Weekends get pretty packed at nature centers and State Park programs, but homeschoolers have some great options that are offered during less-busy weekdays. This post, we will profile some of the homeschool programs that focus on nature, ecology and environmental science. These are sometimes a semester-long program, and others are designed as stand-alone, one-time options. All offer a deep-dive into some fascinating topics with lots of hands-on, active learning opportunities. I’m sure there are enough to warrant a follow-up post (or two!) so please let us know if there’s a great one we missed by using the Comments section below.
You can also use our Event Filter Bar to find homeschool programs by selecting “Homeschool” under the Event Category. You may also be able to find appropriate supplemental programs by searching for categories like “stargazing,” “history,” “science,” “ecology,” or “camp/class” although these may not be aligned to curriculum standards as well as the homeschool programs.
Zoo Atlanta Homeschool Academy
- Atlanta, GA (Metro Atlanta Region)
- Classes for Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
- Academic year-long program; classes held monthly.
Cochran Mill Nature Center Home School Days
- Chattahoochee Hills, GA (Metro Atlanta Region)
- For students grades K-12; parents required to stay
- Monthly classes each semester; register in advance for individual classes.
Dunwoody Nature Center Home School Programs
Sorry, we missed listing their home school open house, but contact them for information on home school programs.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Home School Classes
- Johns Creek, GA (Metro Atlanta Region)
- Ages 6-11 / Grades 1-5
- Stand-alone programs, held one Thursday and one Friday each month, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Upcoming topics include Solar Power.
Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Homeschool Classes
- Buford, GA (East Metro Atlanta Region)
- Groups for Elementary, Middle School and High School. Middle and High School programs are laboratory session format, and cover topics like chemistry and forensics.
- Semester-long format with weekly sessions.
- Art programs also available.
Elachee Nature Science Center Home School Programs
- Gainesville, GA (Northeast Georgia Region)
- Offers Field Trips for Home School Groups, First Wednesday Home School Program for Elementary grades and Junior Master Naturalist Program for Middle and High School.
- The two Home School Program Series are available as annual or single semester registrations.
Phinizy Center for Water Sciences Homeschool Science Enrichment Program
- Augusta, GA (East Georgia Region)
- K-12 grades
- Semester-long program of five sessions each. Recent theme was Urban Watersheds and Water Quality.
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Homeschool Programs
- Mansfield, GA (Central Georgia Region)
- 3-7th grades (divided into two groups)
- Academic year-long Homeschool programs and Homeschool Field Days. Registration opens in August and spaces fill quickly.
Tidelands 4-H Nature Center Homeschool Days
- Jekyll Island, GA (Coastal Georgia Region)
- All school-age students
- Monthly semester-long sessions. Recent topics included Beach Engineer and a CSI-style investigation of beach strandings.
More on other 4-H programs for Home Based Education here.