Homeschool Programs
The Aark Academy
Welcome to the Aark Academy!
Our homeschool programs are held once a month at the Aark Education Center from October to April, 10:00am-12:00pm. Each class includes a combination of presentations, live animal encounters, and hands-on activites.
The programs are designed for children ages 7-12.
$30 for student and guardian(s), $10 per additional student. This is not a drop off program. Parents must stay the full time with their children. Thank you.
Register for our upcoming programs below!
Upcoming Programs
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October 15: Autumn in the Wild
Fall is a season of change, and wildlife is busy preparing for what comes next! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring how animals and plants respond to the changing seasons.
Discover how wildlife prepares for winter through fascinating behaviors, incredible adaptations, and other survival strategies. We'll explore the abundance of autumn, learn about the important resources wildlife depends on, meet some of Aark's animal ambassadors, and even learn how to make your own fresh apple cider! (Be sure to bring your own bag of apples with you!)
Come experience the sights, sounds, flavors, and wildlife of one of nature's most exciting seasons!
November 19: Wildlife at Risk
Around the world, wildlife is facing incredible challenges, and some species are fighting to survive! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring endangered species, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts helping give them a future.
Discover what makes a species endangered, explore the many threats facing wildlife today, and learn about the people working to protect vulnerable animals and their habitats. We'll meet some of Aark's animal ambassadors, uncover fascinating stories of species brought back from the brink, and discover how conservation efforts can make a difference for wildlife both around the world and right here in Pennsylvania!
Come explore the challenges, triumphs, and hopeful stories behind some of the world's most endangered species!
December 17: Hunters on the Wing
From silent flight to powerful talons, birds of prey are some of nature's most incredible predators! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring the fascinating world of raptors and their amazing adaptations.
Discover what makes a bird a raptor, explore the unique adaptations that make them such incredible hunters, and learn how different species have mastered their own hunting strategies. We'll meet some of Aark's animal ambassadors, get an up-close look at the tools raptors use to survive, and uncover the fascinating lives of hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and more!
Come experience the power, precision, and wild world of some of nature's most remarkable predators!
2027 Programs
January 14: Feathers in the Snow
Winter can be a challenging time for wildlife, but birds have incredible ways of surviving the cold! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring how birds adapt, find food, and survive through the winter months.
Discover the amazing strategies birds use to stay warm, find food, and survive harsh winter weather. We'll explore which birds stay here year-round and which migrate, learn how winter changes their behavior and habitat needs, and meet some of Aark's animal ambassadors. We'll also discover simple ways we can help birds through the winter, from creating better habitat to providing safe food and water!
Come discover the remarkable ways birds survive winter and learn how you can give them a helping hand!
February 18: From Rescue to Release
When wild animals are injured, sick, or orphaned, wildlife rehabilitators step in to give them a second chance! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring the world of wildlife rehabilitation and the important work that goes into caring for wild animals.
Discover what happens when an injured or orphaned animal arrives at a wildlife rehabilitation center, from intake and medical care to recovery and release. We'll explore the challenges rehabilitators face, learn how different species are cared for, and meet some of Aark's animal ambassadors who have their own stories to tell. We'll also learn what to do (and what NOT to do) if you ever encounter an animal in need!
Come experience the challenges, rewards, and wild world of wildlife rehabilitation!
March 18: Growing Wild
Plants are the foundation of every ecosystem, providing food, shelter, and resources for countless species! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring the fascinating world of native plants and the important role they play in supporting local wildlife.
Discover what makes a plant native, explore the relationships between plants and the animals that depend on them, and learn how native plants support pollinators, birds, mammals, and more. We'll take a closer look at some of Pennsylvania's incredible native plants, uncover their unique adaptations, and discover simple ways we can create better habitat for wildlife right in our own backyards!
Come dig into the wild world of native plants and discover how growing local species can make a big difference for wildlife!
April 15: Scales, Scutes, and Slime
From slithering snakes to secretive salamanders, reptiles and amphibians are some of the most fascinating animals on Earth! Join Aark for this hands-on homeschool program exploring the incredible world of herps and the unique adaptations that help them survive.
Discover what makes an animal a reptile or amphibian, explore the incredible diversity of species found in Pennsylvania and around the world, and learn how these animals survive in their environments. We'll meet some of Aark's reptile and amphibian ambassadors, get an up-close look at their fascinating adaptations, and uncover the important roles these, often misunderstood, animals play in our ecosystems.
Come explore the wild, weird, and wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians!