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 Fall 2025 is NOW OPEN!
Click here for a printable PDF of the Fall 2025 Schedule.
Please note that beginning Fall 2025 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 Fall 2025 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
September Class
Back to the Bay: Snorkel Safari 2.0
Description: Back by popular demand, Mote’s snorkel safari is here for another session! During this program, we’ll explore two unique water sites and discover the marine life that calls Sarasota Bay home. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snorkel and mask if they have them, but no worries if not — we’ll have extras available.
Location: Mote’s City Island Campus
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Sept 16 10:00-12:00
- Age 10-14: Sept 17 10:00-12:00
- Age 6-14: Sept 18 10:00-12:00
- Age 6-14: Sept 16 1:00-3:00
October Class
Which Net Works? Dip Netting vs. Seine Netting
Description: Ever wonder how scientists study marine animals in the wild? In this hands-on field program, we’ll explore two common sampling tools — dipnets and seine nets — to discover which method works best in Sarasota Bay. Students will learn proper field sampling techniques, compare results, and gain insight about the tools Mote scientists use to study Sarasota Bay. Please note this class will take place at Mote’s City Island Campus.
Location: Mote’s City Island Campus
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Oct 14 10:00-12:00
- Age 10-14: Oct 15 10:00-12:00
- Age 6-14: Oct 16 10:00-12:00
- Age 6-14: Oct 14 1:00-3:00
November Class
Mighty Migrations and Fintastic Voyages
Description: This program will dive into the incredible journeys of sharks and stingrays as they travel across our oceans. Students will explore the science behind animal migration, discover what drives these finned travelers to move, and how Mote scientists study and track their movements. Join us for this fin-tastic adventure! Please note this class will take place at Mote SEA.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)
Address: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34243
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Nov 11 1:00-3:00
- Age 10-14: Nov 12 1:00-3:00
- Age 6-14: Nov 10 or Nov 13 1:00-3:00
December Class
Sleigh Bells & Sea Slugs
Description: “Just hear those sleigh bells jingling…” Just as jingle bells warn us that the holidays are around the corner, nudibranchs use their brightly colored appearance to warn predators to keep away. No shell, no problem! These beautiful, tiny marine mollusc thieves will steal your heart and captivate you with their unique defenses, hypnotizing movement, feeding behavior, and other adaptations that make them one of the most fascinating creatures under the sea. Please note this class will take place at Mote SEA.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)
Address: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34243
Age/Date/Times:
- Age 6-9: Dec 9 1:00-3:00
- Age 10-14: Dec 10 1:00-3:00
- Age 6-14: Dec 8 or Dec 11 1:00-3:00
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 Dana Henderson, Public Programs Manager via missdana@mote.org.
