Dear Ohana Institute Patron,

Since founding Ohana Institute in 2011, our mission has remained rooted in a deep commitment to educate students in innovative and meaningful ways—empowering each child to discover their passion, build confidence, and thrive.

We are proud of the impact we’ve made over the years and of the vibrant community we’ve created together. Our freestanding, two-story school in 30Avenue—approximately 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space—serves as a daily reminder of what’s possible when vision, dedication, and support come together. In addition to our main building, we’ve expanded into additional spaces throughout 30Avenue that house our high school classrooms, art studios, and STEAM labs, creating a true campus environment for our middle and high school students that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of independence.

Ohana Institute has always been inspired by our surrounding community, and we believe real learning is enriched through connection. Over the years, our students have engaged with a variety of local businesses and organizations—from Amavida Coffee’s entrepreneurship program, to Food For Thought, Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts, to the Muskogee Nation’s land transformation initiative. Our Rock the Road music program has even opened doors for students to perform live at local venues, allowing them to share their talents while building confidence and strengthening community ties. These hands-on service and learning experiences have become a cornerstone of what we do and continue to shape the hearts and minds of our students.

As we look ahead, we are thrilled to announce our new strategic partnership with Kaplan, a global leader in education. This collaboration will open up a wide range of academic and college-preparatory resources for our students, including nationally recognized SAT and ACT test preparation, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and comprehensive career-readiness tools.

In addition, Kaplan brings a renewed focus on STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—particularly at the high school level. Through expanded opportunities in Aeronautics, Robotics, and partnerships like Space Florida, students can expect cutting-edge programming that inspires innovation, exploration, and real-world application of skills. We are excited about what’s ahead and invite you to stay tuned for even more student-centered STEAM initiatives launching soon.

While Ohana Institute is no longer structured as a 501(c)(3) organization, those who wish to support our unique programs and student opportunities can still do so through the Ohana Institute Foundation. Donations made to the Foundation directly contribute to the continued development of dynamic learning environments and life-changing experiences for our students.

We remain passionately committed to providing an education that is individualized, creative, and future-focused—where students learn organically, grow authentically, and feel supported every step of the way.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for believing in the power of education to transform lives.

With gratitude,
Lettye Burgtorf