Homeschool benefits and savings in Arnold
Calaveras Big Trees State Park admits self-guided homeschool field trips of at least 10 students free, with free bus parking and up to five free chaperone vehicles, instead of the $10 day-use fee per vehicle. Reserve at least 30 days ahead for a weekday visit after 11 a.m.; a guided tour costs $60 for up to 60 students.
Who qualifies
Has at least 10 students
Self-guided field trips need a minimum of 10 students. Homeschool groups are welcome for both self-guided trips and guided tours.
Reserves 30 days ahead
Groups that arrive without a reservation pay the full bus or car fee.
Visits on a weekday
Self-guided trips run Monday through Friday, any time after 11 a.m.
Limits extra vehicles
Every other vehicle pays.
What the trip costs
California State Parks lists the field-trip terms on the park's education page and the day-use fee on the park's main page.
- Reserved self-guided trip, 10 or more students
- Free
- Bus parking and up to 5 chaperone vehicles
- Free
- Guided tour, up to 60 students
- $60
- Each additional vehicle, regular day
- $10
- Each additional vehicle, holiday or peak weekend
- $12
The $60 guided tour slot also covers entry for one bus and up to five chaperone vehicles, and groups over 60 students should contact the park first.
How to book the trip
- 30 days or more ahead
Reserve the trip
Book the 11:00 a.m. slot online for a self-guided trip and note your real arrival time on the form. For a guided tour, email or call instead so staff can set a time with you.
- Pick your season
Choose tour dates
Guided tours run at 10 a.m. on weekdays in October, mid-March, April, May, and early June. There are no guided classroom tours in September.
- On the day
Arrive with your group
Bring your reservation, park the bus and up to five chaperone vehicles free, and pay the day-use fee for any other vehicles.
What it includes
Included
- Park entry for a reserved self-guided group
- Bus parking
- Up to five chaperone vehicles
Not included
- Groups without a reservation
- A sixth chaperone vehicle and beyond
- Guided tours, which cost $60 a slot
- Weekend visits
Good to know
Homeschool groups can request other tour times
Schools usually need the 10 a.m. tour, but homeschool groups can request other times by emailing or calling the park instead of booking online.
Who to contact about field trips
The education office books guided tours, schedules homeschool groups, and answers field trip questions.
calaverasbigtreesSP@parks.ca.gov 209-795-7980 Field trip page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in California
For the home-based private-school pathway, file the Private School Affidavit during the October 1–15 annual filing period. New schools may use the online filing system during its separate August 1–June 30 opening window. Other legal pathways have their own rules.
California sets these rules:
- Subjects: The private-school pathway must provide instruction in English in the branches of study required for public schools; the parent chooses the materials and course sequence.
- Testing: California does not impose a statewide standardized-testing requirement on private-school students.
- Records: Private schools must keep the records required by California law, including attendance and faculty information.
- Teachers: Private-school instructors must be capable of teaching; California does not issue a separate homeschool-parent credential.
Read the California homeschooling guide See statewide programs in California
Questions parents ask
- How long are the Calaveras Big Trees guided tours?
- The North Grove Trail tour runs about 1.5 to 2 hours and the North Grove Meadow tour about 1 to 2 hours. Both align with the Next Generation Science Standards.
- Is there an option if we cannot travel to the park?
- Yes. PORTScasts are live virtual programs of about 45 minutes, offered monthly.
- Where is the park?
- Calaveras Big Trees is four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4, open sunrise to sunset for day use.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Camps and local activities give your child new interests to explore. Their discoveries can shape the examples and questions they study at home.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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