Science education, self-exploration, and so much more!
Homeschool Programs
Program Content and Level
2026-2027 School Year
Programs and lessons follow a unit structure. Each unit lasts three months, or three programs and have lessons that are related. The first lesson of a unit will be an introduction to the topic, and the second two lessons will explore an aspect of the topic in depth. Due to the connected nature of the units, it is recommended, though not required, for your student to attend each lesson in the unit.
We offer two program levels: Young Learners and Elementary. Up Yonda Farm staff uses the guidelines below in creating educational programs, please review them to choose the best program for your child.
Young Learners are:
Ages 5-7 and/or in kindergarten or first grade
Learning to read and write
Able to count
Learning how to work in groups with others
Engaged in a program with a lesson that is NGSS aligned and may include an activity, game, craft, or story
Elementary Students are:
Ages 8-11 and/or in second through fifth grade
Mostly able to read and write without assistance (within reason)
Mostly able to work collaboratively in groups with others
Engaged in a program with a lesson that is NGSS aligned and may include reading, writing, and math in the form of an activity, worksheet, game, or craft
Program Fees
Programs are $6 per student in addition to the per vehicle Day Use Fee, unless otherwise noted. Adult chaperones are free. The Day Use Fee and most homeschool programs are included free with a paid Up Yonda Farm Family Membership!
Young Learners: Students will review the different types of habitats and learn about the necessities that animals need in their habitat as they explore the different habitats at Up Yonda Farm.
Elementary: Students will continue investigating the importance of well-rounded habitats and test their knowledge of survival essentials in a sorting activity.
Young Learners: Students will investigate human actions on the environment and how they impact animal habitats.
Elementary: Students will complete a mapping activity which compares their habitat to the habitat of an animal as they explore similarities and differences between what humans and wild animals require to survive.
Homeschool FAQ
How do I register?
Registration occurs on a month by month basis. Registration opens on or around the first of the month, and closes at 3pm the Friday before the program. To stay up to date on the current month’s registration, sign up for our Newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
What are the units, and when are the 2026-2027 programs?
Unit 1: Habitats
Thursday, September 17th - Lesson 1
Thursday, October 15th - Lesson 2
Thursday, November 12th - Lesson 3
Unit 2: Animal Adaptations
Thursday, December 17th - Lesson 1
Thursday, January 21st - Lesson 2
Thursday, February 11th - Lesson 3
Unit 3: Water
Thursday, March 18th - Lesson 1
Thursday, April 15th - Lesson 2
Thursday, May 20th - Lesson 3
What happens if I can't make it to every lesson in a unit?
While it is recommended to attend all three lessons in a unit, it is not required. Relevant material will be reviewed at the beginning of each lesson in the middle of a unit.
What does the program cost?
Member – Homeschool programs and the Day Use Fee are included with a paid Up Yonda Farm Membership.
Not-yet-member – The homeschool program cost is $6 per participating student. There is also a $5 per vehicle Day Use Fee for entry and use of the facility for the day. Non-participating adult chaperones and younger siblings are not charged a program fee
I have one Young Learners student and one Elementary student, can both students attend their respective 10am programs?
Yes, the Young Learners student and Elementary student can both attend their respective 10am programs.
If I’ve signed up to attend a program with my child, can my younger children (ages 4 and under) attend as well?
You’re welcome to bring non-participating younger siblings along if you’ve signed up with an older child, as long as they are supervised they do not detract from the program. We don’t currently offer homeschool programming for children ages 4 and under.
Can I drop my student off, go offsite, and pick them up when the program is over?
Sorry, no. We require an adult chaperone to be onsite at Up Yonda Farm when their child is in a program.
I have a child who I think should be in a different program than your guidelines state. What should I do?
Please contact us in advance of the program to discuss. Naturalists will be able to help you determine the best program for your child based on that month’s planned activities.
We signed up, but aren’t able to make it. What should I do?
Please contact us to cancel so we can offer your spots to a family on the waitlist. Penalties may apply for repeat no-call no-show reservations.
What else is there to do at Up Yonda Farm after the homeschool program?
There’s lots to do at Up Yonda Farm! We’re open year round, and have a variety of locations for you and your family to explore including our: turtle exhibit, museum, sugarhouse, StoryWalk, pond, and trails. Many families choose to also pack a picnic lunch. With a paid Day Use Fee or Up Yonda Farm Membership, you get access to the whole facility!
Does Up Yonda Farm ever cancel homeschool programs?
If program minimums are not met, Up Yonda Farm may cancel a homeschool program or shift students from one program into another. Should this occur, families will be contacted ahead of time to choose how to proceed.
