Homeschool benefits and savings in Diamond
George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond runs free Homeschool Days from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the last 2026 sessions, Carver Education, on October 15 and October 28. Any homeschool family can reserve by calling 417-325-4151, and free ranger-led field trips for grades K-12 are also available by reservation.
Who qualifies
Homeschool family
Homeschool Days are offered to homeschool families, and the field trip programs serve any group in grades K-12. No residency rule is listed.
Makes a reservation
Reservations are required for both Homeschool Days and field trips. Call the park to book.
Gets to Diamond
The park is at 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840. Families arrange their own travel.
What the program gives you
The dates and programs come from the park's Homeschool Days 2026 flyer and its field trip and fees pages.
- Homeschool Day program (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Free
- Carver Education days, 2026
- Oct. 15 and Oct. 28
- Ranger-led field trip, grades K-12
- Free
- Guided trail tour on a field trip
- 3/4 mile
- Park entrance
- Free
Earlier 2026 sessions were Savvy Science on April 16 and Carver the Artist on August 27, so ask the park when it will post the 2027 dates.
How to attend
- Now
Call to reserve
Call 417-325-4151 or email gwca_interpretation@nps.gov to reserve a spot on October 15 or October 28.
- Before the visit
Review the field trip packet
If you book a field trip instead, the park's field trip packets help you pick the program that fits your curriculum.
- Program day, 10 a.m.
Arrive at the park
Carver Education covers Carver's life and legacy with a guided tour, a hands-on discovery area, and a peanut milk activity.
- Each year
Watch for new dates
The park posts a new Homeschool Days flyer with the year's dates and themes.
What it includes
Included
- Ranger-led program and activities
- Guided tour
- Hands-on discovery area
- Park admission
Not included
- Travel to Diamond, Missouri
- Days without a reservation
Good to know
Single families can attend by reservation
Homeschool Days are offered to homeschool families by reservation, so a single family can attend. Call 417-325-4151 to book and to ask about group size.
Who to contact about the program
Park interpretation staff take reservations for Homeschool Days and field trips and answer program questions.
gwca_interpretation@nps.gov 417-325-4151 Plan a field trip
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Missouri
No annual homeschool registration required. If withdrawing from public school, a written notice requesting removal from its rolls documents the change.
Missouri sets these rules:
- Subjects: For students under 16, offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction: 600 in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related courses, including 400 at the regular homeschool location. The statutory hours and recordkeeping rules do not apply at age 16 or older.
- Testing: Missouri does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: For students under 16, keep a subject and activity record, a work-sample portfolio, and progress evaluations, or equivalent written or credible evidence.
- Teachers: No state teaching-license or degree requirement for a homeschool instructor.
Read the Missouri homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Missouri
Questions parents ask
- What will my children do on Carver Education day?
- They learn about George Washington Carver's life and legacy through a guided tour, a hands-on discovery area, and a peanut milk activity.
- Can we book a field trip on another date?
- Yes. Curriculum-based field trips for grades K-12 include a ranger-led tour of the 3/4 mile trail, the interactive exhibits, a lunch break, and a ranger-led classroom lesson.
- Why is this park significant?
- Established in 1943, it was the first National Park Service unit honoring an African American, at the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Put eligible education funds toward a curriculum that teaches the courses and grades the work. Check the program’s purchasing rules before paying.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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