A small K-12 school operating out of a commercial building on Canton's Randolph Street is inviting families to tour its space and meet staff at an open house on Friday, Aug. 14, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Symbiosis Academy, at 1060 Randolph St., occupies part of a 9,879-square-foot commercial building that also houses Temple Beth David of the South Shore. The school operates within the Massachusetts homeschooling framework and serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from across the state, according to its website and a Patch Canton calendar listing.

Founder and Director Kristine Fringer started the program in 2019 as Symbiosis Learning Center, initially serving a handful of homeschool middle and high school students. It has since expanded to cover all grades and rebranded as Symbiosis Academy.

The school positions itself as an alternative for students who struggle in traditional settings, including those with different learning needs, social or emotional challenges, anxiety, or ADHD. Its curriculum blends state-required academics with project-based learning and outdoor activities near Ponkapoag Pond, including hiking, archery, and kayaking.

Course offerings range from math at all levels and English Language Arts to financial literacy, Dungeons & Dragons, drama, and visual art. High school students can pursue dual enrollment at Mass Bay Community College, working toward an associate degree alongside their high school transcript.

The staff is small. Fringer's team includes Samantha Bohanon-Rowe as K-3 lead teacher and science lead, Kristen Kimball teaching social studies and art for grades 4-12, and Margot Bauman handling middle and high school math, among others.

On the school's website, parent Pam Driscoll described her 15-year-old son's experience: "We felt like we were out of options…until he met Kristine from Symbiosis. Symbiosis has given my son hope and self-confidence after years of feeling like a failure."

Families interested in the Aug. 14 open house or enrollment can reach Symbiosis Academy at (617) 564-1089 or visit symbiosis.academy. The school is at 1060 Randolph St., Canton.