Worldologists Reviews 5

My son and I attended Mary's Panama workshop in April after he completed the year long Marine Biology course with Next Level Homeschool. Signing up for the trip sounded felt like a leap of faith but, I am so glad I went for it - truly unforgettable experience and one that I would highly recommend!
Seeing all the kids (ages 10-17) come together was awesome! My son is normally slow to warm up to new people but, he was immediately engaged with this group.
The trip was action packed with carefully planned learning adventures and enough downtime in the evenings. We felt supported throughout the entire process - from initial planning to booking to last minute preparations and things to do before and after the workshop.
More trips please Mary!!

Date of experience: April 27, 2025

Our hybrid-homeschool organization, Cupola Academy, brought 12 students to the marine science workshop in Bocas del Toro, Panama, following the full-year class. We were absolutely blown away by Mary and Brian's itinerary. The entire week was phenomenal, with a perfect blend of focused learning, hands-on exploration, downtime, and community-building. Despite the first few days of weather being pretty rainy, that did not dampen the spirits of our group. Mary and Brian worked tirelessly to adjust the schedule so that our students could still experience every opportunity that had been outlined. From snorkeling to visiting the Smithsonian, harvesting cacao beans to building artificial reefs, Mary and Brian had activities and experiences that appealed to ALL learners. Mary's unparalleled passion for marine sciences made her the perfect guide, as her joy for learning was infectious. Traveling with 12 students internationally could have been daunting, but Mary had arranged all of the accommodations, had clearly outlined transportation options, and was always just a WhatsApp message away if any last minute questions popped up. It's next to impossible to find rigorous, purposeful, hands-on SECULAR science options, and this year-long course, topped off by an incredible week in Panama, was all we could have asked for, and more! If you're on the fence as to whether or not to book the trip, JUST DO IT! 5 stars!

Date of experience: April 20, 2025

My 17 year old son attended the marine science workshop in Bocas del Toro, Panama, following the full-year class with Mary Middlebrook

This trip was the culmination of my son's lifelong homeschool journey and we could not have asked for a better ending.

Next Level Homeschool (Mary and Brian) are true professionals. It was nothing short of miraculous how they were able to coordinate a group of homeschoolers (and families) in a seamless and seemingly SIMPLE way to get us ALL to Panama City, then to Bocas Del Toro to have the AMAZING week that we had. We are appreciative of the tips and tricks, the things we might have forgotten, and for sure the things we didn't know.

The week was indescribable. Even with the rain (which just became a way of life) we took a riverboat to see Manatees, we released baby sea turtles, we explored native foods, plants, and animals on Mary and Brian's heavenly property, and the kids planted mangroves, explored and restored the coral reef, and learned more about marine zoology and marine science than could ever be achieved in a classroom alone.

I can't thank Next Level enough for this experience for my son and I.

Date of experience: April 19, 2025

My daughter completed the year long Marine Zoology course which she really enjoyed followed by a trip to Panama that will remain an experience that we will always treasure. We were able to meet and connect with other homeschool families from all around the US. Gaining the hands on experience in Panama really allowed her to delve into her passion for animals and marine life. It also allowed her and I some really special quality time together and to explore the Panamanian culture together. I can't recommend these courses/trips enough that Mary runs! My only problem is that now I need to find some way to top that experience and it's going to be very difficult!

Date of experience: April 19, 2025

We recently attended the Marine Science Workshop in Bocas del Toro, Panama for 2025. It was a trip to be remembered for a lifetime. We left with new like-minded friends, which was perhaps the best part of it. The adventures and workshops were incredible. My son has some special needs, and Mary was awesome at making sure he was accommodated and could participate in every activity. She is clearly so invested in her students and their success, and she made sure we had a fantastic, memorable time. We hope to travel with them again in the future.

Date of experience: April 21, 2025