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.
Scheduled Programs
Stunning Savannahs
Africa is known for its expansive savanna and the large mammals that call it home. Come discover why this impressive biome is the perfect home for rhinos, giraffes, baboons, lions, and more at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Monday, September 9 (Fall Session A) / Monday, September 16 (Fall Session B) / Monday, September 23 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Wonderful Wetlands
Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems in the world to you and I! Join us as we trek through the zoo to explore the amazing local plant and animal life found within marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Monday, October 14 (Fall Session A) / Monday, October 21 (Fall Session B) / Monday, October 28 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Captivating Coral Reefs
Dive into the importance of biodiversity as we swim through one of the most colorful and busy habitats in the world.
Monday, November 11 (Fall Session A) / Monday, November 18 (Fall Session B) / Monday, November 25 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Eliminating Extinction
Why does wildlife disappear? How can we prevent it? From the mystery of the Carolina Parakeet to the return of the beautiful Bali Mynah, students will investigate ways they can help Riverbank’s eliminate extinction.
Monday, January 13 (Spring Session D) / Monday, January 20 (Spring Session E) / Monday, January 27 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
Conservation Connection
Explore the many ways Riverbanks is involved in protecting North America Songbirds and Pollinators. Students will get the opportunity to take home some tools to help connect to wildlife and conservation in their own backyard!
Monday, February 10 (Spring Session D) / Monday, February 17 (Spring Session E) / Monday, February 24 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
Restoration Recovery
Join us as we observe some of the ways Riverbanks is working to restore Gopher Tortoises, Spider Lillies, and Gopher Frogs to their native habitats.
Monday, March 10 (Spring Session D) / Monday, March 17 (Spring Session E) / Monday, March 24 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
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).
Opens August 1
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.
Scheduled Programs
Camels, Llamas, and Alpacas
Join us as we learn about camels and their cousins!
Monday, September 9 (Fall Session A) / Monday, September 23 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Bats
Let’s learn about bats! How do they help us and why are some people afraid of them?
Monday, October 14 (Fall Session A) / Monday, October 28 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Wiggle Worms
Come Explore the underground world of earthworms!
Monday, November 11 (Fall Session A) / Monday, November 25 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Winter is a great time to see waterfowl on our lakes and rivers. Join us as we learn about our feathered friends!
Monday, January 13 (Spring Session D) / Monday, January 27 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
Octopus
Octopus are some of the coolest creatures in the ocean! Let’s learn all about them.
Monday, February 10 (Spring Session D) / Monday, February 24 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
Capybara & Kin
Capybaras look like a cute cross between a pig, a beaver, and a hippopotamus. But what are they really? Let’s learn about capybaras and their relatives!
Monday, March 10 (Spring Session D) / Monday, March 24 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
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).
Opens August 1
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 2 : 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).
Opens August 1
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.
