Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Home School Programs

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Education Department offers a variety of education classes specifically for home-schooled students living along the First Coast (Northeast FL and Southeast GA).  These programs are themed to move the student throughout the year from the basics of life science to specific topics. Each month’s topics will build on the previous topics but can be taken independently. This unique opportunity allows students to get up close and hands-on with animals in a nurturing, learning environment with their peers. 

All classes are developed based on age groups and curricula suitable for the age group.  Hands-on with animals, artifacts, additional learning aids, and take home activity packets reinforce and complement each topic.  Class size is limited to the first 25 students to register.

2011 – 2012 Home School Programs

Please note: All 2011-2012 Home School classes are closed for all age groups.  Thank you for your interest in the program.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Maximum number of students per program is 25.  Many classes fill quickly.  DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 5 PM the Thursday preceding the first day of programs.  Due to the popularity of the programs, changes in dates may not be available.

A minimum of 8 students for each class is required. If the minimum is not achieved, the Education Department reserves the right to cancel or combine classes due to insufficient enrollment.

Fees - Zoo Members: $3.00/student/hour; Non-members: $3.50/student/hour.
Program fees do not include admission to the Jacksonville Zoo.  Admission to the Zoo is optional and must be paid separately at the Zoo’s Main Entrance but is not required for participation in this program.

Please submit only one registration form per child in person at the Zoo’s Education Department or via mail or FAX.  Registrations cannot be taken over the telephone.  Payment must accompany the registration form to guarantee your child’s reservation.

For additional program opportunities for 6 year olds and up, please check out our Day Camps page.

Home Educators
Teacher Workshops provide training and curricula to improve your skills as a home educator.  For our current listing of upcoming workshops, please visit our Teachers page.

First Time Participant?
For many children, the home school programs at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is their first experience in a structured learning environment. To help make this a positive experience for everyone, the following guidelines will help your child be successful in this environment:

• Arrive on time; once the program has begun, we cannot admit your child as it will disrupt the learning environment already established.
• Don’t interrupt the teacher or other children when they are talking. If you would like to contribute, please raise your hand.
• Please remain in your seat so you don’t frighten the animals.
• Please keep your hands to yourself.  Our teachers will teach you how and when to touch the animals used in our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to change my child’s class date, is that option available?
We will try to accommodate changes; however we may not be able to do so due to the popularity of the program. Classes fill quickly so it is best to be sure of your choice when you send in your registration.

I am new to the program.  How do you screen your staff?
All staff educators are screened for excellence in children’s programming.  All have had previous experience with children and have cleared nationwide, state and FBI Level 2 background checks as prescribed by the State of Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act.

May I sit in the class with my child?
Our programs are designed for children who are able to be successful in group oriented programs without parent involvement.  Space in each classroom is limited and due to the popularity of the classes, most fill to capacity thus not permitting extra persons to sit-in. PARENTS WHO STRONGLY FEEL THEY MUST STAY WITH THEIR CHILD MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW OUR YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY AND SIGN A YOUTH PROTECTION FORM AT LEAST A WEEK PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED PROGRAM.

May younger siblings sit in on the class?
We have been conducting Home School Classes for nearly a decade.  Our classes are designed for the ages specified after experimenting with a variety of age combinations.  To make your child’s class a positive experience we do not allow younger children to sit-in with older siblings.

Where are the classes held?
All classes are held at the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus located at the south end of the Zoo’s main parking lot.  Paying Zoo admission is not necessary to participate in class.  In your confirmation materials, you will receive a map showing you the location of the campus.

Do I drop my child off or do I wait?
We ask that you stay with your child in the Education Auditorium through the brief orientation conducted at the start of class.  To accommodate those who wait we set-up the auditorium with games, storybooks, and quiet activities that entertain younger siblings.  Parents are welcome to network and visit with one another or read.  If you and your child are comfortable about being separated, you are welcome to take a trip into the Zoo while your child participates in class. It is entirely up to you.

What about disruptive children?
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all children, the zoo’s staff manages child behavior.  All children are expected to behave appropriately, and in the event of disruptive behavior, a child may be timed-out and removed from the group.  If the disruptive behavior continues, the child-care provider will be called to help find a solution.  If improvement is not realized immediately, the child-care provider may be asked to remove the child early from class and the child may be asked not to return. If the child care provider is not available, the child will be asked to sit in the auditorium for the remainder of the class. In this situation, there will be no refunds for any missed classes that day.

Can you accommodate children with special needs?
Please indicate on the registration form any special needs our staff must be made aware of prior to your first day.  Special needs such as physical, academic, and social will be accommodated to the best of our ability.  Please note that the zoo does not employ specific individuals certified and trained to handle special needs children.

My child has a younger friend.  Can he/she attend the same class?
Our classes are designed for the ages specified after experimenting with a variety of age combinations.  We would rather an older child feel like he or she is at the top of the class than a younger child made to feel at the bottom of the class.  If they must attend together, we strongly advise that you register the older child for the younger class to make the experience a positive one for both children.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES:
Cancellations received 10 business days or more prior to your scheduled class will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.  Cancellations made 9 to 5 business days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 75% refund of fees.  Cancellations received less than 5 business days before the event forfeit all fees paid.

The Education Department reserves the right to cancel or combine age groups when classes do not meet the minimum requirement of 8 students to provide the program.  Exceptions to the cancellation and refund policies will be made on a case by case basis and at the sole discretion of the Education Programs Manager.

Questions? Email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.