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Afternoon Program

Our Afternoon Program is designed for curious minds who want to go beyond the traditional school day. Starting this August, we are opening an exclusive space for children ages 5 to 7 to engage in high-level enrichment experiences.

This is not just a creative space. It is a highly intentional instructional program where children build strong academic skills through play, inquiry, exploration, and discovery.

Designed for homeschooling families, it offers focused, high-quality academic instruction in a short format, while also providing what children need most: meaningful socialization and high-level play. Where academic rigor meets the way children truly learn.

Limited Availability: To ensure a personalized and high-quality experience, this program is strictly limited to 16 students.

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Program Structure

Monday and Wednesday

2:45 pm - 5:15pm

Monday

Math Instruction

Play - Social Interaction

Handwriting- Fine Motor Skills Instruction

Wednesday

Spelling Instruction 

Play - Social Interaction

Reading Instruction

Tuition: $750 per month

Annual Materials Fee: $250

Annual Registration Fee: $150

8-12 Years Old Waitlist

Interested in our 8-12 age group? We are looking to open more sessions! Please join our interest list so we can notify you once these classes are officially added to the schedule.

Admissions Checklist & Process Summary

PHASE 1

  • Step 1: Application & Fee Ready to join? Please complete the online application and submit a non-refundable $140 admissions fee to continue the process. We will accept applications from April 25, 2026 through May 18, 2026; applications submitted after May 18, 2026 will not be considered.

    • Fill out application form here

    • Application Fee payment link - Pay here

  • Step 2: In person Info Session.  Date: May 19, 5:00- 6:00 pm

  • Step 3: Mandatory Play Session Your child joins a group play session where we observe eligibility.  Once Step 1 is complete, we will proceed to send you an email with the play session date.

After completing Steps 2 and 3, you will receive an email notifying you whether you are eligible to proceed to the final steps (Steps 4 and 5).
 

PHASE 2

  • Step 4: Final Review & Decision We select students who best fit the cohort dynamics. Accepted families will receive an official welcome letter including payable fees and next steps.

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What Developing Minds Offers

No grade levels

Learning support based on ability and readiness

Multi-age groups

Children learn from and mentor each other

Inquiry & Project-Based Learning

Real-world skills, not just facts

Play-Based Education 

Backed by neuroscience

The child as center of instruction  

Learning is based on ability and readiness

Think outside the  box

We prepare creative thinkers

No homework

Unless it's meaningful and nurtures the learning path

Experiential Learning

We connect learning with real life.

A One-of-a-Kind Education Unmatched

What Makes Us Different:

  • Flexible Seating. No testing. No outdated models. No homework. No traditional school system.

  • Children learn through experiences, play, and real-world applications.

  • Academics are learned through life experiences and connections, not just memorization.

  • Our students LOVE and OWN their learning.

Meet Our Founder & Lead Educator

Mariana Carazo – Founder, Head of Learning Center, Pedagogy & Curriculum


Mariana Carazo is not just the founder and Head of Learning Center at Developing Minds, she is the heart and visionary force behind a bold educational revolution. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Teaching from Columbia University and over two decades of experience leading curriculum innovation and pedagogical transformation, Mariana has devoted her life to redefining what learning can be. An expert in play-based, inquiry-driven education, she has built her own learning lab from the ground up, transforming a humble garage into a thriving learning center and proving that true learning flourishes when children are given freedom, purpose, and joy. Her mission goes far beyond opening a learning center, Mariana is pioneering a movement to restore childhood, replace outdated practices with brain-aligned teaching, and create learning environments where each child is empowered to think, lead, and love learning. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and commitment to a future where education meets the needs of this century, not the last.

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Meet Our Program Educators 

Our Educators: Experts, Mentors, and Facilitators of Learning

At Developing Minds Learning Center, our educators are not just tutors, they are facilitators, guides, and experts in their fields who empower children to take ownership of their learning.

📌 We don’t lecture. We inspire, guide, and create experiences.
📌 We don’t force learning. We make it meaningful and engaging.
📌 We don’t follow outdated methods. We use cutting-edge research in child development and education.

📌We are passinate for what we do

Our Afternoon Program Team

The Science & Research Behind Our Model

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Why This Works

Kids who learn through play and projects retain 3X more information than those who memorize.

Inquiry-based learning leads to higher problem-solving skills and real-world adaptability.

Emotional intelligence and mental health support lead to happier, more confident learners.

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 Developing Minds is NOT Just a Learning Center. It’s a Movement.

We are rethinking education for future generations.

Request more information

Please complete this form to request more information about the educational center. With your name, email, your child’s age, and a short message, we can guide you to the most suitable option and outline the next steps. Once submitted, our team will review your request and contact you by email.

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Where are we located? Lake Nona, Orlando 

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