North Winds Institute brings 550 homeschoolers to Medieval Times Orlando

By AI, Created 11:15 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – North Winds Institute says more than 550 homeschool children and family members took part in an educational field trip to Medieval Times Orlando on May 12, the largest homeschool group ever to attend the venue. The group is now taking reservations for a second program on Nov. 6 as NWI expands its adventure-based homeschool offerings in Florida and beyond.

Why it matters: - North Winds Institute is using experiential field trips to give homeschool families large-group learning experiences outside the classroom. - The Medieval Times outing shows growing demand for hands-on K-12 programming tied to history, enrichment and community-building. - NWI says Step Up for Students vouchers can cover most program costs, which can make the experience more accessible for Florida families.

What happened: - More than 550 homeschool children and family members attended a North Winds Institute event at Medieval Times Orlando on Tuesday, May 12. - NWI described the gathering as the largest homeschool group ever to attend the 11th-century-themed venue. - NWI is now accepting reservations for a second 2026 Medieval Times program on Friday, Nov. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Families can reserve a spot through North Winds Institute.

The details: - NWI and Medieval Times built an age-appropriate pre- and post-event curriculum for a wide range of student ages. - The day included the Hall of Arms Museum, a 90-minute medieval history demonstration, falconry, horsemanship and knights jousting. - Medieval Times offers matinee dates for K-12 programming focused on life in the 11th century. - Laura Islas, founder of North Winds Institute, said the experience is life-changing for homeschooled children and valuable for families seeking a communal educational outing. - Islas said Medieval Times was easy to work with and that NWI expects to bring even larger student groups in the future. - Islas also said the venue supported students with special accommodation needs and has a long history of hosting public school field trips. - NWI is an approved direct pay provider for Step Up for Students in Florida. - Step Up for Students vouchers are eligible to cover the majority of programming expenses for NWI experiences, including the Medieval Times trip. - Step Up for Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer scholarships for Florida schoolchildren. - NWI coordinates experiential programs across the U.S., including American history trips in Massachusetts, St. Augustine and Key West, Florida. - NWI also runs science-themed programs in Silver Springs, Florida; Amicalola Falls, Georgia; and Costa Rica. - Select NWI programs offer dual enrollment and undergraduate college credit. - NWI says the Adventure Club is built around adventure, resilience, faith, curiosity, grit and growth through hands-on experiences.

Between the lines: - The Medieval Times partnership gives NWI a marquee venue that matches its adventure-first model. - The size of the turnout suggests homeschool families are looking for structured group experiences that blend curriculum, social connection and entertainment. - NWI is broadening its reach by pairing local Florida programming with trips tied to history, science and even college credit.

What’s next: - NWI will host another Medieval Times outing on Nov. 6 if reservations fill. - NWI will exhibit at the Florida Parent Educators Association convention May 21-23 at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. - NWI will be at Booth 1118 during the three-day conference. - The organization plans to continue expanding program opportunities at Medieval Times and other experiential learning sites. - NWI says participation in all programs is first come, first served.

The bottom line: - NWI is turning field trips into a scalable homeschool model, with Medieval Times Orlando serving as a high-profile example of how the group mixes education, adventure and community.