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Update: Teachers will be informed if their class was accepted to a program after October 15th. To apply, visit the program pages below. Please keep in mind, new teachers are asked to participate in a teacher workshop to secure their program dates.
Educational Opportunities at Golden Gate National Recreations Area's Parks As Classrooms uses the Understanding by Design framework, and incorporates California Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. Our inquiry-based park programs can be timed to introduce concepts, reinforce understanding, or stimulate culminating projects within a teaching unit. Programs are typically structured in three parts: a classroom preparation, a national park field session, and classroom assessments in which students demonstrate what they have learned. Teachers are provided with resources, including program curriculum and supporting materials.The first step is to choose the program best suited for your class and follow the guidance below to submit an Education Reservation Request Form application.
How to Request a Field Trip
Ranger-led field trips for the 2026-2027 school year will be accepting Education Reservation Request Forms in August of 2026. Teachers will be informed if their class was accepted to a program by the end of September 2026. Field trips to the park will take place from mid-October 2026 – end of May 2027. Please e-mail us if you have any questions.
Education Programs are only offered Tuesday-Friday.
Due to limited staffing at each park site, we ask that classes only apply to one of the program offerings throughout Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, Fort Point, and Crissy Field. Program locations can ONLY accommodate 1 class per day.
Ranger-led programs generally last 2-4 hours, not including driving or lunch time. Expect total time of field trips (travel to site, program, lunch) to be approximately 3-6 hours (see program website for approximate duration).
Chaperones are expected to attend and support each program – 1 per 10 student ratio.
New teachers are expected to attend a Teacher Workshop to be considered for a program – workshop dates will be announced on each program website.
