When you bring your school class to Ellis Island, there are a number of opportunities to make the most out of your visit. Most require reservations, while touring the museum on your own does not (although you must reserve your boat tickets in advance).

Once you have selected your program, click here for visiting and reservation information.

Here is a listing of our on-site educational opportunities.

"Shore to Shore" (Grades 4-6)

Students learn about immigration at Ellis Island by re-creating immigrants' experiences through hands-on activities. The 90-minute program consists of a ranger facilitated program and several activity stations.

This free program is offered Monday - Friday during the school year (September through June) and requires the completion of pre-visit activities before the on-site visit. This program is limited to 40 students.

You may download our Shore to Shore Teacher's Guide (This file is large, so it may take a minute or so to download.)

These curriculum materials will help you prepare for your visit.

Immigration Game Zone

"Immigration Game Zone" (Grades 4-8)

Students learn about immigration at Ellis Island during its peak years (1892-1924) during this 90-minute program. A ranger explains the process of immigrating through Ellis Island while taking students through the Main Building; the presentation is followed by an interactive question-and-answer game. This session tests what they have learned while presenting the information in another format and reinforcing the educational experience.

This free program is offered weekdays during the school year and requires the completion of pre-visit activities before the on-site visit. This program is limited to 48 students.

Click here to download our Immigration Game Zone Teacher's Guide. (This file is large, so it may take a minute or so to download.)

These curriculum materials will help you prepare for your visit.

"Island of Hope, Island of Tears" (documentary film)

Students of all ages can watch "Island of Hope, Island of Tears". This award-winning documentary film reveals why and how millions of immigrants journeyed across the world to Ellis Island, hoping for a better life for themselves and their descendants. The free program, which includes a 15-minute ranger talk followed by the 30-minute documentary, begins at 11:00 and 12:00 and is strictly limited to 140 people; no standing. Other unreserved times may also be available.

Teachers: You can also access "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" at www.archive.org/details/gov.ntis.ava15996vnb1. The film is available in different formats so it can be easily downloaded in the classroom as either a pre- or post-visit activity.

Ellis Island 101

This interactive program is designed for large school groups (a minimum of 48 students and a maximum of 127 students). Learn with a park ranger about Ellis Island, America's first federal immigration station, and find out about the "must see" highlights for the rest of your visit. This 40-minute program is offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 12:00 noon. Suitable for all grades.

The National Park Service requires at least one (1) chaperone for every 10 students.  Chaperones must stay with the students at all times while visiting the park.

Audio Tour (available for both Ellis and Liberty Islands)

Students of all ages can learn about the Ellis Island Immigration Museum exhibits and/or the Statue of Liberty by listening to the audio tour. At the Statue, the audio tour is available for both the outside grounds and pedestal/museum access. The tour is available in English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. You may purchase the audio tour along with your ferry tickets in advance or during your visit. (Nominal fee - discounts available for school groups)

Teacher-led Self-Guided Tour

Students, teachers, and chaperones may explore the museum's three floors of exhibits without a park ranger. Teachers/Chaperones must stay with their students at all times. You can learn about the history of Ellis Island and the lives of the millions of people who were processed here. Pick up a map and brochure at the park Information Desk. 

A package of material for a teacher-led program through the Ellis Island exhibits is now available here.