Homeschoolers are grabbing the spotlight at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.

  • Homeschool classes offered on Wednesday mornings
  • Administrators call it a win-win academically
  • Parents say it helps with social skills

The performing arts school has expanded its homeschool program this year, and students are thrilled.

"I just like that it's, like, natural," said 5-year-old Grace LaPorta. "I just like it, I don't know why."

The homeschool classes are offered on Wednesday mornings. It includes learning to play an instrument, singing in chorus, and performing theater.

Parents said it really helps with their children's social skills.

"It provides time with other kids and friends, but really with the arts, it really gives them a great opportunity," said Sheley Quillian, who has three sons enrolled in Patel's homeschool programs.

Administrators said it's also a win-win academically.

"We find that when students are involved in the performing arts that they innately do better in a lot of their academic subjects as well," said Patel Theater Chair Suzanne Livesay.

Patel administrators said they're considering adding more classes in the near future.