High School Programs

Aquarium educator shows collected sea life to students on boat.

High School Education Programs

Explore the variety of SOL-based programs we offer for grades 9 through 12, both at the Aquarium and beyond! Our programs cover SOLs in life science and biology. Field Trips allow students to visit explore our exhibits and experience our on-site classes. Outreach Programs bring a trained educator to show-and-tell at your facility with marine science biofacts or a live animal encounter. Suitcase Science offers science programs conveniently packaged in a suitcase for teachers to use in their classrooms. Virtual Learning Programs provide online programming hosted by Aquarium educators.

Field Trip Programs for High Schoolers

School Admission Rates

Self-Guided: $15 Per Student (Admission)
SOL-Based: $20 Per Student (Program & Admission)
Behind-the-Scenes Tours: $15 Per Student (Grades 7-12 Only) | Additional $120 Flat Fee Per 30 Students
Classroom and field programs can accommodate up to 30 students. Assembly programs can accommodate up to 90 students.

Free Chaperone Ratios

Grades 1-12: 1:10 ratio of chaperones to students
Additional Chaperones: $25 Each

Available Field Trip Programs

Grade 9 | 50 Minutes
Available During School Year
Classroom Program

Combine science, exploration, and problem-solving during this interactive class investigating geology, plate tectonics, and the fascinating world of fossils.

SOLs: ES.9

Grades 9-12 | 50 Minutes
Available During School Year
Classroom Program

Investigate the classification of squid by looking at its defining characteristics and discovering its unique adaptations. Dissect a squid and compare it to other mollusks and invertebrate phyla.

SOLs: BIO.1, BIO.7, BIO.8


Grades 9-12 | 45 Minutes
Available During School Year
Classroom Program

Go behind-the-scenes at the Aquarium to catch a glimpse of the operations, animal care, and different career paths in the aquarium industry.

SOLs: None

Grades 9-12 | 30 Minutes
Available During School Year
Assembly and Classroom Program

Meet one of the Virginia Aquarium’s reptiles, amphibians, or mammals to learn about life history, conservation, and animal care. Also available as an outreach program.

SOLs: Bio.3, Bio.6, Bio.7

Grades 9-12 | 50 Minutes
Available During School Year
Assembly and Classroom Program

Sharpen your detective skills while solving mysteries to learn about adaptations and other unique aspects of marine life and the ocean.

SOLs: BIO.1, BIO.6


Grades 9-12 | 90 Minutes
Available During School Year (September-October, April-May)
Classroom and Field Program

Special Price: $20 per student

Practice real-world scientific techniques in Owls Creek salt marsh including water quality testing, species identification, and population surveys.

SOLs: BIO.2, BIO.8, ES.8


How to Reserve

For self-guided field trips, call Guest Services at (757) 385-3474, extension 3. For SOL-based programs and admissions, fill out the SOL-based request form and you will be contacted to book a date. Please note: requests for programs must be submitted at least one month before the desired program date to be considered. Educators can also order lunches for their field trip groups from our exclusive catering partners at Groovin' Gourmets (formerly Gourmet Gang).

Request a Field Trip Program Order Lunch for Your Field Trip

Outreach Programs for High Schoolers

Our Outreach Programs bring a trained educator with marine science fun to young learners in their classrooms at school. Book an outreach program today! Please note: requests for programs must be submitted at least one month before the desired program date to be considered. Animal Ambassadors are not guaranteed to accompany a program in the event of inclement weather or other husbandry-related issues.

Outreach Program Pricing

$200 per program, or $175 when booking between 2-5 programs.

Travel Fees

  • $0 for Virginia Beach
  • $25 for Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth
  • $45 for Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Poquoson
  • $65 for Williamsburg, Yorktown, Smithfield, and Isle of Wight

Available Outreach Programs

Grades 9-12 | 50 Minutes
Available During School Year
Classroom Program

Investigate the classification of squid by looking at its defining characteristics and discovering its unique adaptations. Dissect a squid and compare it to other mollusks and invertebrate phyla.

SOLs: BIO.1, BIO.7, BIO.8

Grades 9-12 | 30 Minutes
Available During School Year
Assembly and Classroom Program

Bring one of the Virginia Aquarium Animal Ambassadors to your school and learn about life history, conservation, and animal care. Also available as a field trip program.


SOLS: Bio.3, Bio.6, Bio.7

Request an Outreach Program

Suitcase Science

Display of replicated animal skulls and other biofacts.

Reserve a Suitcase!

These science programs are conveniently packaged in a suitcase for teachers to use in their classrooms. Six programs are available and include age-appropriate lesson plans. Interested in teaching climate science? Contact our Education team for a grant-funded opportunity to bring the Climate Science Suitcase Science to your classroom for free!

About Suitcase Science

Virtual Learning Programs for High Schoolers

All field trip and outreach programs are available as Virtual Learning Programs!

Virtual Program Pricing

$100 per session.

Maximum Number of Students

Up to 30 students welcome per session.

Requirements

  • Computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet)
  • Webcam and microphone
  • Projector and speakers
  • Stable internet connection
Request a Virtual Learning Program

Grant Funding

Children look inside bin of water and small aquatic wildlife.

Apply for Access Aquarium!

Access Aquarium offers grant funding to Title I schools which, if awarded, would cover 50% of your student cost for a visit to the Virginia Aquarium or outreach program at your school. Please do not book a field trip until you are approved for grant funding if your field trip is contingent on this funding. Applications for this grant must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the desired program date.

Apply for Access Aquarium

Have Questions?

Contact our School & Youth Programs Coordinator via email.

Email School & Youth Programs

Share Your Field Trip Experience to Win

Fill out our survey after your field trip for a chance to win a free virtual program!

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