Zoo School

 

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Zoo School provides outdoor learning and conservation education using the beautiful setting of our 25-acre zoo grounds and our  amazing animals. Our teachers have training in childhood education and are either enrolled in teacher education programs or already graduated from one. We maintain a 10:1 ratio in all of our classrooms. The school day starts at 9am with a zoo walk and ends at 3pm with reflection time. Throughout the day, students learn conservation principles using art, science experiments, observation, and more.

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Pueblo Zoo’s mission, to empower people to engage in the conservation of animals and their habitats, is integrated into Zoo School. Pueblo Zoo is committed to offering all students the ability to learn and grow by encouraging students to find an appreciation for our environment and all

those who inhabit it.

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Tuition

 Zoo School is offered as a free homeschool enrichment program for qualifying homeschoolers, and is funded by the Colorado Department of Education as part of its resources for homeschooling families. Families must have filed an intent to homeschool through a Colorado school district. Homeschool families can only use their credit on one enrichment program per school year. Make sure you do not have a dual enrollment with another program or curriculum. To secure funding, students are required to attend Zoo School during the state “count week” which is usually the first week in October. Wednesday classes are capped at 18 students per class and Friday classes are capped at 15 students per class. Once the maximum number is reached, students will be placed on a waitlist in the order they applied and notified of openings.

 

Students will register through the Pueblo Zoo here. Registration and required forms must be completed before the Zoo School start date. Contact us with any questions on registration or qualifications.

 

Schedule & Classes

 Zoo School is offered for homeschool students entering kindergarten through sixth grade. All children must be fully potty-trained and out of diapers before they can participate in Zoo School. Also consider your child’s emotional and behavioral maturity level when exploring registration for an enrichment program. Children must turn 5 years old by the first week of October. Zoo School is held one day a week at the Pueblo Zoo - families will select either Wednesday or Friday from 9am to 3pm. Classes are offered for K-2nd grade students and 3rd-6th grade students. Drop off is at 9am at the front gate of the zoo. Families will sign in their child and walk them back to our classroom where they will start their day. Pick up is at 3pm at the front gate, families will sign their child out before leaving. Zoo School will run once a week from September through May of the 2026/27 school year. There is a one-week break at Thanksgiving, two-week winter break, and one week spring break.

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Enrollment Process

1. Fill out the registration link (here) this form must be completed for each student participating in the 2026-2027 school year (before they attend their first class).

2. Select you class day - Wednesday or Friday

3. Complete all forms and waivers

4. Review the Pueblo Zoo School Handbook with your child

5. Sign and return Handbook Acknowledgement

6. Attend a Pueblo Zoo School info/orientation night (optional) - dates will be emailed to you

7. Attend your first class and plan to have an amazing school year!

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Please reach out with any questions on Pueblo Zoo School or the enrollment process. 

Renee Wahlen, Director of Education, rwahlen@pueblozoo.org, 719-561-1452 x 131​​​