Policies Governing Programs for Schools

ADULT-CHILD RATIOS 

The required ratio for school field trips Grades 3 and above is 1 adult for each 10 children. The required ratio for Grades 2 and under is 1 adult for every 5 students. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their students. Rude behavior towards either staff or visitors is not tolerated. Because of the priceless nature of our museum and its contents, Pioneer Farms will assess a charge of $5 for every required chaperone not present.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring a sack lunch and drinking water. Food prepared in cooking demonstrations cannot be served to students and the public, due to state law. Students can also bring money to spend at our authentic General Store, where many souvenirs are available for $1 or less. No pets are allowed on the museum grounds.

HOW TO PLAN

Pioneer Farms is open rain or shine. Should the day be wet, alternate picnic facilities will be available. Please dress according to the weather. Sunscreen and insect repellent are suggested. Close-toed shoes are also suggested. Modern-day restroom facilities are available. All areas are stroller-accessible.

RESERVATIONS

All programs are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be made via e-mail or U.S. Mail. Reservations must include a check for the full amount of the deposit. Once the deposit is received and a field trip date is entered on Pioneer Farms’ calendar, a confirmation letter will be mailed to the scheduling teacher, complete with directions, museum policies and procedures, rules of conduct, and other pertinent information. Teachers are responsible for disseminating information about field trips to all members their school group.

DEPOSITS

Field trips at Pioneer Farms must post a deposit of $50 per school per visit. Deposits are non-refundable, except as outlined below.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations received two weeks or more before the date of the visit will be entitled to a refund of their deposit. Cancelations received within 24 hours of the reservation date will be allowed only to rebook another date during the same semester, on a space-available basis.

ADMISSION FEES

Admission fees apply to all guests who visit Pioneer Farms — teachers, students, chaperones and young children accompanying chaperones — regardless of their time of arrival. All admission must be paid by cash, check or credit card at or before the time of entrance, before groups are admitted. No vouchers or purchase orders will be accepted in lieu of admission fees.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Title 1 schools seeking to qualify for reduced admission must declare their Title 1 status at the time they register. Those who do not do so will be required to pay regular admission fees.

SCHEDULING

To schedule your visit, please register on our School Programs page.