For Teachers

Let's go on a Field Trip!

History comes alive for students on field trips at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. We offer 45 minute long ranger-led programs of the park (reservation required), or you can bring your students for a teacher-led experience without a reservation. We offer curriculum for before, during, and after your field trip. Our lesson plans emphasize place-based learning and are geared toward 4th grade students. Please read the below instructions and resources for a fun, memorable, and educational experience at the missions!

 

Book a Field Trip

To request a ranger-led program, please email our education coordinator with:

1. Your school name
2. Contact's name
3. Planned date of park visit
4. Preferred time of arrival
5. Number of students and chaperones (1 adult for every 10 students required)
6. Grade level.

Program Schedule

Ranger-guided programs are available Wednesdays through Fridays at 9:30 and 10:30am. Each program lasts 45 minutes. Tour capacity is 80 students. Larger groups can divide over the two time slots.

The National Park Service offers many educational opportunities for students to experience the natural and cultural history of the San Antonio Missions. The park is an ideal "outdoor classroom" in which to explore the heritage of our nation's Spanish Colonial past and appreciate the value of historic preservation.

Free program offerings by Park Rangers include curriculum-based activities that adhere to content standards and concepts as defined by Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

Up to $300 in transportation costs may be reimbursed to any public or private school and homeschool groups coming from within 40 miles of San Antonio, Texas. Eligible counties include Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. To request transportation reimbursement, please fill out this application. Reimbursement is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to one visit per school. Transportation grants are generously funded by HEB and Mission Heritage Partners.

Reservations are required for guided programming. There is no charge for any activities.

Education Programs Overview

Curriculum-based education programs are offered Wednesdays through Fridays at 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Programs are conducted at Mission San José. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance. Late arrivals may forfeit the guided program. These education programs are not guided tours through the mission.

A Day in the Life, 45 minutes in length

• Meets 4th grade TAKS standards, but suitable for most elementary grades.

Summit of Empire, 45 minutes in length

• Meets 7th grade TAKS standards, but suitable for secondary grades.

Curriculum Materials

Get ready for your field trip and become aquainted with our site by using our curriculum materials!