Friday Classes

Monthly homeschool classes are available for families who want to attend Wood Lake's classes but do not have a large enough group to schedule their own class.  The class will typically take place on the third Friday of every month (September through May), and will cover the same topics as outlined in our 5-year rotated curriculum. 

Time: 1:30-3:30
Cost: $4 per student, plus any additional costs for rentals or class supplies (varies by class)

How do I attend?
Pre-registration (as well as pre-payment) is required for these classes, so call 612-861-9365 to sign up.  This will ensure we have both enough naturalists and enough space for the number of students attending.  We try to maintain a 1:15 ratio with naturalists to students, so will allow 15 students to sign up for every naturalist available to teach the class.  Because of our limited staff and teaching space, we recommend signing up early.

When should I register?
Registration typically begins the second Monday in September- call for the specific date.  Registration is on a first-call, first-serve basis, so sign up as soon as you are sure you are going to attend.

What if I sign up but am unable to attend?
Wood Lake does not offer refunds for homeschool classes.  If you have registered and call ahead to cancel, you may use the payment from that class for credit toward the next class you'd like to attend, if space is available.  Prepayment is required to avoid turning people away if a class isn't truly full.  If someone signs up but doesn't show up, that leaves a space someone else could have used; we'd rather have an accurate number of students attending.  We do not offer credits to people that sign up but do not call ahead to cancel.  If you have any questions about this, please call.  Because our classes are typically full, please call if you know you're not able to attend so we can let people on the wait list into the class, and so we can have a correct number of supplies ready.

Can I attend only a few classes throughout the year?
Yes, but we try to build on what was learned in previous classes throughout the year.

What if a group wants to register for a class?
If a group has ten or more people, that group should sign up for their own class.  This Friday class is intended for groups who don't have enough to meet the minimum payment of $40.00.  If a group is large enough to meet that minimum payment (or are a smaller group and are willing to make the minimum payment), they should sign up for a class based on their schedule and Wood Lake's availability. 

What if I have a question that's not answered here?
Just call Wood Lake Nature Center at 612-861-9365 and ask for the homeschool coordinator.  We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Other general information:
Classes are geared for ages 5-12, though both younger and older students are accepted for programs.  If children younger than 5 are brought with to the class, they should either be paid for as one of the students and participate with the class or be kept separate so as not to disturb the students.

For each class, homeschool groups should show up at the nature center dressed and prepared to be outside for the majority of the 2 hour class.  A naturalist will lead the group through the activity and parents are expected to stay as well as assist the group when necessary. 

Wood Lake Nature Center strives to provide fun and educational joint-learning experiences for both teachers and students. Being the children’s primary educator, we expect parents to participate and assist with each class. If non-students need to be watched in a separate area, please arrange for at least 1 parent for every 4 students to be available to assist with the class in its entirety.