Shenandoah National Park, with its deciduous forest, craggy peaks, and mountain streams, is an ideal outdoor classroom. Imagine a kindergartner drawing a map of the sounds he hears around him in the forest. Or a fifth grader looking for evidence of weathering and erosion on mountain slopes. Picture high school students collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates as a way to determine stream health. Shenandoah National Park offers a wide variety of education programs for students in kindergarten through high school.

Shenandoah National Park's education programs enhance classroom instruction with field experiences that support the Virginia Science Standards of Learning. They are fun, active, well organized, informative, and engaging. Students enjoy the hands-on experiences and the opportunity to make first-hand observations that these programs provide. They also benefit from the discovery that they have a national park in their own backyard.

Shenandoah National Park strives to provide education programs that address the needs of schools and neighboring communities. Education programs employ hands-on, sensory-based activities and encourage problem solving and critical thinking. They communicate the mission of the National Park Service and the significance of Shenandoah National Park, and foster environmental stewardship. All programs support the Virginia Standards of Learning.

Stewardship Curriculum (Good Character, Good Stewards . . .)

Ranger-Led Programs for Grades 2-7

Teacher-Guided Programs

Teacher Workshops

Wilderness Education

How to Schedule an Education Program

Partnerships in Education

Work Experience for Young Adults