Explore nature through hands-on learning during Riverbanks’ Homeschool programs throughout the school year. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, budding gardener, or knee-high naturalist, homeschooled children ages 3–12 will enjoy a variety of exciting experiences to pique every interest.
Homeschool Classes
for ages 5–12
Homeschool students will wade, trek, and swim through ecology this Fall as we explore various ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. Students will register for a 3-course series in the fall and/or spring.
Program Details
- Birthdate Ranges :
- Level 1 : Ages 5–6 (Birthdate: 9/1/2017 – 8/30/2019)
- Level 2 : Ages 7–9 (Birthdate: 9/1/2014 – 8/30/2017)
- Level 3 : Ages 10–12 (Birthdate: 9/1/2011 – 8/30/2014)
- Cost :
- $45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Program Length :
- Programs run 90 minutes.
- Location :
- Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).
Registration Closed
Homeschool Little Learners
for ages 3–5 with accompanying adult
These programs are offered for our littlest learners. Ages 3–5 can join us in discovering cool things about the animals in our world.
Program Details
- Cost :
- $35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Program Length :
- 10:45–11:45AM.
- Location :
- Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).
Registration Closed
Homeschool ZooCrew
for ages 11–14
ZooCrew is Riverbanks’ learning program for middle school youth. The ZooCrew meets twice monthly, September through May, to explore the field of conservation biology. ZooCrew will utilize the Riverbanks campus and exhibits to learn about environmental stewardship and the science behind animal care. Participants will cooperate with their peers and Riverbanks staff during classroom lessons while collecting and analyzing data and conducting their own research projects.
Program Details
- Content :
- During the 2024-2025 school year, ZooCrew students will engage in project-based learning exploring zoo and aquarium habitat design. Students will design a model habitat and educational infographics while adhering to an overall budget. This fun project will explore species’ natural history, animal care, horticulture, and informal education.
- Session Dates and Times :
- September 9 : Virtual Family Orientation (10:00AM–12:00PM)
- September 16 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- October 7 & 21 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- November 4 & 18 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- December 2 & 16 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- December 14 : Winter Celebration (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- January 6 & 20 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- February 3 & 17 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- March 3 & 17 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- April 7 & 21 (9:00AM–12:00PM)
- May 9 : Presentation & End of Year Celebration (6:00–8:00PM)
- Ages :
- Youth entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade and at least 11 years old.
- Cost :
- Annual tuition is $480 for Riverbanks members and $600 for the general public, with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration for all participants. Tuition includes all classes, supplies, nametag, and one ZooCrew T-shirt per year. Tuition can be paid in eight monthly installments over the course of the year.
- Location :
- Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).
- Sign In/Sign Out :
- Monday ZooCrew guardians will be required to enter the zoo to both sign in and sign out their students. In doing so, they will be required to either show proof of membership or purchase an admission ticket for each date of programming in compliance with Riverbanks’ admission policy.
Registration Closed
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received three weeks in advance of the session start date to receive a refund for your registration. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable should the cancellation or need to change a date occur within three weeks of the scheduled session.
In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellations will be provided at least ten days prior to the schedule event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.
Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event or portion of the session dates.
Questions about Homeschool Programs?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.
