Elevate Your Homeschooling Journey with Enriching STEM Programs
Homeschooling opens the door to limitless educational possibilities, and at Talcott Mountain Science Center (TMSC), we’re here to enrich that journey.
Our fall and spring programs offer homeschoolers ages 6-13 the opportunity to step into a dynamic and exploratory world, where they can deepen their understanding of STEM subjects while nurturing their innate curiosity.
Guided by our dedicated instructors, homeschoolers build a strong sense of community through collaboration with peers, gaining valuable social interaction while fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Registration for spring 2026 is now open.
Homeschool Program Details
When: Fall and Spring
Duration: 6 weeks, on Fridays
Time: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Ages: 6-13
We have created a rotation of topics so that different classes are offered each year. Our classes are split into four major subject areas:
Life science (Dr. Z): ecology, plants and animals, cells and genes, anatomy
Earth science (Mrs. Roberts): weather, geology, marine science, chemistry
Physical science (Ms. Marye): astronomy, physics (motion), physics (electricity/magnetism), AI
Tech (Mr. Dommeti): 3D printing, coding, robotics, game making
Registration Information
All registrations must be done through our online system. This season you’ll notice a more modern design and improved search features to make finding the right programs easier and faster. After you select your sessions, the remaining registration steps will look and feel the same as before.
If you need assistance during registration or have any questions, you can call us at (860) 677-8571 or email programs@tmsc.org.
RATES & DATES
Program prices vary depending on age level. Some classes may have a higher price due to field trips, or specialty supplies. PLEASE NOTE: There is a registration fee of $6.50 per course.
Spring 2026 Homeschool Programs will run on Fridays from March 20-May 8, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Spring 2026 Homeschool Programming List
Homeschool Programs are for students ages 6-13. Programs are organized in two age groups: 6-9 and 10-13.
Ages 6-9
3D Printing: Imagine it, design it, print it! In this playful introduction to 3D printing, students will become young inventors as they explore the basics of computer-aided design (CAD). Using kid-friendly software, they’ll design simple creations – like custom keychains, game pieces, or animal figurines – and bring them to life with our Prusa 3D printers. Along the way, we’ll learn how 3D printers work, how ideas become digital models, and how to fix little design errors like real engineers. Creativity, problem-solving, and fun are the name of the game; no experience needed!
Cost: $480
Ecology: Why do cats have sharp teeth? Why does moss grow on trees? How do polar bears survive in the Arctic? This ecology class will tackle many of the “whys” that students have about interactions between animals, plants, and the environment. We will focus on adaptations to different biomes, predator/prey interactions, food webs, and different kinds of symbiosis. We will learn about the live animals in our classroom (snakes, hermit crabs, and more!), look at specimens and bones, build trophic pyramids, and get grossed out by parasites. Students should come prepared with questions and curiosity!
Cost: $480
Ages 10-13
Physics: The way things look, move, and sound – are all due to physics! Experiment with magnetism, electricity, the properties of light, rainbows, circuitry, and sound waves. From the subatomic to the stellar, electromagnetic waves are everywhere!
Cost: $480
Weather: Become a weather forecaster! In this class, students will use the same tools as real meteorologists to predict the weather themselves. They will learn how to read weather maps, how storm systems move, and how to interpret weather model data. Students will even produce their own weather forecast videos using a green screen!
Cost: $480
Frequently Asked Questions
When do homeschool programs meet?
We offer a Fall and Spring session. Each session is 6 weeks long, on Fridays. Classes run from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Who can attend the programs?
Any homeschooled student between the ages of 6-9 or 10-13 can join our programs. We do not have graded assignments but participants are expected to follow instructions, complete activities, and participate in group projects and discussions.
What class topics are offered?
We have created a rotation of topics so that different classes are offered each year.
Our classes are split into four major subject areas:
Life science (Dr. Z): ecology, plants+animals, cells and genes, anatomy
Earth science (Mrs. Roberts): weather, geology, marine science, chemistry
Physical science (Ms. Marye): astronomy, physics (motion), physics (electricity/magnetism), AI
Tech (teacher TBD): 3D printing, coding, robotics, game making
How do I register?
Registration is easy through our online registration system. Registration for spring 2026 is open now. Tuition is due in full upon registration.
Will I be able to see the campus and meet the instructors?
Please call us (860-677-8571) or email us (programs@tmsc.org) for a tour for your family to see the campus!
Can I see a curriculum, or get resources to learn more?
A private web-page will be created on our website for each session.
For each day of the program, the teachers will create a curriculum document outlining what activities/lessons were done, plus a resources section with links to learn more about that day’s topic. Those documents will be posted on the web-page.
What is the schedule for a typical day in the program?
Arrival is at 9:30am. Students work with their instructor until 11:30, when they break for lunch and recess until 12:15. Lunch and recess are outside, weather permitting. Then they will continue activities until pick up at 1:30.
How does my child get to TMSC?
Transportation is not provided to TMSC for homeschool programs. Students should be brought to campus by car. Drop off/pick up is at the main building (the first building on the left when you come through the gate). Please carpool whenever possible, as we are located at the end of a narrow private road. For directions to our campus, click here
What does my child need to bring?
All students should bring a snack and lunch, and dress appropriately for the weather. Weather permitting, students will be outdoors at lunch and recess. We recommend students bring a notebook, folder, and a pencil. Please make sure all items (lunch boxes, water bottles, backpacks, jackets, etc.) are labeled with your child’s name.
What are the health guidelines at TMSC?
If your child is ill or has a fever or symptoms of a communicable disease, please keep them home – and call the main office to let us know your child will be absent.
If your child will be taking or needs any medication during the hours of the vacation program (this includes over-the-counter, inhalers, epi-pens, etc.), please print and fill out the following form:
Medical Authorization Form (to be filled out by your child’s physician)
Medication must be in its original packaging with prescribing information intact. Please put the medication inside a clear ziploc-style bag, labeled clearly with your child’s name, with the medical authorization form inside.
Since students are driven directly to our campus for homeschool programs, you may bring the medication on the first day, and hand it directly to a staff member. Do NOT send the medication in your child’s backpack.
What is your refund policy?
-More than two weeks prior to start: 100% TMSC credit or 90% refund
-Less than two weeks, but more than 48 hours, prior to start: 50% refund
-Less than 48 hours before start: NO refund
I have additional questions. Who can I contact?
For additional information regarding our programs, please email us at programs@tmsc.org.
Brigette Zacharczenko (Science program manager) bzacharczenko@tmsc.org or call 860-677-8571 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Join the Programs Email List
Join our email list and stay up to date on Talcott Mountain Science Center. Email programs@tmsc.org.