West Beach Academy
Some kids learn best at a desk. Most learn best with sand on their feet, a question in their head, and a grown-up nearby who is just as curious as they are. West Beach Academy is a new homeschool micro-academy and enrichment program built on that idea, rooted in the West Beach neighborhood of Santa Barbara.
We gather small, mixed-age groups of homeschooled children and treat the waterfront as our campus. Mornings are for focused, hands-on core learning. The rest of the day moves outside: reading tide charts before a low-tide walk at Leadbetter, sketching pelicans on Stearns Wharf, timing waves from the harbor breakwater, and practicing Spanish with friends along the bike path.
Founded by Ted McDonald (known to many as “Barefoot Ted”), we believe strong bodies and curious minds grow together. Natural movement, barefoot play, and plenty of time outdoors are part of the school day, not a reward for finishing it. Families stay in the driver’s seat of their child’s education; we provide the community, the mentors, and one of the most beautiful classrooms in California.
Four Things We Care About
Small & mixed-age
Tight-knit groups where older kids mentor and younger kids stretch. Groups stay intentionally small.
Ocean science
Tide pools, harbor ecology, seabirds and kelp, studied where they actually live.
Natural movement
Barefoot running, balance, climbing, and play that build resilient, confident bodies.
Family-led
Built for homeschool families. You set the path; we help make the days rich.
West Beach Academy Schedule
A sample day. Final times and options will be shared with families as enrollment opens.
Half Day
- Morning circle & tide check on the sand
- Core skills block — reading, writing, math (small groups)
- Snack & free play
- Ocean science or field-study walk
- Lunch outdoors
- Movement: barefoot running, games, balance work
Full Day
- Everything in the half day, plus:
- Afternoon electives — Spanish, art, harbor studies, nature journaling
- Quiet reading & reflection
- Closing circle
Important Details
West Beach Academy is a micro-academy for homeschooled children. Every student is enrolled as a homeschooler through their family or a homeschool charter, and we support each family’s own approach.
Ages served, weekly schedule, and calendar: details coming soon. Join the waitlist to be first to hear.
Tuition: details coming soon. We are in the process of becoming an approved vendor so that families enrolled with homeschool charter schools may be able to use their educational funds. (Charter vendor approval in process — not yet confirmed.)
The Whole Waterfront Is Our Classroom
From West Beach, more than twenty kid-friendly places are a short walk or bike ride away: beaches and tide pools, a working harbor, a pier with a sea center, museums, playgrounds, a historic pool, and wetlands full of birds.
Ted McDonald, “Barefoot Ted”
Ted is a barefoot and ultramarathon runner, a lifelong student of natural movement, and the founder of LUNA Sandals. He has spent years showing people that the body is built to move, explore, and adapt, and that curiosity is the best coach there is.
At West Beach Academy, Ted brings that same spirit to kids: lots of time outside, real challenges, and a sense of wonder about the ocean and the world.
Meet the TeamSee the West Beach Difference
We’re building our first groups now. Join the interest list to hear about open houses, beach-day visits, and enrollment.
Join the WaitlistOr email [email protected]