolers’ Minds

BY TRACY WRIGHT

We love our preschoolers’ inquisitive minds, but sometimes there’s one word that can drive all parents to the brink of insanity — WHY? We may hear that word multiple times a day on a variety of different subjects — it can be to challenge rules or boundaries or simply to inquire about basic facts of life.

“Between the ages of 2 and 5, children enter a phase often called the ‘why’ phase. This period is marked by a surge in curiosity as their brains rapidly develop,” said Growing Seeds Learning Academy. “Neuroscientists explain that this stage is crucial for cognitive growth. Children are not just being inquisitive for the sake of it — they are actively trying to make sense of the world around them.”

At this age, our children’s brains are developing quickly, and asking questions helps establish cause-and-effect relationships. It also assists them with understanding societal and cultural norms.

But as parents, we are sometimes in a quandary to figure out the best way to nurture this curiosity while setting limits on what can be an endless loop of questions.

“Sometimes the questions are easy to answer. Other times, ‘why’ questions can stump parents," said Children's National Hospital. We want to be responsive and encourage [their] inquisitive spirit, and we also want them to feel like we will take their questions seriously and do our best to answer them.”

Here are some suggestions on handling those questions:

• Sanford Health suggests asking your child, “What do you think …?” to prompt conversation and allow them to develop their own critical thinking.

• Try saying, "Tell me more about that,” according to Children’s National Hospital. This prompts a conversation where you can delve more into details rather than just spitting out a “why” answer.

• Sometimes you just don’t know! “At times, it is OK to say, ‘I don’t know. Let’s see if we can find the answer together,’” said Sanford Health. That can allow you to research things together in books or on the web, increasing a thirst for learning. You can also create your own hands-on activities to help them understand their questions like watering a plant, putting it in the sun and watching it grow.

Encourage your child’s curious and creative mind. Instead of waiting for “why” questions, take opportunities to discuss things that you both observe in everyday life. This can be as simple as discussing why and how a thunderstorm develops, or how food gets on shelves in grocery stores. This can lead to even more in-depth discussions or follow-up questions later.

The Growing Seeds Learning Academy also says that “the ‘why’ phase… can lead to deeper discussions about values and ethics, providing parents and caregivers with opportunities to instill important lessons. Engaging with children during this phase not only satisfies their curiosity but also nurtures their ability to articulate thoughts and feelings, ultimately shaping their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.”

7-9 YEARS }

Homework Without Tears: Getting Through the Grind While Saving Your Sanity

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L2

Homework is an inevitable part of education, starting young and continuing throughout the years. Building solid study strategies and routines in the elementary years will not only help children succeed in their current subjects but set them up for a lifetime of successful learning. As children adjust to the added responsibilities, frustrations and family spats can ensue. Set the stage for hassle-free homework time with these tips.

Why is Homework a Struggle?

At the end of the school day, children are physically and mentally exhausted. They’ve been learning all day, and the last thing they feel like doing is exerting more mental concentration. It can also be difficult if students are struggling in a subject and they aren’t eager to think about it more at home.

How to Reduce Frustration

At the end of the day, it’s not just students who are tired. Parents may also feel tapped out after being at work. Establishing some rules and routines will help set expectations and keep both parents and students on track.

• Create a routine. Establish a regular time to do homework each day. For many children, eating a snack when they get home and then diving straight into homework works well. Keep the time relatively consistent to build the routine and reduce complaints about getting to work.

• Set up a work station. Have a dedicated space for homework where your child will complete their work each day. The area should be free of distractions but within adult supervision limits to ensure students stay on task. It’s also helpful for parents to be available for questions but not hovering.

• Determine a strategy for task management. With a little trial and error, determine if your child works better tackling the hardest things first then moving on to the easier tasks OR if they thrive by the sense of accomplishment in knocking the simple ones off the list first. Use this to triage assignments daily and see how to best tackle the day’s work.

• Manage stress before it snowballs. If your child is getting frustrated or overwhelmed, have them take a break and stretch or do a few minutes of physical activity. Stepping away before they meltdown can be crucial for everyone. Determine if the meltdown stems from exhaustion or lack of understanding the subject matter and approach accordingly.

• Know when to ask for help. If the stress becomes too much, consider having them stop working and email the teacher to explain the situation and ask for a time that your child can go to them for some extra help.

While learning good study strategies and completing assignments is important for students, sometimes the frustrations can outweigh the benefits. If you’re having repeated homework battles at home, reach out to the classroom teacher for their perspective and consider extra help before or after school or enlist the help of a tutor. You may also reach out to the pediatrician to help determine if your child may benefit from additional services to accommodate learning difficulties.

LyriCo Conservatory is a performing arts school reimagining excellence in arts education for students of all ages, from youth to adults. Our talented teachers offer both group and private lessons for beginners and professionals alike. Join our vibrant community of musicians who value their connection to the arts and own the stage with confidence.

{ 10-13 YEARS }

The Friendship Game: Honoring the Old While Making New

BY NICOLE IRVING

Navigating friendships is hard at any age, but when hormones are on the rise, feelings are overflowing and we live in a digital and social age, making, keeping and being the best friend you can while a tween can be especially hard — especially when you have friends from different areas of your life. How can they intertwine all areas and still maintain balance, fun and long-lasting friendships?

Once in middle school, friendships take on a whole new life of their own. This is a time of self-discovery and finding out who you are, and who you want to surround yourself with.

Up until now, many of your child's friends might have been handed to them. Meaning, they are friends with YOUR friends’ children. Playgroups and social gatherings that you plan and dictate when in elementary school can create an automatic friend group for them. But, what happens when they start to pick their own friends and the “new” friends aren’t friends with the current friends they already have? Someone, most likely your kiddo, is now in the middle. This can cause resentment from older friends, stress for your child and jealousy from the new friends.

In addition, a very active social life, coupled with school, sports, family obligations and more, can cause for a very weary and tired tween. If there are any tensions with any friendships, the added exhaustion can lead to a sad and stressed kiddo.

So, as parents, the best thing to encourage them to do, no matter where the friendship was formed, is to surround themselves with friends that encourage them, help them, are kind to them and others and make them a better person. In addition, here are a few ways we can help them be the best friend they can be, while maintaining their independence and self:

Encourage them to spend one-on-one time with each friend when possible.

This will allow them to continue a friendship without having to feel guilty or torn between two different friends at the same time.

Encourage

downtime.

Sometimes, too much of a good thing is just that — too much! Friendships are important, and sometimes it is hard to say “no” to allowing their friends over or letting them go out. However, a tired kiddo can become irritable and cranky and not be the best version of themselves or a friend to others. Sometimes, downtime is the best thing for great friendships.

Know it is OK if they aren’t included.

This is a big one. At times, situations arise and our children are left off invite lists, party invites or play dates. Many times, this doesn’t mean they aren’t loved by their friends, but maybe outside factors were influenced. Help your child continue their positive feelings toward their friend and encourage their friendship.

Host gatherings for all.

When time allows, host a party for all their friends. Summer swim parties, football BBQs and holiday cookie parties are a great way to get everyone together to grow friendships and allow your kiddo to “host” all their friends in a fun way that will continue their relationships and allow for others to see them be friends with all. 1. 2. 3. 4.

{ 14 -18 YEARS }

How Do You Say Hello?

BY APRIL TISHER

Make eye contact, give a firm handshake, introduce yourself and finish by saying, "It's nice to meet you." When waiting in line, sitting on the bus or in a waiting room, strike up a conversation with those around you about the weather or local news story. These are some of the things I was taught when coming into a new social setting. I’ve worked hard to instill these same things for my children, but sadly, some of these social skills are becoming less the norm. I see teenagers (even my own) struggle to look up from their devices and make eye contact when meeting someone new. I see teens (and adults alike) staring at phones in waiting rooms instead of making conversation.

So much of our personal communication involves facial expressions and tone of voice, both of which give context clues as to how the speaker is delivering their message. Many things can be misconstrued when reading a text or e-mail, and the worry is that the generation of children growing up dependent on so much technology today won’t develop these personal skills.

Julie Mishoe, MSW, says the research is showing that in this age of social media, people think that they are more connected than ever. But, the truth is that our suicide rates are as high as ever, and one of the leading causes reported is how lonely people are feeling. Friendships that are cultivated behind the screens are not creating the kind of community that our hearts truly long for. Teens will text, Snap or Insta message their friends when they are in the same room instead of having a conversation in person. They may read their friends’ words, but can they see the pain, fear or joy in their faces? The answer is no, says New York Behavioral Health in its “Impact of Social Media Use” article.

Mishoe, who has spent a great deal of her adult life working with youth, explains that people are quick to post memes, share videos and voice their opinions on social media in a way they would never actually do to a friend face-to-face. We have a false sense of security with social media accounts and less accountability, too. How will this translate when you have a class with that person the next day? On the other hand, some teens are involved in their friends’ lives via technology and honestly feel as though they cannot disconnect: “What if they need me?”

So how can we try to curb this unhealthy obsession that makes tech zombies out of our kids? This is where we go back to the old advice of "lead by example." Ask yourself if you have healthy habits when it comes to your own technology use. Be sure to set guidelines from the very start about when the use of phones, smart watches or tablets is acceptable. Set and stick to time limits until you know your teen has the ability to self-regulate their own screen time.

Mishoe says it is important for us all to remember that social media is a highlight reel of people’s lives. Becoming too reliant on social media leads to depression from the fear of missing out on events others are posting about, academic issues, physical ailments due to lack of proper sleep and difficulty conversing with others while taking normal social cues.

So, look up, put the phone down and strengthen your social bonds in person!

dec/jan

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1

“Magic, Moonlight and Mistletoe" Holiday Concert with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center performingarts.ufl.edu

At this holiday concert, listen to live retro swing tunes!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

Christmas Open House

6 - 8 p.m. | The Yellow Acres Boutique

Come celebrate the holidays in style with giveaways, hors d’oeuvres, wine and a visit from Santa with photo opportunities!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Christmas on Main Tree Lighting in the Good Life Community!

5 - 8 p.m. | Main Street, Alachua christmasonmainstreetalachua.com

Celebrate the magic of the season and enjoy a snow play area, live music, bounce houses, horse carriage rides, games, giveaways and photos with Mr. & Mrs. Clause!

Recurring Events

Cade Museum Maker Workshop Series

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cade Museum cademuseum.org

This is an innovative program for kids ages 9 and up to participate in hands-on activities using different materials, electronics and coding platforms.

This event repeats every Saturday.

Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mill Creek Farm | millcreekfarm.org

Bring 2 carrots to pay for your admission to feed retired horses!

This event repeats every Saturday.

Story Time at the Zoo

10:30 - 11 a.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo sfcollege.edu/zoo

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library host a free story time in front of the zoo on the lawn. Feel free to visit the zoo afterward!

This event repeats the third Wednesday every month.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Thornebrook Holiday Market

5 - 8 p.m. | Shoppes At Thornebrook facebook.com/events

At the Thornebrook Holiday Market, visit local shops, vendors and food trucks and enjoy the annual tree lighting, a carol sing- along and a visit from Santa.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

A Very GNV Holiday Parade

Noon - 1 p.m. | University Avenue | gainesvillefl.gov

This outdoor holiday parade will have floats, dancers, live bands and more!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Operation Santa Delivery

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Santa Fe College, North Fields Fun for the whole family, there will be games, food trucks and a chance for a photo with Santa. Brought to you by LifeSouth, UF Health and Santa Fe College.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Light Up Tioga

5 - 8 p.m. | Tioga Town Center | tiogatowncenter.com

Come see the annual lighting of Tioga! There will also be activities, vendors and a holiday market.

Weekly Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe

4 - 8 p.m. | Celebration Pointe facebook.com/events

Head out to Celebration Pointe to enjoy live music and yard games while shopping for produce, baked goods and more. This event repeats every Wednesday.

NOVEMBER 29 THROUGH DECEMBER 29 Winter Wonderland

5:30 - 9 p.m. | North Central Florida YMCA winterwonderlandfl.com

Enjoy a walk-through light show with over 100,000 lights, festive holiday tunes, food, Santa meet-and-greets and more!

This event repeats Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 - December 29.

Haile Farmers Market

8:30 a.m. - Noon | Haile Plantation hailefarmersmarket.com

Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more! This event repeats every Saturday.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Holiday PJ Party – Pop-Up Camp IndepenDANCE Studio

6 - 9 p.m.

Give your dancer a magical night of holiday fun… and give yourself a night off! There will be dancing, holiday crafts, games, activities, music, friends and lots of holiday cheer! Dancers are invited to arrive in their coziest pajamas! Tickets are required.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

City of Alachua’s Christmas Parade

11 a.m. | Alachua Main Street | alachuachamber.com

Enjoy Alachua’s annual parade of floats, entertainers, local school organizations and more.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

Dancing Through the Snow

4 p.m. | Matheson History Museum

Come kick of the holidays in song at the first annual “Christmas at the Matheson Concert.” Free for the whole family!

EVENING OF SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 FIRST DAY OF HANUKKAH

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

Shabbatones Hanukkah Concert

7 - 9 p.m. | Congregation B’nai Israel bnaigainesville.com/event

Prepare for the start of Hanukkah with a musical performance from this Jewish choir!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

The Nutcracker: Dance Alive National Ballet

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Phillips Center performingarts.ufl.edu

The Nutcracker is back! Buy tickets to see this classic holiday show.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

9th Annual Christmas on the Square

6 p.m. | CountryWay Town Center

Continue the holiday cheer with a night of free community and family fun celebrating the Christmas season! With Santa, wagon rides, crafts, music, food, bounce houses, drinks and more, you don’t want to miss it!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26

FIRST DAY OF KWANZAA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31

Downtown Countdown

New Year’s Eve Celebration and Sparks in the Park Depot Park | 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Come out and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Depot Park. All festivities are free, family-friendly and open to the public. Bring blankets and chairs and find a spot in the park to enjoy the last sunset of 2025 while enjoying live music.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Maker Space at the Gainesville Housing Authority SOAR to discover science through this interactive program where our nature interpreters provide fun, nature-based activities or fun team games.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10

Free College Readiness

Workshop: Mastering Academics: Strategies for Success

11 a.m. | Oak Hall

Looking for strategies to make studying, taking notes, or organizing easier? How about more effective? Come join for a workshop where you will learn about and curate a research-based strategies notebooks. Registration required.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

7 p.m. | O'Connell Center

From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

7th Annual Sunshine State Book Festival sunshinestatebookfestival.com

During this weekend of book browsing, meet 200 local and regional authors and enjoy storytime for kids from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

Gatorball Beast Feast

5:30 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch gatorballtraining.com

The Gatorball Foundation will be hosting their annual Beast Feast to kick off their spring season with great food, must and games for kids to play. Proceeds will go toward the foundation to help defray costs for players. Tickets for sale.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire: Hoggetowne Goes Downtown

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Depot Park hoggetownemedfaire.com

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will have talented artisans and craftspeople, olde world demonstrations, exciting stage combat, medieval music and dance, royal knighting ceremonies with the King and Queen and turkey legs!

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