Harbor Commons

HARBOR COMMONS LLC

330 A South Lawrence Blvd, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 | (904) 801-9835

Alyssa J. Clifford

Lead Educator & Program Director, Harbor Commons LLC

Director of Children’s Ministry, Keystone Heights Methodist Church Founder

Principal Elect, Navigator Christian Academy (Opening Fall 2027)

  • Education: B.A. Degree | Currently pursuing an accredited M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction
  • Experience: 12 Years Combined Classroom | 20 Years Tutoring, Educational Support, and Curriculum Development
  • Instructional Focus Areas: Composition & Rhetoric | Creative Writing | Practical Mathematics | Strategy & Logic | Anthropology & Geography | Biblical Studies | American History | Ecology | Astronomy | Geometry | Humanities | Nature Study | Handicrafts | Home Education Consulting
  • Educational Philosophy: Specializing in small-group, discussion-based instruction integrating classical narration, project-based learning, practical life skills, scientific observation, craftsmanship, and portfolio-centered academic development for homeschool and hybrid educational environments.

Program Overview, Tuition & Fee Schedule, and Course Pacing Guides

Physical Location: Harbor Commons, Keystone Heights, Florida Program Type: Home Education Instructional Program Instructional Model: Small-group instructional model with enrollment capped at 15 students per instructional block.

I. Program Description

Harbor Commons LLC is a hybrid educational community partnering with homeschooling families to provide rigorous, hands-on, discussion-based academic instruction in a structured small-group environment. Operating on a focused block schedule from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, the program allows students to engage deeply with the material while maintaining flexibility for independent study and family-directed home education.

The instructional program integrates classical narration, writing instruction, project-based learning, scientific observation, practical life skills, craftsmanship, and discussion-centered instruction.

  • High School Cohort (Grades 7–12): Meets Mondays and Thursdays. The secondary program emphasizes analytical thinking, rhetoric, structured writing, practical mathematics, scientific observation, research, and real-world application.
  • Elementary Cohort (Grades 3–6): Meets Wednesdays and Fridays. The elementary program blends classical narration, developmentally appropriate instruction, hands-on learning, nature study, strategy games, writing development, and craftsmanship.

II. Instructional Structure

Students attend in-person instructional blocks in a hybrid format. Courses utilize:

  • Direct instruction
  • Guided discussion
  • Narration
  • Writing workshops
  • Project-based learning
  • Laboratory activities
  • Nature study
  • Portfolio assessment
  • Strategy and logic games
  • Hands-on craftsmanship and design projects

Students complete independent reinforcement assignments, reading, journaling, and project work between instructional days.

III. Attendance & Schedule

The academic year consists of 32 instructional weeks divided into two 16-week semesters.

  • High School Cohort: Mondays & Thursdays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Elementary Cohort: Wednesdays & Fridays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Daily Schedule Structure: 45-minute instructional blocks | 10-minute breaks between classes | Small-group instructional format

IV. Tuition & Fee Schedule

All pricing is based on a 32-week academic year billed across monthly installments.

Full Cohort Enrollment Enrollment in the complete two-day instructional program (8 instructional blocks weekly).

  • Monthly Tuition: $480/month
  • Semester Tuition: $1,920/semester
  • Annual Tuition: $3,840/year

A La Carte Enrollment Families may enroll in individual instructional blocks.

  • Monthly Tuition: $60 per class/month
  • Semester Tuition: $240 per class/semester
  • Annual Tuition: $480 per class/year

Tuition covers instructional time and standard classroom materials unless otherwise specified for specialty projects, laboratory supplies, or advanced handicraft materials.

V. High School Course Descriptions & 36-Week Pacing

(All courses structured into 12 three-week instructional units.)

College Preparatory Composition

A rigorous writing course focused on analytical thinking, rhetoric, structured argumentation, literary analysis, and research writing.

  1. Sentence & Paragraph Architecture
  2. The Thesis & Outlining
  3. Literary Analysis
  4. Rhetoric & The Art of Persuasion
  5. The Persuasive Essay
  6. Revision & Fall Portfolio
  7. Research & Source Evaluation
  8. The Research Paper: Drafting
  9. The Research Paper: Completion
  10. Socratic Discussion & Defense
  11. Synthesis & Timed Writing
  12. Final Portfolio & Reflection

Creative Writing

An exploration of storytelling, literary craftsmanship, descriptive observation, character development, and narrative structure.

  1. Descriptive Observation & Vignette Writing
  2. Character Conception & Voice
  3. Dialogue & Pacing
  4. Setting & Worldbuilding
  5. The Short Story Arc
  6. Short Story Completion
  7. Poetry & Imagery
  8. Speculative & Mythic Fiction
  9. Historical Fiction
  10. Memoir & Personal Narrative
  11. Editing & Revision Techniques
  12. Final Writing Anthology

Anthropology & Geography

A study of cultures, civilizations, migration, geography, trade systems, and the relationship between human societies and physical land.

  1. Map Reading & Physical Geography
  2. Mesopotamia & River Civilizations
  3. Egypt & Cultural Infrastructure
  4. The Mediterranean & Trade
  5. Sub-Saharan Africa
  6. Migration & Demographics
  7. Asian Civilizations & The Silk Road
  8. The Americas: Pre-Columbian Cultures
  9. Europe & The Age of Exploration
  10. Modern Cultural Geography
  11. Religion & Geography
  12. Global Systems Symposium

Biblical Studies: New Testament Focus

A study of the life of Christ, the early Church, New Testament theology, apologetics, and first-century historical context.

  1. The First Century World
  2. The Synoptic Gospels
  3. Gospel of John & Christology
  4. The Parables of Jesus
  5. The Sermon on the Mount
  6. Passion Week & Resurrection
  7. Acts & The Early Church
  8. Paul’s Missionary Journeys
  9. Romans & Galatians
  10. Corinthians & Ephesians
  11. General Epistles & Apologetics
  12. Revelation & Eschatology

Practical Math

A practical mathematics course focused on stewardship, budgeting, taxes, banking, investing, entrepreneurship, and functional numeracy.

  1. The Value of Money & Budgeting
  2. Banking, Savings & Interest
  3. Credit, Debt & Loans
  4. Income, Payroll & Taxes
  5. Consumer Math & Unit Pricing
  6. Fall Financial Simulation
  7. Business Math Basics
  8. The Stock Market & Investing
  9. Household Economics
  10. Entrepreneurship & Logistics
  11. Philanthropy & Stewardship
  12. Final Portfolio & Audit

Ecology

An environmental science and stewardship course utilizing nature journaling, field observation, ecological systems study, and laboratory investigation.

  1. The Biosphere
  2. Biomes & Climatology
  3. Food Webs & Energy Transfer
  4. Population Dynamics
  5. Soil Systems & Nutrient Cycles
  6. Hydrology & Watersheds
  7. Botany & Plant Ecology
  8. Zoology & Animal Behavior
  9. Symbiosis & Interactions
  10. Human Impact & Conservation
  11. Sustainable Agriculture
  12. Field Study Capstone

Astronomy

A study of astronomy, celestial mechanics, observation, navigation, stellar systems, and the structure of the universe.

  1. History of Astronomy
  2. The Earth-Moon System
  3. The Inner Solar System
  4. The Outer Solar System
  5. Comets, Asteroids & Meteors
  6. The Sun & Stellar Anatomy
  7. The Life Cycle of Stars
  8. Constellations & Navigation
  9. Galaxies & The Milky Way
  10. Cosmology & Deep Space
  11. Space Exploration
  12. Night Sky Symposium

VI. Elementary Course Descriptions & 36-Week Pacing

(All courses structured into 12 three-week instructional units.)

Composition

A foundational writing course emphasizing narration, copywork, dictation, grammar, paragraph structure, and written communication.

  1. The Art of Narration
  2. Sentence Building & Punctuation
  3. Copywork & Dictation Mastery
  4. The Core Paragraph
  5. Descriptive Writing
  6. Fall Writing Portfolio
  7. Sequencing & Transition Words
  8. Informational Summaries
  9. Letter Writing & Communication
  10. Introduction to Outlining
  11. Polishing & Revision Basics
  12. Spring Writing Showcase

Strategy & Logic

Critical thinking instruction utilizing games, puzzles, spatial reasoning, chess, tactical problem-solving, and engineering challenges.

  1. Patterns & Sequences
  2. Spatial Reasoning
  3. Introduction to Chess
  4. Deductive Reasoning
  5. Strategy Board Games
  6. Fall Logic Tournament
  7. Advanced Chess Tactics
  8. Probability & Prediction
  9. Cooperative Problem Solving
  10. Sudoku & Number Logic
  11. Systems & Engineering Puzzles
  12. Year-End Strategy Decathlon

Geometry

An exploration of shapes, patterns, measurement, drafting, geometry in nature, and mathematical design.

  1. Lines, Angles, and Basics
  2. 2D Shapes & Polygons
  3. Symmetry in Nature & Art
  4. Perimeter & Area Foundations
  5. 3D Shapes & Spatial Construction
  6. Geometric Art & Tessellations
  7. Fractions in Geometry
  8. Measurement & Scale
  9. Mapmaking & Coordinates
  10. Compass & Straightedge
  11. Architecture & Engineering Shapes
  12. Final Geometry Design Project

Handicrafts

A craftsmanship course emphasizing patience, fine motor development, practical hand skills, artistic design, and tactile learning.

  1. Intro to Hand Sewing
  2. Fiber Arts
  3. Nature Crafts
  4. Paper Crafting & Bookbinding
  5. Clay Sculpting
  6. Holiday Artisan Goods
  7. Embroidery Basics
  8. Woodworking Basics
  9. Mixed Media Painting
  10. Upcycling & Functional Art
  11. Collaborative Community Project
  12. Spring Artisan Fair

American History

A chronological exploration of the people, events, geography, and civic development of the United States.

  1. Indigenous Peoples
  2. The Age of Exploration
  3. Early Colonies
  4. The 13 Colonies & Daily Life
  5. The American Revolution
  6. The Constitution & New Nation
  7. Westward Expansion
  8. The Civil War
  9. Reconstruction & Innovations
  10. Immigration & The Industrial Age
  11. The 20th Century Overview
  12. Modern America & Civics Capstone

Old Testament Studies

A study of the major people, events, themes, and covenant narrative of the Old Testament.

  1. Creation & The Fall
  2. Noah & The Flood
  3. Abraham & The Patriarchs
  4. Joseph & Providence
  5. Moses & The Exodus
  6. The Tabernacle & The Law
  7. Joshua & The Promised Land
  8. The Judges & Ruth
  9. The Early Kings: Saul & David
  10. Solomon & The Temple
  11. Elijah, Elisha & The Prophets
  12. Exile, Return & Hope

Ecology

An elementary environmental science course focused on observation, gardening, weather, habitats, ecosystems, and stewardship.

  1. What is an Ecosystem?
  2. The Water Cycle & Weather
  3. Soil Health & Decomposition
  4. Plant Life Cycles & Botany
  5. Trees & Forestry
  6. Fall Harvest & Winter Preparation
  7. Animal Habitats & Classification
  8. Food Chains & Webs
  9. Birds & Ornithology
  10. Insects & Pollinators
  11. Spring Gardening Lab
  12. Stewardship Capstone

Creative Writing

A storytelling and literary expression course emphasizing imagination, structure, poetry, narration, and collaborative storytelling.

  1. The Magic of Story
  2. Creating Characters
  3. Setting the Scene
  4. Fairy Tales & Fables
  5. The Story Arc
  6. Winter Storytelling Festival
  7. Poetry Playground
  8. Adventure & Quest Stories
  9. Writing Dialogue
  10. Historical Fiction
  11. Collaborative Class Story
  12. Spring Author’s Tea

VII. Safety & Operations

Harbor Commons LLC maintains:

  • Student attendance records
  • Emergency contact documentation
  • Enrollment and payment records
  • Program policies and operational procedures

Families are expected to comply with all program policies, safety procedures, and attendance expectations.