Tides is a three-hour drop-off marine biology program for children grades 1st - 8th, located at a different beach in Santa Cruz each week. Nature journals in hand, students learn about marine creatures, marine plants, birds, tide pools, ecosystems, and sustainability, all in a hands-on, exploratory learning environment. Tides is led by our wonderful and experienced head teachers and assistant teachers who love teaching children about the wonders of marine biology. Tides meets at a different beach each week in order to experience different marine environments. These are small group classes of up to 14 students per group.
Classes offered:
Monday mornings, 9:30 to 12:30 - Weekly lesson, outdoor learning, nature-journaling, note-taking, art, reading, and beach play.
Monday afternoons, 1:30 to 4:30 - Weekly lesson, outdoor learning, nature-journaling, note-taking, art, reading, and beach play.
Friday mornings, 9:30 to 12:30 - Weekly lesson, outdoor learning, nature-journaling, note-taking, art, reading, and beach play.
After-school program - Day TBD (Based on student interest! We are flexible!) - Weekly lesson, outdoor learning, nature-journaling, note-taking, art, reading, and beach play.
DETAILS:
Tides meets Monday mornings at a different beach in and around Santa Cruz each week.
Fall and Spring Dates:
Spring Semester ‘26 18 weeks: January 8 - May 22
Days Off: March 30 - April 3
Weather Make-Up Week: May 25 - 29 and June 1 - 5
Fall Semester ‘26 15 weeks: August 24 - December 11
Days Off: November 23 - 27
Weather Make-Up Week: December 14 - 19
Tides is a year long program, with Fall and Spring Semesters
Session Times Available to choose from (3 hours):
Mondays- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Day of the week TBD- 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
We want to accommodate our students. Tell us which day of the week you are your friends want to meet and we will meet that day of the week!
After-school Tides: 2 hours
Day of the week TBD- 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We want to accommodate our students. Tell us which day of the week you are your friends want to meet and we will meet that day of the week!