Homeschool Programs

Our Homeschool programs—both Hitchcock Homeschool and Homeschool Discovery Days—provide children with science and nature themes designed to encourage thoughtful curiosity. This year-round homeschool program provides innovative curriculum to help children ages 6–12 develop the skills and competencies they need to become environmentally literate.

COVID-19 Virtual Hitchcock Center


Please renew your membership here. Please note: a Family Membership is required in order to receive a member discount on Children & Family Programs.

Did you know that your EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card can be used to access membership and programs at the Hitchcock Center? Learn more about the ConnectorCare Card to Culture Program.

Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.

Homeschool I: Raindrop to Reservoir – Program full, wait list only

with Katie Koerten
Ages 6-8
Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
March 10 – June 2 (no class March 31, April 21, or April 28)
No class Members: $450/Non-members: $540

For all creatures on Earth, water is life. In this weekly homeschool class, we will explore the wonders of water, from the molecular level to the watershed level and everything in between. We will discover how vital water is in our lives, and the lives of all living creatures, and improve our “aqua-literacy” by learning where our water comes from and where it goes. Every day we’ll explore the outdoors, play games, learn new vocabulary words and further the learning at home with optional home projects. Limited to 12 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.

Homeschool II: Digital Ecology – Only 1 space available!

with Jeff Mazur
Ages 9-12
Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
March 10 – June 2 (No class March 31, April 21, or April 28)
Members: $450/Non-members: $540

Join us to become Eco-photographers! We will be using the camera as a tool to study nature and enhance our observation skills. We’ll explore our world by viewing it through different lenses. During this springs’s Homeschool II class we will delve into the environment through outdoor activities, games, observations and investigations, field trips, art and photography projects. We will investigate different habitats and change how we see the world around us and further learning at home with optional home projects. Limited to 12 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee. 

Homeschool Discovery Days

Ages 6-12
with Katie Koerten or Jeff Mazur
Tuesdays 10am-2pm
January 14, January 28, February 11, March 3, March 31, April 28, June 9
Members: $45 per program/Non-members: $55 per program

Do you love science and nature? Do you want to see what the Hitchcock Homeschool program is all about? Sign up for our Discovery Days, our one-time programs about science and nature. In a mixed-age setting, we explore cool topics at the Hitchcock Center, meet science experts, and sometimes go on field trips. Our Discovery Day programs are appropriate for everyone from first time to veteran homeschoolers, and we welcome almost-6 year olds who are interested in joining our class in the fall. This is designed as a drop-off program. Limited to 12 participants per program.

January 14 | Animals in Winter | with Jeff Mazur

What do animals do when it gets cold out? We are going to find out, as we learn about some of the amazing adaptations animals have to survive winter in New England. We will also go on an adventure looking for animal tracks and signs.

January 28 | Owl-ology | with Katie Koerten Session full, wait list only

Have you ever wondered about these nocturnal hunters? At this program we will dive into the world of owls, learning about their adaptations, sounds and calls, and dissect owl pellets! Come prepared for an outdoor winter romp through owl habitat!

February 11 | Spikes, Signs and Sensitive Plants: Field trip to Durfee Conservatory | with Jeff Mazur

If you were a plant struggling to survive, how would you do it? Together we will learn about some of the amazing adaptations plants have to protect themselves, shape their habitat, and thrive in challenging environments.

February 25 | Chain Reaction Machines | with Katie Koerten Session full (rescheduled from December 17)

If you love building creations out of everyday materials, this is the program for you! Today homeschoolers will be challenged to build Rube-Goldberg-style contraptions that perform a simple task, such as flipping a light switch or watering a plant.

March 3 | How Sweet It Is: Making Maple Syrup | with Jeff Mazur – Session full, wait list only

It is time for sugaring off! Join us as we visit a sugarbush, collect sap, and learn all about the process of making maple syrup. It is going to be a sweet time.

March 31 | Amphibians of Spring | with Katie Koerten Session full, wait list only

Peep! Peep! This is the time of year that our local amphibians wake up! On this day we will learn the major frog and toad species found in Massachusetts and the sounds they make. We’ll visit the vernal pool in the forest at the Hitchcock Center to look and listen for signs of peepers, wood frogs, and spotted salamanders.

April 28 | Nature Did It First: Biomimicry | with Katie Koerten – Only 1 space available

Nature has a lot to teach us about how to solve problems in ways that are good for the Earth. Today we will discover the efficiency of nature’s adaptations and ask what we can learn from nature about how to live more sustainably.

June 9 | Energy is Electrifying | with Katie Koerten – Session full, wait list only

Today we’ll explore energy and how the lights turn on. This will be a fun day with indoor and outdoor portions, in which we use simple everyday tools to see how electricity is made. We’ll compare conventional electricity with alternative, more sustainable ways of producing energy such as solar and wind.

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Hitchcock Center for the Environment