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 is divided into 3 age groups: Sprouts (ages 5-7) Juniors (ages 8-12) and Seniors (ages 13-17) that learn about similar topics with lessons tailored to be age appropriate.

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.

Upcoming Animal Academy Classes

While topics are similar, Animal Academy lessons are offered on different dates and times for each age group.

All classes are $12/ student and 90 minutes in length unless otherwise noted.

For our Sprouts groups, each student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during class.

Questions? Check out our FAQ

Sprouts (Ages 5-7)

Animal Rescue 101

9/10/2024 @ 11:30am

This class explores how AWA's Adoption Center works, including getting hands-on to understand the animal rescue world.

Animal Behavior & Safety

10/8/2024 @ 11:30am

Students will learn how animals communicate so they can properly interact with animals and ensure safety for all.

Pet Care 101: Happy & Healthy Pets

11/5/2024 @ 11:30am

Your student will explore different aspects of pet care to grow an understanding of what it takes to properly care for animals.

Class Sign Ups

Juniors (Ages 8-12)

Animal Rescue 201

9/11/2024 @ 11:30am

Grow a deeper understanding of animal overpopulation, fostering, TNR programs, and how youth involvement can make a difference.

Animal Behavior & Safety

10/9/2024 @ 11:30am

Learn from AWA's Behavior team, including how animals communicate with body language and how to stay safe.

Animal Adaptations

11/6/2024 @ 11:30am

Open your mind to identify, test, and understand animal adaptations and their importance within the animal kingdom.

Class Sign Ups

Seniors (Ages 13-17)

Animal Rescue 301

9/11/2024 @ 1:30pm

Go hands on to learn about the animal rescue and adoption process, and how fostering, TNR and other programs aim to combat animal overpopulation.

Animal Behavior & Safety

10/9/2024 @ 1:30pm

AWA's Behavior team will demonstrate how to read animal body language, and students will leave with skills to keep them and animals safe.

Animal Adaptations

11/6/2024 @ 1:30pm

Ever wonder how and why animals adapt to their environment? This class teaches the importance of adaptation to the survival of each part of the animal kingdom.

Class Sign Ups

Want a Private Lesson?

Groups of 10 or more can now sign up for private Animal Academy sessions! Groups can consist of all ages and have a choice of topics.

Sprouts 5-7

Juniors 8-12

Seniors 13-17

Meet the Instructor

Alicia Haley

AWA Education Manager

Alicia Haley has over 4 years of animal experience and over 3 years of informal education experience. As AWA's Education Manager, she works to make every lesson engaging and exciting. Alicia’s favorite part about her role at AWA is supporting the pet loving community and inspiring the next generation of animal advocates.

She has two rescue pets: Ripley and a tri-pawed, Hazel, an AWA alum.

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.

Why are topics the same? What's the difference between age groups?

While we find these to be the most important topics to cover, each age group’s lesson will be tailored to include appropriate activities and subject matter.

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.

What if I have students in both age groups?

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.