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 Mote Homeschool Days will take place throughout the year at both our City Island campus and our new Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA), located near the UTC mall by 1-75. For all water based programs, we will meet at City Island and for Aquarium days we will meet at Mote SEA.
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
January Class
Marching into the New Year: All About Penguins
Description: Waddle into the new year and celebrate National Penguin Day (January 20) with Mote SEA’s coolest residents! Learn how penguins thrive in their chilly habitats, explore their unique adaptations, and discover what makes these flightless birds such incredible swimmers.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)
Address: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34243
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Jan 20 1:00-3:00pm or Jan 28 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 10-14: Jan 21 1:00-3:00pm or Jan 29 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 6-14: Jan 22 1:00-3:00pm or Jan 27 1:00-3:00pm
February Class
Coral Caretakers: How Mote is Helping Our Reefs
Description: Dive into the world of coral reefs and meet the heroes helping them thrive! Explore how Mote’s coral scientists care for reefs, rescue corals, and restore ocean habitats—then try your hand at being a coral caretaker too.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)
Address: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34243
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Feb 17 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 25 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 10-14: Feb 18 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 26 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 6-14: Feb 19 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 24 1:00-3:00pm
March Class
Bird Beak Café: Seabird Adaptations
Description: Step into the Bird Beak Café and see what’s on the menu! In this hands-on activity, students will explore how different bird beaks are adapted for different foods and habitats. Try using “beaks” to gather food and discover how form fits function in the avian world!
Location: Mote’s City Island Campus
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: March 17 10:00am-12:00pm or March 18 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 10-14: March 18 10:00am-12:00pm or March 19 1:00-3:00pm
- Age 6-14: March 19 10:00am-12:00pm or March 17 1:00-3:00pm
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 2025-2026 year are now closed. Please check back in April 2026 for the 2026-2027 year.
Please note that Mote Homeschool Advanced programs will take place throughout the year at both our City Island campus and our new aquarium, Mote SEA, located near the UTC mall by I-75. At this time, we are uncertain of the exact opening date of Mote SEA, so we will plan to have our first class in September at our current location on City Island. For all water based programs, we will meet at City Island and for Aquarium days we will meet at Mote SEA. We anticipate roughly half of the classes taking place at each location. 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 this exciting transition!
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 2025 – Spring 2026
Tuition cost: $525 per student, payment plans will be available
Tuesday class dates: Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 9, Jan 6, Feb 10, March 10, April 7, May 5
Thursday class dates: Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 6, Dec 11, Jan 8, Feb 12, March 12, April 9, May 7
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, 2025.
HSAP 12 – 16 years old* Fall 2025-Spring 2026
Tuition cost: $600 per student, payment plans will be available
Tuesday class dates: Sept 23, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 16, Jan 27, Feb 24, March 24, April 21, May 26
Thursday class dates: Sept 25, Oct 30, Nov 20, Dec 18, Jan 29, Feb 26, March 26, April 23, May 28
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, 2025.
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. Tuition to Mote HSAP includes hands-on marine science lessons, projects and STEAM challenges; visits to Mote Aquarium and Goldstein Marine Mammal Center (while they remain open) and Mote’s newest facility, Mote SEA (when it opens); exploration and investigation of the flora, fauna, science techniques, research and conservation efforts in the Sarasota Bay watershed and estuary; Special behind the scenes tours of Mote Aquarium and Mote Research labs; Exclusive behind the scenes experiences and animal encounters at Mote SEA; meet and greets with Mote scientists and animal trainers; team-work, communication and critical thinking games; and a whole lot of FUN all led by Mote’s professional, Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/First-aid certified marine science educators.
We look forward to a great year!
Questions & Cancellations
For questions related to Mote Homeschool Programs, please email Shannon Powers via spowers@mote.org.
