Greenville Zoo and Homeschooling

https://sc-greenvillezoo2.civicplus.com/184/Homeschool-Programs

Our homeschool programs offer lively, hands-on classes that are sure to engage students as they learn. Classes often include experiments, animal encounters, and educational games.  This fall home school programs will be offered both in-person with small groups in our outdoor classroom, or virtual in the comfort of your home. Which ever way you participate, your student is sure to be engaged and enriched!

Call the Education Department to register by phone at (864) 467-4850 or register online. 

Option 1: In-person Weekly Programs on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (scroll down for Option 2: Virtual programming)

• $35 for members; $40 for non-members per monthly unit 
• Four weekly programs included in registration, 60 minute each program
  • K5-2nd Grade at 9:00am-10:00am
  • 3rd-5th Grade at 11:00am-12:00pm
  • 6th-8th Grade at 1:00pm-2:00pm
• Small class sizes
• Outdoor classrooms
• Individual work spaces and supplies
• Facemasks required 

Scroll down for program dates and descriptions

What steps are we taking to ensure your child’s safety?

In additional to amplified cleaning practices, and daily employee health screening, our practices have been modified to keep your children safe. 

• Classes conducted in person will take place in our outdoor classroom areas. Outdoor classrooms are shaded and separated from the public. To ensure social distancing, class sizes will be kept to 10 students. Students will have individual work spaces for themselves and their siblings if applicable. Class supplies will be allocated each month for individual students, to allow for singular use. In between classes, instructors will conduct a thorough cleaning of all work spaces. 
• Parents will drop off and pick up students at the front gate for class. If a parent would like to walk their student up to the classroom, or enjoy the zoo during class time, a pre-purchased, or reserved for members, ticket is required. In compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, masks are required to be worn at the zoo.  _­
• In case of light rain, the outdoor classrooms are covered. Please dress students in weather appropriate attire and close-toed shoes. In the case of inclement weather, classes will be moved to a safe shelter that still allows for social distancing. Classes will only be cancelled and prorated if the zoo is required to close to the public.

Option 2: Virtual Weekly Programs on Thursdays

• $15 for members; $20 for non-members per monthly unit
• Four weekly programs included in registration; 30-40 minutes each Thursday of the month.
  • K5-2nd Grade at 9:00am
  • 3rd-5th Grade at 10:00am
  • 6th-8th Grade at 11:00am
• Small Class Sizes
• Virtual from your home
• Optional supply kit available for purchase for $20 each month, but not required.

Fall Semester Monthly Units

When registering for homeschool programs, participants register for a monthly unit which includes 4 programs. Registrations cannot be pro-rated for missed or absent dates. Classrooms are outside, covered shelters. Programs operate rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, appropriate alternatives will be utilized.

September – Wetland Wonders

Wetlands have a huge part to play in environmental health. Learn how animals and people alike depend on these diverse habitats and meet some animal friends along the way.

October – Animal Senses

Animals use many senses to understand the world around them. Join us as we discover the similarities and differences between human and animal senses. 

November – Secrets of Survival

Explore the secrets of survival. Defense strategies such as camouflage, mimicry, and behavior are introduced along with the familiar methods of defense like shells, spikes, poison, and venom. 

December – Animal Ambassadors

Animals show up in stories, art, music, dance, and so many more places throughout our lives. Join us as we discover how animals show up in different cultures around the world.

In-Person Tuesday or Wednesday

Classes on Tuesdays, December 1^st, December 8^th, December 15^th, and December 22^nd  

Or, Classes on Wednesday, December 2^nd, December 9^th, December 16^th, and December 23^rd    

Virtual

Classes on Tuesdays, December 1^st, December 8^th, December 15^th, and December 22^nd  Thursday classes in December will be conducted on Tuesdays. 

Spring Semester Monthly Units

When registering for homeschool programs, participants register for a monthly unit which includes 4 programs, except for February, which includes only 2 programs at a discounted rate. Registrations cannot be pro-rated for missed or absent dates. Classrooms are outside, covered shelters. Programs operate rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, appropriate alternatives will be utilized.

Call the Education Department at (864) 467-4850 to Register. 

January – Habitat Discoveries

Each week students explore a new corner of the globe and the unique places that animals call home.

In-Person Tuesday or Wednesday 

Classes on Tuesday, January 5^th, January 12^th, January 19^th, and January 26^th 

Or, Classes on Wednesday, January 6^th, January 13^th, January 20^th, and January 27^th

Virtual Thursday

Classes on Thursday, January 7^th, January 14^th, January 21^st, and January 28^th

February – Zoo Careers 

Discounted to be 1/2 off for two weeks instead of four due to the Zoo's annual two week closing.

Step into the roles of our team and learn about the different careers found within a modern zoo.

In-Person Tuesday or Wednesday

Classes on Tuesday, February 16^th, and February 23^rd 

Or, Classes on Tuesday, February 17^th, and February 24^th 

Virtual Thursday 

Classes on Thursday, February 18^th, and February 25^th 

March – Green Kingdom 

Plants and animals are connected in many ways. Learn about the world of plants and the animals that they influence.  

In-Person Tuesday or Wednesday

Classes on Tuesday, March 2^nd, March 9^th, March 16^th, and March 23^rd, NO CLASS MARCH 30^th

Or, Classes on Wednesday, March 3^rd, March 10^th, March 17^th, and March 24^th, NO CLASS MARCH 31^st   

Virtual Thursday 

Classes on Thursday, March 4^th, March 11^th, March 18^th, and March 25^th

April – Animal Classification

Scientists have categorized animals into different groups to better explain their traits. Each week students will unpack the traits of the critters that make up the animal kingdom.

Classes on Tuesday, April 6^th, April 13^th, April 20^th, and April 27^th 

Or, Wednesday, April 7^th, April 14^th, April 21^st, and April 28^th 

Virtual Thursday 

Classes on Thursday, April 8^th, April 15^th, April 22^nd, and April 29^th (NO CLASS APRIL 1^st)