Onsite Homeschool Days
Meet us at Mote to explore exciting aspects of Mote research and Sarasota Bay. Each month is a unique theme offered to three different age levels, 6-9, 10-14 and 6-14 to accommodate families with multiple ages. Select classes include a water portion, see the class description during registration for details. Students should come prepared to get wet and be in the sun. Chaperones have the option to enter the water as well or observe from the shore. Prior to registering, please review our program policies linked below.
Registration for Spring 2026 is now open!
Please note that all water based programs in March-May will meet at City Island!
Mote Homeschool Day Spring 2026 Schedule and Details
Cost: $28 for students for student plus one required chaperone per family
Times: 10:00am-12:00pm OR 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ages: 6-14
April Class
Earth Day in Action! City Island Cleanup*
Description: Together we will celebrate the month of Earth Day by doing a mini-cleanup of our water site area as we learn about microplastics and the dangers they pose. We will then wade into the water and explore Sarasota Bay to catch and observe animals that depend on clean, healthy water.
*Please note – this class includes a water portion. Come prepared to get wet as students wade through Sarasota Bay. Participants will need a bathing suit, water shoes, and a towel.
Location: Mote’s City Island Campus
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: April 14 10:00am-12:00pm or April 15 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 10-14: April 15 10:00am-12:00pm or April 16 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 6-14: April 16 10:00am-12:00pm or April 14 1:00-3:00pm
May Class
Estuaries 101: Exploring Sarasota Bay
Description: Also known as nurseries of the sea, estuaries are vital ecosystems rich with life. Join us as we explore the beauty and uniqueness of our local estuary, Sarasota Bay. During this program we will wade into the water and use dip nets to learn what animals call the bay home, explore what plants live in the bay and learn how we can help protect this important ecosystem.
*Please note – this class includes a water portion. Come prepared to get wet as students wade through Sarasota Bay. Participants will need a bathing suit, water shoes, and a towel.
Location: Mote’s City Island Campus
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: May 12 10:00am-12:00pm or May 13 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 10-14: May 13 10:00am-12:00pm or May 14 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 6-14: May 14 10:00am-12:00pm or May 12 1:00-3:00pm
We hope to SEA you there!
Important Notes: Price represents the student plus one chaperone per family (required). ONLY registered participants are allowed to attend Homeschool Days (no younger or older non-registered siblings). Admission to Mote Aquarium is NOT included with this program. Please visit mote.org/visit for information and to reserve tickets.
Homeschool Day Program Policies
Waitlist Policy
You may add your child(ren) to a waitlist for any Mote Homeschool program through the registration link. Should any openings come about, we will contact those on the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis via email. You will be expected to confirm the transfer and pay your registration fee within 24 hours of notification. If we do not hear from you within that time, we will move to the next participant on the waitlist. Please read the Homeschool Day Program Policies.
Mote Homeschool Advanced Program (HSAP)
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are NOW OPEN!
Thank you for your interest in the Mote Homeschool Advanced Program! HSAP classes will take place throughout the year at our City Island campus, Mote SEA, and Mote Aquaculture Park (MAP). If accepted into the program, your family will receive a detailed schedule for the year so you may plan accordingly.
We thank you so much for your support and appreciate your patience during the application process!
Homeschooled students with a strong interest in marine science meet once a month to:
- Work on problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills through STEAM-based projects
- Increase ocean literacy and awareness through experiential learning
- Get the inside scoop on the exciting research going on at Mote
- Explore Mote’s newest facility, Mote Science Education Aquarium, and get exclusive behind the scenes access
- Collaborate to develop and implement marine science research projects and ocean conservation service projects (specifically 12-16 class)
- Meet with Mote’s professional researchers, trainers, biologists and educators
- Get hands-on experience with Mote’s Education Animal Ambassadors
- Have opportunities for field trips and other unique Mote experiences
*This is a drop-off student-only program.
HSAP 9 – 11 years old* Fall 2026–Spring 2027
Tuition cost:
Pay Upfront: $525 per student
Payment Plan: $575 per student
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Please Note: Students may not alternate between the Tuesday and Thursday classes.
*Students may apply for the 9 – 11 class if they turn 9 and/or do not turn 12 on or before Dec 31, 2026.
HSAP 12 – 16 years old* Fall 2026-Spring 2027
Tuition cost:
Pay Upfront: $600 per student
Payment Plan: $660 per student
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Please Note: Students may not alternate between the Tuesday and Thursday classes
*Students may apply for the 12 – 16 class if they turn 12 and/or do not turn 17 on or before Dec 31, 2026.
Questions & HSAP Contacts
Questions for 9-11 age group: Kim Scaringe, kscaringe@mote.org
Questions for 12-16 age group: Shannon Powers, spowers@mote.org
These classes are typically eligible for reimbursement through the Step Up scholarship program. All questions regarding scholarships should be directed towards the Step Up program.
We look forward to a great year!
