From Homeschooling to Scubaschooling: How One Family Continues Redefining Education

By Tara Burke. Images courtesy of the author.

At just 14 years old, Braeden Burt has already made a name for himself—both above and below the water.

For most teens, education means sitting at a desk in a classroom or learning online, developing knowledge through repetition and textbooks. For 14-year-old Braeden Burt, it means diving deep into the world’s oceans and springs and exploring submerged rocks and plant life, hidden shipwrecks, vibrant coral gardens, and mysterious underwater specimens. With over 150 dives under his belt and a Junior Rescue Diver certification already earned, we were introduced to Braeden back in Fall of 2024 when he had just accomplished his 100th dive alongside legendary cave diver Paul Heinerth. Braeden is continuing to prove that passion, hard work, and a fearless spirit can take you anywhere—even many feet below sea level.

When Braeden first discovered his love for diving, his parents didn’t hesitate. They recognized a drive that couldn’t be contained to land, and his dive instructors remarked on his innate talent in the water. Instead of holding him back, his parents gave him the ultimate green light. This encouragement and lifestyle isn’t common within their homeschool community, and other parents  of aspiring youth divers often question their approach.

“Some people think it’s crazy,” Tara laughed. “But to us, the idea of ignoring Braeden’s dream and talent seemed even crazier. He’s trained. He’s careful. And he’s doing something he loves.”

Scubaschooling!

Braeden is believed to be the first scubaschooled student: The underwater world is his classroom, and learning is his goal. Marine biology lessons happen in real coral reefs. He studies math and physics through the science of buoyancy, air pressure, Nitrox tables, and gas consumption rates. Geography comes alive as he plans trips across Florida and (soon) beyond. Wreck diving and researching ahead of his next adventure offer chances to master history. He employs Language Arts skills while applying for scholarships or youth programs related to his goals (and while developing his personal website, likely to be published next semester). Every dive is logged. Every skill is mastered.

At just two years into this journey, Braeden is already inspiring others to dream bigger and dive deeper—both in the water and in life. His story is a reminder that passion knows no age limit, and when a family chooses support instead of fear, incredible things can happen.

The journey hasn’t been without setbacks. This winter, an unexpected out-of-water injury cost Braeden precious time in the water—including one of his planned summer trips. After achieving his drysuit certification and beginning new adventures with a retired dive instructor just for fun, his injury hit home as he was now watching from the shore. But, true to his determined spirit, he turned the experience into a lesson in patience and resilience after a few breakdowns. Now, stronger and more motivated than ever, Braeden—and his entire family—are counting down the days until he’s back where he belongs: underwater.

After this semester comes to a close, Braeden isn’t slated to have an average teenage summer.  Instead, he will head to the world famous Marine Lab in Key Largo for training at Ocean First Tides Camp, and later he will join Action Quest in the British Virgin Islands for an intensive catamaran diving expedition. Each trip is another opportunity for Braeden to sharpen his skills, explore new waters, and continue his unique homeschool journey—one that blends academics, adventure, and real-world experience.  But don’t worry: he and his dad have also planned a just-for-fun trip with their favorite dive shop after summer ends. 

While he will surely have many new skills to show off by then, he is most looking forward to turning 15 on that trip: an age that will open up a whole new world of certifications and goals that are normally reserved for those a little older. While it has not been easy waiting, we are often reminded that many of the age restrictions have to do with mental and emotional maturity vs. physical capability. Braeden has been allowed to achieve mastery of some skills because of his experience, but we always defer to his coaches and teachers when he comes up with a new goal or desired skill.

Braeden’s Support Team

Behind Braeden’s continued success stands a team of unwavering supporters: his parents. “We’re often asked if we worry,” says his mom. “But Braeden dives and trains with the best—professionals we trust, like Dive911 and Mac’s Sports. Knowing he’s in good hands gives us total confidence to let him chase his dreams. We do not allow ‘B’ to dive with just anyone; it is a rule that has been at play since day one and will continue until he is of age to make his own decisions. And we hope, by then, that the influence from those he dives with will be ingrained—that safety and trusted buddies are at the core of every expedition.”

As his dive count grows, so do his ambitions. Braeden continues to build an education that’s as adventurous as it is academic. His next goals include advancing his dive certifications and eventually teaching others to discover the same magic he’s found beneath the surface—whether that’s through actual dive instruction or just inspiring others through his stories and enthusiasm for diving. After a dive trip this past winter to Deerfield Beach with his father and some of his favorite instructors (Christine Tamburri and Wally Endris), he expressed a new determination to explore the ocean. His love of Florida’s springs and his technical dive goals have thus far kept his determination alive, but his parents are happy to foster this new curiosity—nothing about his future is set, and (with the proper training, experience, and certifications) nothing is off limits.

“We’re just here to cheer him on,” said his parents with a smile. “Watching him dive into his passions, overcome challenges, and keep pushing forward—that’s the real adventure.”

For Braeden and his family, diving has never been about rushing to the top or collecting certificates for show—it’s about building a foundation that lasts a lifetime. He only trains with trusted instructors and companies that care about the diver, not just the dive. His parents have made it clear: no cutting corners, no chasing titles that aren’t earned. “It’s easy to get caught up in the race for more certifications, deeper dives, or visiting venues that push limits” said his mom. “But we’re not in a race, and we not only follow rules but the advice and mentoring of those who work with Braeden. We’re raising a young man who respects the ocean and world’s waterways, respects the process, and respects himself. That’s worth more than any card or credential.” 

For Braeden, staying true to the journey—and the people who believe in doing it right—is what really continues to set him apart.

The Rules of Becoming a Young Diver

In reflecting on the last few years of Braeden’s journey, Tara discovered that part of her journey lay in helping other parents who might be struggling with their fears about their children’s desire to take up diving. 

After running a youth scuba group for homeschoolers for almost two years, Tara decided to concentrate on advancing Braeden’s skills and goals. That done, next year’s goals for Braeden are for him to become a role model for the youth dive community with his parents’ support as needed.

And so, as the next chapter begins, here are The Burt Family’s rules of becoming a youth diver:

1. Trust Your Training

Don’t rush into dives or certifications. Take your time to learn and respect the process—and always dive with people you trust. If you do not have people you trust, ask those who traveled the journey before you. Read the reviews and listen to those within the dive community, as they really are the most reliable critics.

2. Safety First, Always

Safety comes before everything else. Never dive without the proper training, equipment, or support. It’s better to wait for the right conditions than dive in risky ones. Dive within your training and limits. When diving with someone new, allow them to get to know you and get to know them both in and out of the water.

3. Respect the Water

The underwater world is amazing, but it’s also unpredictable. Treat it with respect, and never take it for granted. The more you learn about it, the more you understand how to dive responsibly. 

4. Never Stop Learning

Every dive is a new lesson. Whether you’re exploring a coral reef or learning a new rescue skill, always keep your mind open to learning more.

5. Stay Humble

Diving is about experience, not ego. Don’t focus on getting the next certification or diving the deepest—focus on becoming the best diver you can be, one dive at a time. Diving should not be a competitive sport, so continue to push your abilities and training, but not at the risk of yourself or your buddies.

AND ALWAYS CONTINUE HAVING FUN! 

DIVE DEEPER

InDEPTH: Scuba as School: The Story of Aquatic Wunderkind Braeden Burt by Tara Burt

BraedenUnderwater: Braeden Under Water

Tara Burt is a homeschool mom of two. She created a youth and/or homeschool scuba diving group after her son found he had both a passion and talent in the water. Tara hopes to make an impact on the industry by helping to introduce youth to the water as well as the world, so that scuba diving can become a legitimate career path. She can most often be found spring hopping as her son continues training.