AWA Animal Academy

Animal Welfare Association’s new-and-improved Animal Academy program fills a growing need in the community to bring homeschoolers out into new environments to learn, socialize, and strengthen their animal literacy and empathy.

*Kids 5-7 must be accompanied by an adult

Join the Academy

Choose your student's age below to view upcoming classes and sign up today.

What is the Animal Academy?

The Animal Academy program is a chance for homeschoolers ages 5-17 to engage in experiences unlike any found in a traditional school environment or home classroom.

Each 90-minute session is taught by trained instructors from Animal Welfare Association’s Education department. They include hands-on lessons where students will be given the tools, materials and detailed instruction to learn about unique areas of animal sciences, welfare, conservation and more.

The curriculum includes lessons on:

Veterinary medicine
Animal shelters
Animal handling
ecosystems, food chains and symbiotic relationships
Careers working with animals
and much more!

Activities will be STEAM-focused and designed to fit into any homeschool curriculum. Our holistic approach to education sees students work both independently and in group environments, with a focus on promoting active engagement in their learning to deepen their understanding of subject matter.

: Learn about veterinary medicine

: Experience careers working with animals

: Go behind the scenes

: Get hands-on

Open to Students 5-17

Animal Academy covers topics that are intriguing and accessible to all age groups especially with the support of our AWA instructor.

Cooperative, Engaging Lessons

Each lesson will encourage active engagement and cooperation to better develop topic understanding and social skills for each student.

Hands-On Learning

Lessons will see students interacting with animals, using real-world equipment, viewing surgeries and more to promote tactile, multi-sensory learning.

Meet the Instructor

Kendyl Fauscette

AWA Education Manager

Kendyl’s love for animals began at a young age and has only continued to grow throughout her life. While going to college in Savannah, GA she worked at, and eventually managed, a dog daycare. After moving back up to NJ, Kendyl was thrilled to join the AWA working in Animal Care. For about a year and a half, she took care of the shelter animals; eventually even becoming the Feline Care Lead. While she deeply loved her job, she also had another passion, teaching!

Kendyl left the AWA to pursue that dream and ended up working as an assistant teacher for PreK students. Although it was hard to leave the classroom, Kendyl is now able to combine both of her passions, animal rescue and teaching, into her role as the Education Programs Manager. Kendyl spends her free time with her many pets including her dogs, Finn and Nala, and her cats, Ruth, Zuko, and Mazie (who is an AWA foster fail).

Animal Academy FAQ

Have another question? Interested in booking a private group class? Contact our Education Department at Education@awanj.org

Is there a dress code?

Students can dress comfortably but must wear closed toed shoes. Please note kids will be moving, interacting with animals, doing crafts, and sometimes spending some time outdoors.

What is the cancellation policy?

A full refund will be given if cancelled no later than 4 weeks prior to the selected start date. A 50% refund will be given if cancelled no later than 2 weeks prior.

Can I bring a group?

Groups of 10 or more can book private classes by emailing education@awanj.org. These can consist of all ages.

Can parents stay for class?

Yes, parents can choose to either drop off or stay. If you plan to stay, please email education@awanj.org so that we can have an accurate headcount.

Can you accommodate special needs students?

Of course! We’re always happy to meet the needs of our guests.
Please contact our Education Department to let us know how we can provide an accessible experience for all.

What if a child has allergies?

Please alert us of any dog or cat allergies, as lessons may require proximity to these animals and their spaces.
Please note we also use peanut butter throughout the facility.