Homeschool Program Electives
The YMCA of Orange County has a long history of making a positive impact on the lives of children. As the landscape of education changes, the Y recognizes the need for more Home School and enrichment learning opportunities. Using our 100+ years of experience, highly trained staff, homeschool partnerships, we are ready to help you and your children thrive!
NOTE: Families using charter school funds may register online just like out-of-pocket payers. After registering, please submit your approved Purchase Order (PO) to [email protected] within 14 days. Your child’s spot will be held during this time. If the PO is not received within 14 days, your registration will be canceled and the spot will be offered to a student on the waitlist. All POs must be submitted and approved before your child attends any class sessions.
Homeschool Summer Programs!
YMCA Homeschool Camp Week: Nature & Creativity:
10AM–12PM (Optional Lunch Bunch-Extended Care)
This one-week drop-off homeschool camp is the perfect way to dive into summer! Campers will explore the great outdoors through hands-on nature-based experiences that spark creativity, curiosity, and connection.
We’re offering two enriching tracks based on age:
Nature & Art Exploration (Ages 5–7):
Young explorers will use natural materials to create beautiful art projects while learning about the world around them through guided play and discovery.
Nature & Photography (Ages 7+):
Older campers will dive into beginner photography skills, capturing the beauty of nature through their lens. Daily walks, composition lessons, and creative photo challenges will inspire artistic expression.
Service Learning (Ages 5-12):
In this unique week-long camp, students will explore what it means to be active, compassionate members of their community. Through hands-on projects, team challenges, and reflection activities, campers will build leadership, empathy, and teamwork skills—while giving back in meaningful ways. A powerful blend of character building and fun!
Camp Fee: $120 per child
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Optional Lunch Bunch (Extended Care):
From 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, campers can stay for a relaxed social hour with crafts, games, and enrichment activities.
Add-on Fee: $50 for the week
Spaces are limited—secure your child’s spot today!
Meet the Teacher: Open House & Mock Class Day
Mission Viejo Family YMCA July 31st | 10:00am- 12:00pm
Maple Center (Fullerton) August 14 | 10:00am- 12:00pm
Curious about our Homeschool Electives? Come meet the teachers, explore our classrooms, and get a feel for our program with sample mini-lessons and hands-on activities. Families can ask questions, meet other homeschoolers, and see if our drop-off classes are the right fit. A great way to start the year with confidence and community!
This is a free event open to the homeschool community! Register now to secure your spot.
Summer Park Day Series – Drop-In Fun for Homeschool Families!
Join us for our free summer Park Day Series, where families come together for themed activities, playtime, and community connection! These are not drop-off events—parents must remain onsite.
MAPLE CENTER: 701 S Lemon Park
All park days are 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
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June 11 – Art in the Park: Explore your creativity with nature-based art and collaborative outdoor projects.
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July 2 – Science in the Park: Fun, hands-on science experiments using everyday items!
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July 16 – Water Relay in the Park: Cool off with exciting water games and relay challenges. Dress to get wet!
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July 30 – Art in the Park (Part 2): More creative fun with a fresh set of artistic activities
Bring water, sunscreen, and your creative energy!
Summer Field Trips – Explore with Us!
Join our homeschool community for unforgettable adventures! Families must register in advance. These events are open to all homeschool families, even if you’re not enrolled in YMCA classes.
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June 18 – River Street Ranch & Train Ride: Visit a working ranch and meet farm animals, then take an optional train ride to the location or meet us there.
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July 9 – Tanaka Farms Tour: Learn about sustainable farming, sample fresh produce, and enjoy the beautiful fields of Irvine.
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July 23 – Horses & Friends (Fullerton): A hands-on educational visit where kids learn about horse care and connect with friendly animals. Feeding the horses- then a lunch Social!
- Doheny Beach Days: 6/20, 7/16, 8/22: Let’s soak up the sun!! Register for Group updates. Families may plan for group lunch, drinks, where to meet- sign up so we can contact you with more info!
BONUS: Movies in the Park Series – Coming Soon!
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us for family movie nights under the stars! Dates and films will be announced soon.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Program Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5/1/25 | 5/1/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
07/16/25
Maple: Water Relay in the Park - We - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
|
$10 |
Register Closes 07/31/2025 |
|
07/30/25
Maple: Art in the Park - We - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
|
$10 |
Register Closes 07/31/2025 |
|
07/30/25
Niagara: Solar Science STEM Experience: INVITATION ONLY - We - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
|
Register Closes 07/23/2025 |
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07/31/25
Mission Viejo Mock Class "Meet the Teacher" - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
Register Closes 07/29/2025 |
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08/14/25
Maple Center Mock Class "Meet the Teacher" - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
Register Closes 08/15/2025 |
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08/25/25 - 08/29/25
Mission Viejo Summer "Camp" (Art/ Nature) - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$120 |
Registration Closed on 06/30/2025 |
Mission Viejo Homeschool Electives Fall 2025
Program Overview
- Designed for homeschool families seeking enrichment and community.
- Emphasizes interest-based, student-led learning.
- Fundamental Learning Standards as the foundation of ALL classes.
- Social Emotional Learning Competencies embedded into our curriculum.
- Offers 13-week sessions with flexible enrollment: single class, half-day, or full-day.
- Electives Offered on Mondays and Fridays.
- Small class sizes (minimum 5 students; maximum of 14).
- We accept Charter School Funds.
We’re excited to welcome your family to the YMCA Homeschool Electives & Support Program! Please review the following registration guidelines to ensure a smooth enrollment process:
Payment Options
- Out-of-Pocket Payment:
Families may register and pay directly online through the links below. - Charter School Purchase Orders (POs):
If you are using charter school funds, you may still start your registration below. Your balance will remain on your account until your approved Purchase Order is received.
Important PO Guidelines
- Submission Deadline:
Approved Purchase Orders must be submitted to [email protected] within 14 days of registration. - Classroom Attendance:
All POs must be received before your child attends any class sessions. - Holding Your Spot:
Your child’s spot will be held for a maximum of 14 days. If we do not receive your PO within that time, your registration will be canceled, and the spot will be offered to a student on the waitlist.
View our Homeschool Elective Calendar Here for Closure Dates and NON-Class Days
Schedule: Fall 2025
- Monday
- 09:00 am – 10:00 am Math LEGO
- 10:00 am – 10:15 am Snack Break
- 10:15 am – 11:45 am Kulinary Kids Global Creations & Celebrations (SS)
- 11:45 am – 12:45 am Lunch and Social Emotional Activities
- 12:45 am – 01:45 pm Business & Entrepreneurship
- 01:45 pm – 02:30 pm Extended Care (Elective Sampler: collection of electives)
- Friday
- 09:00 am – 10:00 am Music Class
- 10:00 am – 10:15 am Snack Break
- 10:15 am – 11:45 am American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
- 11:45 am – 12:45 am Lunch and Social Emotional Activities
- 12:45 am – 01:45 pm Science
- 01:45 pm – 02:30 pm Extended Care (Elective Sampler: collection of electives)
Schedule Option/Fees: Fall 2025
- Full Day- Monday OR Friday $1,014 + $50 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids OR Music Class)
- Full Day- Monday AND Friday $1,760 +$100 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids and Music Class)
- Half Day AM Monday OR Friday $886 + $50 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids Or Music Class)
- Half Day PM Monday OR Friday $886 + $50 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids)
- Half Day AM Monday AND Friday $1,560 +$100 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids and Music Class)
- Half Day PM Monday AND Friday $1,560 +$50 Material Fee (Kulinary Kids)
ONE TIME MATERIAL FEE of $50 for MONDAY (Kulinary Kids Cooking Class) & $50 FRIDAY (Music Class) This will be added to the total cost of the class, but may require a separate purchase order if paying with Charter Funds.
Join us for a semester filled with learning, creativity, and fun! Our program is designed to inspire and engage students while providing a supportive and enriching environment. Registration opens to the public on August 11th. Classes are First Come, First Served and are expected to fill quickly.
Notes:
The schedule is subject to change at any time.
Any class with fewer than 5 children is at risk of being canceled.
Once a child has attended the class, the class is no longer eligible for a refund.
No Prorating: We do not prorate fees for missed classes or accommodate refunds for last-minute schedule changes. Fees are based off of the calendar year, not the number of meetings per month. Supplies are purchased in bulk and in advance to help keep costs low.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Program Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/6/25 | 12/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
09/10/25 - 12/03/25
Mission Viejo ART Play Days: Inspired by The Masters - We - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
|
$150 |
Registration will open on 08/11/2025 |
Mission Viejo Keeping Fit and Lunch Bunch
Keeping Fit
- Designed for homeschool families seeking healthy habits and community.
- Tailored to enhance physical fitness, social/emotional awareness, and self-esteem among students. Emphasizes interest-based, student-led learning.
- Offers 13-week sessions
- Offered on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Students may enroll in one day a week (Tuesdays or Thursdays) or both days for the full experience. Keeping Fit utilizes a blend of dynamic warm-ups, engaging activities, group games, and basic sports to foster a community that encourages lifelong fitness and healthy habits. It is an ideal choice for students looking to remain active and build positive health practices. (This is not a skill or competitive sports class)
Lunch Bunch Add-On
- Time for fun! This is a supervised period where students eat their lunches in between classes. This community-building environment is great for giving students some interaction between classes.
- Social Emotional or Teambuilding activities will be facilitated when time permits.
HIGH DEMAND NOTICE: This class has limited seats and is in high demand.
- We accept Charter School Funds.
We’re excited to welcome your family to the YMCA Homeschool Electives & Support Program! Please review the following registration guidelines to ensure a smooth enrollment process:
Payment Options
- Out-of-Pocket Payment:
Families may register and pay directly online through the links below. - Charter School Purchase Orders (POs):
If you are using charter school funds, you may still start your registration below. Your balance will remain on your account until your approved Purchase Order is received.
Important PO Guidelines
- Submission Deadline:
Approved Purchase Orders must be submitted to [email protected] within 14 days of registration. - Classroom Attendance:
All POs must be received before your child attends any class sessions. - Holding Your Spot:
Your child’s spot will be held for a maximum of 14 days. If we do not receive your PO within that time, your registration will be canceled and the spot will be offered to a student on the waitlist.
View our Homeschool Elective Calendar Here for Closure Dates and NON-Class Days
Schedule: Fall 2025
- Tuesday
- 11:15 pm – 12:15 pm Keeping Fit ONLY
- 12:15 am – 12:45 pm Lunch Bunch ONLY
- Please note you will need to Add-on lunch making a separate registration
- Thursday
- 11:15 pm – 12:15 pm Keeping Fit ONLY
- 12:15 am – 12:45 pm Lunch Bunch ONLY
- Please note you will need to Add-on lunch making a separate registration
- Tuesday AND Thursday (Recommended)
- 11:15 pm – 12:15 pm Keeping Fit ONLY
- 12:15 am – 12:45 pm Lunch Bunch ONLY
- Please note you will need to Add-on lunch making a separate registration
Schedule Options: Fall 2025
- Keeping Fit: Tuesday OR Thursday $325
- Keeping Fit: Tuesday AND Thursday $559
- Lunch Bunch: Tuesday OR Thursday $163
- Lunch Bunch: Tuesday AND Thursday $189
Join us for a semester filled with activity, creativity, and fun! Our program is designed to inspire and engage students while providing a supportive and enriching environment. Registration opens to the public on August 11th. Classes are First Come, First Served and are expected to fill quickly.
Notes:
The schedule is subject to change at any time.
Any class with fewer than 5 children is at risk of being canceled.
Once a child has attended the class, the class is no longer eligible for a refund.
No Prorating: We do not prorate fees for missed classes or accommodate refunds for last-minute schedule changes. Fees are based off of the calendar year, not the number of meetings per month. Supplies are purchased in bulk and in advance to help keep costs low.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Program Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/7/25 | 12/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
09/09/25 - 12/18/25
Keeping Fit Tuesday ONLY - Tu - 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
|
$325 |
Registration will open on 08/11/2025 |
Mission Viejo Monthly Socials and Community Events
Program Overview
These events will vary each month and will provide fun and engaging activities that encourage participation. Our experienced staff build on social emotional skill and implement themed activities in various areas such as, but not limited to: engineering, cooking, art and games!
- Homeschool Socials at the YMCA provide opportunities for children to socialize with other children and make friends in a safe and supervised environment! Homeschool Socials are a 2 hour drop off, one day event (parents do not attend).
- Meet ups are essential to family connections and relationships within the homeschool community. Some meet ups are free and others are events and trips that we can come together as a community to build bonds and strengthen our connections within our circles. Homeschool Meet Ups are a 2 hour event, where the whole family is invited!
- Parent Advisory Committee: PAC meets once a semester! This platform is a great way to connect with other parents like you! Help guide the Homeschool Electives and Support Programs to fit the needs of the community, and share academic advice and support with each other. (Adult only Events)
- Family Field Trips: Family outings! We are building a community! Group Rates and Socialization for children AND families!
- We accept Charter School Funds when the Charter schools feel it is appropriate!
We’re excited to welcome your family to the YMCA Homeschool Electives & Support Program! Please review the following registration guidelines to ensure a smooth enrollment process:
Payment Options
- Out-of-Pocket Payment:
Families may register and pay directly online through the links below. - Charter School Purchase Orders (POs):
If you are using charter school funds, you may still start your registration below. Your balance will remain on your account until your approved Purchase Order is received.
Important PO Guidelines
- Submission Deadline:
Approved Purchase Orders must be submitted to [email protected] within 14 days of registration. - Classroom Attendance:
All POs must be received before your child attends any class sessions. - Holding Your Spot:
Your child’s spot will be held for a maximum of 14 days. If we do not receive your PO within that time, your registration will be canceled and the spot will be offered to a student on the waitlist.
Schedule: Fall 2025
Schedule will vary and will be communicated in monthly newsletter, Social Media pages and at the sign in table at each location.
Schedule Options: Fall 2025
- Monthly Socials: $20 per event / $10 siblings’ discount
- Meets up and Field trips will vary based on group rate prices.
Join us for a semester filled with activity, creativity, and fun! Our program is designed to inspire and engage students while providing a supportive and enriching environment. Registration opens to the public on August 11th. Classes are First Come, First Served and are expected to fill quickly.
Notes:
The schedule is subject to change at any time.
Any class with fewer than 5 children is at risk of being canceled.
Once a child has attended the class, the class is no longer eligible for a refund.
No Prorating: We do not prorate fees for missed classes or accommodate refunds for last-minute schedule changes. Fees are based off of the calendar year, not the number of meetings per month. Supplies are purchased in bulk and in advance to help keep costs low.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Program Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/7/25 | 12/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
09/17/25
Back to School Ice Cream Social - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$20 |
Registration will open on 09/01/2025 |
|
09/17/25
Back to School Ice Cream Social: SIBLING - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$10 |
Registration will open on 09/01/2025 |
Mission Viejo Play Day Inspired by the Masters
Program Overview
- Designed for homeschool families seeking enrichment and community. Our version of a “Park Day”.
- Offers 8 meet ups with structured Art Lessons.
- Offered on Wednesdays
- NOT a Drop off program. The purpose of this Play Day is to come together and connect with other Homeschool Families in our community. Making Play intentional with a fun, hands-on art lesson, inspired by the art masters! Group story time, introduction to different artists/art concepts, and watch your child become an artist of their own!
- One hour Structured Art Session then it is time to play on our playground and Meet up with other Homeschool Families building a community.
- We accept Charter School Funds. [“Elective 8 Week Special: Park/ Play Day”]
We’re excited to welcome your family to the YMCA Homeschool Electives & Support Program! Please review the following registration guidelines to ensure a smooth enrollment process:
Payment Options
- Out-of-Pocket Payment:
Families may register and pay directly online through the links below. - Charter School Purchase Orders (POs):
If you are using charter school funds, you may still start your registration below. Your balance will remain on your account until your approved Purchase Order is received.
Important PO Guidelines
- Submission Deadline:
Approved Purchase Orders must be submitted to [email protected] within 14 days of registration. - Classroom Attendance:
All POs must be received before your child attends any class sessions. - Holding Your Spot:
Your child’s spot will be held for a maximum of 14 days. If we do not receive your PO within that time, your registration will be canceled and the spot will be offered to a student on the waitlist.
View our Homeschool Elective Calendar Here for Closure Dates and NON-Class Days
Schedule: Fall 2025
- September 10th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Keith Haring; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- September 24th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Georgia O’Keefe; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- October 1st: 12:00pm-1:00pm Henry Matisse; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- October 8th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Frida Kahlo; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- October 22nd: 12:00pm-1:00pm Yayoi Kusama; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- November 5th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Faith Ringgold; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- November 19th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Salvador Dali; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
- December 3rd: 12:00pm-1:00pm Alma Thomas; 1:00pm-2:00pm Play
Schedule Options: Fall 2025
- 8 Wednesdays $150 (Not sold Separately)
Join us for a semester filled with learning, creativity, and fun! Our program is designed to inspire and engage students while providing a supportive and enriching environment. Registration opens to the public on August 11th. Classes are First Come, First Served and are expected to fill quickly.
Notes:
The schedule is subject to change at any time.
Any class with fewer than 5 children is at risk of being canceled.
Once a child has attended the class, the class is no longer eligible for a refund.
No Prorating: We do not prorate fees for missed classes or accommodate refunds for last-minute schedule changes. Fees are based off of the calendar year, not the number of meetings per month. Supplies are purchased in bulk and in advance to help keep costs low.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Program Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/7/25 | 12/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
09/10/25 - 12/03/25
Mission Viejo Play Day: Art Inspired by the Masters - We - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
|
$150 |
Registration will open on 08/11/2025 |