Homeschool Programs
Homeschoolers in the Raleigh area are invited to participate in a variety of grade-level classes, and field trip activities from private tours and custom programming to garden-wide events, and more!
Garden Science for Homeschoolers
Join us in the garden for hands-on science in our living laboratory! Each week will feature a different topic for exploration and hands-on activities related to botany. We’ve designed this year’s class schedule with families in mind!
Young students in grades K-2 will meet in the Yurt from 11 am-12:15 pm to enjoy age-appropriate activities related to each week’s topic. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden. Then, the same topic will be explored by older students in grades 3-5 from 1-2:30 pm. If you have multiple ages of children participating, you can enjoy exploring the garden with siblings while you wait!
$10 per session, Grade K-2
$15 per session, Grade 3-5.
Each class is limited to 12 participants, so register early!
Upcoming Classes
Lunch and Lit in the Garden
Mondays, September 11 through November 6, 2023 – 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Seeds on the Move, Grades K-2
Garden Science
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – 11:00 am
Seeds on the Move, Grades 3-5
Garden Science
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – 1:00 pm
All About Cotton, Grades K-2
Garden Science
Thursday, October 12, 2023 – 11:00 am
All About Cotton, Grades 3-5
Garden Science
Thursday, October 12, 2023 – 1:00 pm
It's Time for Pumpkins!, Grades K-2
Garden Science
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 11:00 am
It's Time for Pumpkins!, Grades 3-5
Garden Science
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 1:00 pm
Lunch & Lit in the Garden
Who doesn't love a great story? Students bring lunch and listen to a classic read-aloud while relaxing under the shade of our trees! Each week, the group explores a different part of the Arboretum and completes a nature activity inspired by the day's reading. It's a little literature, a bit of nature study, some artistic endeavors plus science, geography, and more!
The Year Money Grew on Trees
By Aaron Hawkins
Jackson Jones is surrounded by 300 wild apple trees and he needs to make them grow apples–thousands and thousands of apples! But what do he and his sisters and cousins know about pruning, irrigating, and fertilizing? And even assuming they can make the apples grow, how can they pick and sell enough of them in time? With frostbitten fingers, stinking shoes, and sore muscles, Jackson and his crew unexpectedly discover the lost art of winging it–and have the time of their lives.
Mondays, September 11-November 6 (9 weeks)
12 PM-2 PM
Grades 5-8
Limited to 10 students
$200 per student
I Spy! Tours (PreK–Grade 8)
Homeschool students have the opportunity to take a field trip to the gardens through our interactive I Spy! Tour program. Perfect for a family or group of up to ten participants, each tour includes a guided walk through the Arboretum while exploring a topic of interest along the way. Tours are purposely kept small to help maintain social-distancing while allowing students and families to explore the garden, make observations, have fun, and learn something new together.
Advance booking is required since tours are offered on a limited schedule. Registration fee is paid by the tour organizer when booking the tour through our online e-store.
For more information, current tour topics, or to book a tour, visit the I Spy! Tour information page.
Custom Programming
If you have a large group, class, co-op, or are looking for a program related to a specific science topic or curriculum, please contact Joy Burns, school program coordinator, to discuss possible programming options to meet the needs of your students.