Homeschool
Want to get hands-on plant science into your home-school curriculum? Consider an Arboretum learning experience!
Homeschool: Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a child outside of the suggested age range?
Yes! The Arboretum Field Trips educators set the content and materials based on current school standards and grade levels. You know your homeschool student best, and are welcome to register for programs that aligns with their interests and level. Note that Arboretum Educators cannot tailor program content on the spot to different ages.
Can I bring a non-participating sibling?
If the sibling will be using any supplies (eating snacks, planting projects, etc), then they should pay and register. If the sibling is purely accompanying, will not be using any supplies, nor will be a distraction to the group, they are welcome to attend for free.
Can I drop my child off and not attend with them?
No. Homeschool Days are designed for students to participate together with their adult educator. Plan to attend together your student.
Can I reserve a private Field Trip only for members of my homeschool group?
How do I enter past the main gatehouse for the program without paying a gate fee?
Once you register and check out online, you will receive (2) confirmation emails. One has a barcode ticket that you need to bring with you to the Arboretum. The gatehouse will scan your ticket for admission. Please mention the name of the program you are here for, and that your barcode ticket includes student+adult educator admission. You can then proceed to the Learning Center for your program!
Homeschool Day: Pollination Investigation (Grades 2 - 6)
Thursday, May 23, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Ready, Set, Grow! (Grades PreK-1)
Tuesday, May 28, 1-2:15 p.m.
The Arboretum is committed to making its educational opportunities accessible for all school audiences. With the generous support of the foundations and donors, we are pleased to offer a menu of scholarship opportunities for our schools.
School Programs sponsored by
Support for the Arboretum's School Programs generously provided by
International Paper Foundation
Karen A. Nelson
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
J.A. Wedum Foundation
Donald Weesner Foundation/Yellow Bus Fund
Helpful information - Education
Cancellations & Exchanges for educational programs
Review the cancellation policies prior to purchasing a class.
Waitlist
The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the "waitlist" button or link next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.
Member purchasing policy
Can Members register accompanying Non-member participants for Educational programs at the discounted member rate?
Yes. Arboretum Education policy is that Members may purchase a class or camp on behalf of an accompanying Non-member at the discounted Member price as long as they are registering and paying for at least one spot for themselves. Members must Sign in, enter the total number of Member-price tickets for all participants they are purchasing for, and then complete each participant’s name and prompted information at the checkout screen. The transaction must be completed at the same time as the Member's registration(s). This policy applies only to Arboretum Education programs and classes, and is not applicable to other Arboretum purchases like Events or Admission Tickets.
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About Arboretum Education
Meet the team behind the programs that inspire scientific curiosity and a love of nature.
Education department statistics
View the annual Fiscal Year statistics of the Education Department.