VILDA FIELD BIOLOGY
Ages 9-15 • San Rafael & Petaluma
A homeschool biology class in nature's classroom
We are very excited for this class that combines the outdoor learning and ecological values of Vilda with a traditional biology class. This is a chance to explore our local environment through a scientific lens with the experienced guidance of Vilda instructors. We use nature as a laboratory learning from principles of biology and ecology and study the diversity and interactions of plants, animals and microorganisms in their natural environments. We then use our findings as well as current environmental data to design environmental solutions. And true to a Vilda program we approach it through a lens of fun, deep respect for the natural environment and ability to learn from the wisdom of earth based cultures. This is a chance for kids to be a part of using science stories to change the world.
This class may include:
Using 3rd-6th grade biology curriculum in a natural environment
Naturalist knowledge development
Flora and fauna of Marin county
Learning habits of field study and scientific inquiry
Investigating form and function
Growth and development of organisms
Matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems
Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
Natural selection and adaptations
Keeping a field journal of findings
Writing letters of recommendation for the health of the land based on scientific findings
Environmental stewardship
This program meets at a central location and travels to different eco-systems around Marin County each week, from oak woodlands, to coastal bluffs and beaches.
Our school year programs are continuous programs that run from September through June. We encourage students to stay for the whole year, however we do have a policy that you can cancel with a 30 day notice.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is most appropriate for children aged 9-13 (San Rafael) or 12-15 (Petaluma) who are interested in deepening their naturalist knowledge and can focus on more scientific material. This class will not include as much time for play, games, hiking, social learning, story or wilderness skills as our typical classes. It is more focused than our other school year programs and we may be selective in who can enroll in the program as participants will need to follow social and academic expectations in a group setting without struggle. It is intended to help satisfy homeschool biology requirements in an outdoor setting. With all that said, it is also intended to be fun.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
VILDA FIELD BIO - San Rafael - 1 Day a Week
Ages: 9-12
When: 9:30am - 3:30pm, Fridays, Aug 29, 2025 - Jun 5, 2026
Includes overnight field trip May 22-23
Days off: Nov 28, Dec 26, Jan 2, Feb 20, Apr 10
Location: Various locations 30mins from downtown San Rafael. Van transport provided from central San Rafael.
• Instructor will announce locations ahead of time
Tuition - Early Bird Discount - Register by Aug 5th:
$100 non-refundable deposit plus 9 monthly payments of:
Rate A: $675 $607
Rate B: $518 $467
Rate C: $430 $387
Click HERE for an explanation of our pricing tiers
*With our very varied economical situations in the Bay Area, families have differing abilities to pay. We want our programs to serve as many children as possible regardless of financial situation.*
**Rate A** - represents the actual cost of running a program in this area and is comparable with the rates of several local specialty camps. It funds our long-term goals and work.
**Rate B** - covers our basic costs for running this particular program, but it does not cover our organizational costs.
**Rate C** - does not cover the cost of program and is subsidized by Rate A and donations.
Scholarships are available. Contact us for more information. With a charter school? Click here.
If your child is neuro-divergent or may need additional attention for any emotional, social or health related reason please contact us before signing up.
VILDA FIELD BIO • Ages 12-15 • Petaluma • 1 Day a Week
Ages: 12-15
When: 9:30am - 3:30pm, Thursdays, Aug 28, 2025 - Jun 4, 2026
Includes overnight field trip May 14-15
Days off: Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1, Feb 19, Apr 9
Location: Helen Putnam State Park
Tuition - Early Bird Discount - Register by Aug 5th:
$100 non-refundable deposit plus 9 monthly payments of:
Rate A: $675 $607
Rate B: $518 $467
Rate C: $430 $387
Click HERE for an explanation of our pricing tiers
*With our very varied economical situations in the Bay Area, families have differing abilities to pay. We want our programs to serve as many children as possible regardless of financial situation.*
**Rate A** - represents the actual cost of running a program in this area and is comparable with the rates of several local specialty camps. It funds our long-term goals and work.
**Rate B** - covers our basic costs for running this particular program, but it does not cover our organizational costs.
**Rate C** - does not cover the cost of program and is subsidized by Rate A and donations.
Scholarships are available. Contact us for more information. With a charter school? Click here.
If your child is neuro-divergent or may need additional attention for any emotional, social or health related reason please contact us before signing up.