Spring Homeschool Series 2026

Information for currently enrolled families

Aquarium admission is not required for a student to attend class, but as in previous years, tickets or membership are required for anyone visiting the aquarium before or after class. Non-members will pay regular admission rates; all tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Class Dates & Topics:

March 9th –  Animal Training (PreK-Grade 6)/Animal Behavior (Grade 7- Grade 12)

April 13th – Camouflage (PreK/K)

Kelp Forests (1st-3rd)

Endangered Ecosystems (4th–6th)

Ecosystem Exploration (7th– 9th)

Comparative Evolution (10th-12th)

May 11th – Aquarist for a Day (PreK/K)/Water Quality (1st-6th)/ Freshwater Ecosystems (7th-12th)

June 8th* – Beach Day/Coastal Field Study Day*

What to wear: Please keep in mind, our homeschool classes frequently visit other parts of our campus, rain or shine, so be sure to have your student dress appropriately for the conditions.

Pick up & Drop off: All programs occur in the Milne Center for Ocean Conservation, with pick up and drop off occurring at the front door of the Milne Center. If you arrive after the posted start time, please ring the doorbell to the left of the main entrance and a staff member will come downstairs as quickly as possible to admit your student.

Inclement Weather/Aquarium Closing: In the unlikely event we need to cancel homeschool due to weather, you will receive an email in advance, so please check your email if schools in Stonington are announcing closings! If we must cancel Homeschool for any last-minute weather issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive an email and a phone call.


Class Times

Kindergarten** (Ages 4 & 5): AM session 9:00-10:00

Grades 1st to 3rd (Ages 6-8): AM session 9:00-10:00

PM session 12:30-1:30

Grades 4th to 6th (Ages 9-11): AM session 10:30-11:30

PM session 2:00-3:00

Grades 7th to 9th (Ages 12-14): 1:00-2:30

*The June 8th Beach Day and Coastal Field Study sessions will be held at Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT. Families will meet Aquarium staff at the location. Class times for this date only are:

PreK/Kindergarten: 9:00-10:00am

Both 1st-3rd Sessions: 9:00-10:30am (1½ hour session)

Both 4th-6th Sessions: 11:00-12:30pm (1½ hr session)

Grades 7th-12th: 10:30am – 1:00pm (2½ hr session)

If you have any questions about homeschool programs, please contact Shelagh Smith ssmith@mysticaquarium.org

**Toileting Policy

As a requirement for enrollment, all children need to be fully toilet trained. The aquarium is not licensed for an under-three endorsement (sections 19a-79-10) from the Office of Early Childhood which means that staff are not permitted to change diapers/pullups or wipe a child, however they may assist them verbally as to how to clean themselves and change their clothes. The requirement for children to enter the program is that they need to be able to use the bathroom independently. We do suggest that you consider the practicality of the clothing your child wears; the clothes should be easy to take off and put back on while in the restroom. One-piece outfits are not recommended. This means that a child:


1. Knows when they need to use the bathroom.

2. Can unfasten, pull down bottoms and underwear.

3. Pull underwear up and pull up and fasten bottoms.

4. Can get on the toilet, wipe themselves, flush the toilet and wash their hands.

5. Diapers or pullups are not permitted.