Education & School Toolkit
In-Person Programs
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies strives to provide students of all ages and adults with an interactive, educational experience while building an understanding of the aquatic world and the need to conserve and protect it. We invest immersive detail into our programs and our goal is to develop each person’s passion for marine stewardship.
We offer a varied selection of grade level based classroom programs designed to meet the Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards. We strive to ensure that the experiences provided will be an extension of what is learned in the classroom and to provide students with a deeper understanding of why it is important to protect and conserve our ocean’s environment.
PLANNING
Whether you have been planning field trips for years or this is your time, our Education Department is here to help with anything you may need. From the first stages of planning to arrival, we strive to make this a smooth experience for teachers, students and parents.
Requesting Your Date: The Aquarium takes school groups any day of the year. If you are choosing to book a classroom program we advise providing several available times on your reservation form as classroom times are on a first come first served basis.
Choosing Your Experience: Groups can choose to do a self-guided tour only or a self-guided tour and a classroom program. One classroom program comes free with every paid reservation and last approximately 20-30 minutes. Classroom programs are offered every hour on the half beginning at 9:30 am. A self-guided tour will give you access to the Aquarium for the day, including feedings and dive shows.
Our programs last 30-45 minutes. The time should be 10:30am. A sentence should also be added stating that we only offer classroom programs Monday-Friday based on availability.
Classroom Programs: Classroom programs are linked to the Next Generation Science and Common Core standards. Most programs include one or more hands on activities and all programs include a conservation message. There is a maximum of 40 students per classroom program. See the list of classroom program descriptions below!
Arrival Time: The Aquarium opens at 9:00 am every day. Due to the volume of school groups that attend the facility please provide a realistic arrival time when filling out your reservation form as this time frame will determine parking availability.
RATES
Students (all ages) – $7.00 +tax per person
*Additional adults are the same price as the students, as long as they are included on the school payment.
Non-School Educational Groups (Ages 6-11) – $10.99 +tax per person ($12.28)
Non-School Educational Groups (Ages 2-5) – $5.99 +tax per person ($6.69)
Comp Chaperone Policy (Grades PreK – 2) – One FREE Chaperone for every 5 paid students
Comp Chaperone Policy (Grades 3 – 12) – One FREE Chaperone for every 10 paid students
Tax – Tennessee Tax is 11.75%, unless Tennessee State or Federal 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt Form is provided prior to arrival and payment is made by organization check/credit card.
*School Rates and Group Rates cannot be combined for the same field trip, regardless of student age.
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FAQs
Where do we park?
There are 6 bus parking spots located directly behind the Aquarium. These spots are first come first served. If none of these spots are available your bus will unload and then be directed to an alternate parking area. Parents are not permitted to park in bus parking at any time. There is a city owned parking garage located directly behind bus parking that parents should park in.
Where do we go to check in?
Upon arrival, the lead field trip coordinator should check the group in at the Aquarium Guest Services window. We advise allowing 10-15 minutes for check in.
Where do we go for our classroom program?
If you have booked a classroom program you should meet the educator outside of the Discovery Center classrooms at the time listed on your confirmation. The Discovery Center is located in the middle lower level of the Aquarium.
How many students can fit in a classroom program?
We can fit a maximum of 40 students per classroom program depending on the grade level. Parents may not be permitted in the classroom program depending on the class size.
Can we bring bagged lunches?
The Aquarium does not allow outside food into the Aquarium. If you are bringing bag lunches, you are welcome to eat them outside on the plaza or on the bus. We ask that if you choose to eat outside on the plaza you clean up your area when finished.
When do you need the final numbers?
Final numbers are due 72 hours prior to your arrival date.
What if we are tax exempt?
We only accept a Tennessee State Tax form or a Federal 501(c)3 form. We MUST receive the tax form prior to your arrival; taxes will not be removed or refunded if we do not have it in hand before you check in.
Do you have Discounts for Education Personnel?
Teachers are always $10.99+tax with their photo id and current pay stub. *This discount is for the school teachers only.
MORE INFO
MORE INFO
SCHOOL GROUPS
Bring your class to the Aquarium for a fun filled educational experience. Standard-based programs are available free of charge along with a paid tour.
Cost Per Person – $7.00 +tax
Chaperone Discount – 1 Free Chaperone per 10 paid students
Please fill out Reservation Request
EDUCATION GROUPS
Are you part of an afterschool program? Bring your students to the Aquarium for a fun filled day. Standard-based programs are available free of charge along with a paid tour.
Cost Per Person – $10.99 +tax
Chaperone Discount – 1 Free Chaperone per 10 paid students
Please fill out Reservation Request
HOMESCHOOL
Homeschool families always receive the student rate at all Sevier County Ripley’s Attractions. To receive the homeschool rates bring proof of home education (i.e. attendance record, membership card, etc.) Any student and teaching parents may receive the discounted rate. Monthly homeschool classes are available, for more information contact the Education Department.
Cost Per Person – $10.99 +tax
Chaperone Discount – 1 Free Chaperone per 10 paid students
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
We have fun, engaging standards based programs that will change how your students look at the ocean world. Each program is 30-40 minutes in length and ends with a Q&A with one of our educators. We have programs from Pre-K through 12th grade ranging from learning how animals move to dissections to behind the scenes tours.
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