School and Group Programs
Important Notes & Reminders:
Please be absolutely sure of your booking details before you register.
A $50 change fee will apply if any changes need to be made after your booking is completed, including date, time, program type, or participant numbers.
β
We strongly recommend confirming any transportation services prior to booking your YSI program to avoid needing changes after registration.
βResponse Times During Peak Season
At the start of the school year, YSI receives a very high volume of booking requests and grant funding applications. We answer all emails in the order they are received, and response times may take up to one week depending on volume and the details of your request.
If you are applying for Title 1 grant funding, please note that each application requires a personalized review and set of instructions based on your specific program selections. We appreciate your patience as we work carefully to ensure every request is processed accurately.
Once communication has begun, additional follow-up may still take time as we balance multiple requests and technical questions at once. Your patience allows us to give each booking the attention it deserves β and helps us serve all schools and groups as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and support π±
A $50 change fee will apply if any changes need to be made after your booking is completed, including date, time, program type, or participant numbers.
β
We strongly recommend confirming any transportation services prior to booking your YSI program to avoid needing changes after registration.
βResponse Times During Peak Season
At the start of the school year, YSI receives a very high volume of booking requests and grant funding applications. We answer all emails in the order they are received, and response times may take up to one week depending on volume and the details of your request.
If you are applying for Title 1 grant funding, please note that each application requires a personalized review and set of instructions based on your specific program selections. We appreciate your patience as we work carefully to ensure every request is processed accurately.
Once communication has begun, additional follow-up may still take time as we balance multiple requests and technical questions at once. Your patience allows us to give each booking the attention it deserves β and helps us serve all schools and groups as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and support π±
Booking Instructions:
βPlease read through these instructions carefully before booking.
Mistakes during the registration process can be difficult to correct.
βA $50 fee will be applied to any cancellations or changes made after registration is completed.
1. Choosing Your Location
βSelect your desired location store button at the bottom of the booking instructions:
βVasona Park, Alum Rock Park, Sanborn Park, or At School.
Please note: Not all programs are available at all locations.
2. Selecting Your Program
βScroll through the list of programs at your chosen location and select your desired program.
Confirm that your date and time slot are available before adding the program to your cart.
3. Adding Multiple Programs
Programs at the same time:
Add one program per classroom or outdoor space to your cart.
Ensure that both spaces are available before booking.
Programs back-to-back:
Add your first program to the cart.
Return to the program page; available time slots will automatically update with a 15-minute buffer.
Add the next program to your cart. Repeat as needed.
4. Checkout & Payment
βOnce all programs are in your cart, proceed to checkout.
Grant-funded schools: Do not complete checkout. Contact us directly and follow the instructions in the FAQs below.
Paying by check: Select the βOffline Paymentβ method at checkout.
Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your invoice.
5. Special Notes on Class Capacity
βSome programs allow only one class at a time, while others allow multiple classes if additional spaces are available.
βSingle-Class Only
βOwls (1 hr)
Moving Exploding Earth (1.5 hr)
Ohlone (1.5 hr)
Single-Class, but multiple rooms may be booked if available
βAnimals (1 hr & 30 min)
Insects (1 hr & 30 min)
Pond (1 hr & 30 min)
Aquatic (1.5 hr)
Nature Walk (1 hr & 30 min)
Multi-Class Programs (add additional classes during checkout)
βOhlone (3 hr) β up to 3 classes
Moving Exploding Earth (2 hr) β up to 2 classes
Physics of Sight, Sound, & Motion (1.5 hr) β up to 2 classes
6. Questions or Clarifications
βIf you have any questions, please reach out to us before completing your registration: programs@ysi-ca.org
βAny changes or cancellations after booking will incur a $50 fee.
If instructions are unclear, please ask before proceeding β this prevents mistakes and fees.
Mistakes during the registration process can be difficult to correct.
βA $50 fee will be applied to any cancellations or changes made after registration is completed.
1. Choosing Your Location
βSelect your desired location store button at the bottom of the booking instructions:
βVasona Park, Alum Rock Park, Sanborn Park, or At School.
Please note: Not all programs are available at all locations.
2. Selecting Your Program
βScroll through the list of programs at your chosen location and select your desired program.
Confirm that your date and time slot are available before adding the program to your cart.
3. Adding Multiple Programs
Programs at the same time:
Add one program per classroom or outdoor space to your cart.
Ensure that both spaces are available before booking.
Programs back-to-back:
Add your first program to the cart.
Return to the program page; available time slots will automatically update with a 15-minute buffer.
Add the next program to your cart. Repeat as needed.
4. Checkout & Payment
βOnce all programs are in your cart, proceed to checkout.
Grant-funded schools: Do not complete checkout. Contact us directly and follow the instructions in the FAQs below.
Paying by check: Select the βOffline Paymentβ method at checkout.
Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your invoice.
5. Special Notes on Class Capacity
βSome programs allow only one class at a time, while others allow multiple classes if additional spaces are available.
βSingle-Class Only
βOwls (1 hr)
Moving Exploding Earth (1.5 hr)
Ohlone (1.5 hr)
Single-Class, but multiple rooms may be booked if available
βAnimals (1 hr & 30 min)
Insects (1 hr & 30 min)
Pond (1 hr & 30 min)
Aquatic (1.5 hr)
Nature Walk (1 hr & 30 min)
Multi-Class Programs (add additional classes during checkout)
βOhlone (3 hr) β up to 3 classes
Moving Exploding Earth (2 hr) β up to 2 classes
Physics of Sight, Sound, & Motion (1.5 hr) β up to 2 classes
6. Questions or Clarifications
βIf you have any questions, please reach out to us before completing your registration: programs@ysi-ca.org
βAny changes or cancellations after booking will incur a $50 fee.
If instructions are unclear, please ask before proceeding β this prevents mistakes and fees.
Please select your desired program location below to begin:
2025β2026 School Programs FAQ
Booking and Cancellation Policy
What forms of payment does YSI accept?
βOur preferred payment method is credit card via our online registration system.
We also accept checks sent by mail: Your check must be received at least 30 days before your program date.
If payment is not received on time, your program may be cancelled and subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Other forms of payment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
βWhat is YSIβs Cancellation and Change Policy?
βWhen booking a program, you agree to the following terms:
β$50 change fee for any changes made after booking (date, time, program type, or participant numbers).
$50 cancellation fee if cancelled more than 30 days before the program date.
$100 cancellation fee if cancelled within 30 days.
$175 cancellation fee if cancelled within 14 days.
$200 cancellation fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the program.
Full program fee if cancelled within 72 hours or for no-shows.
Please double-check all details before finalizing your registration.
βHow many students can be accommodated?
YSI nature centers: no more than 4 instructors per school group
At school sites: no more than 2 instructors per school group
Animal-based and non-station programs: maximum of 34 students per school group
Do you hold programs during specific times of the year?
βYes. Programs run September 1, 2025 β May 29, 2026.
β
Some programs are better suited for certain seasons. Contact programs@ysi-ca.org for recommendations.
βDo you offer discounts for Title I schools?
βYes! Thanks to grant funding, Title I schools may qualify for:
βFree or discounted programs
Transportation reimbursements
Contact YSI Administration during registration to check eligibility.
βPrograms at Vasona, Alum Rock, and Sanborn Parks
Arrival time: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to unload and split into groups.
The front gate to Vasona Park opens at ~8:00 a.m.
Snack breaks:
Standard: 15-minute break for back-to-back groups
Life of an Ohlone (3-hour): snack break must be requested during registration
Moving, Exploding Earth: includes a snack-based activity
Food storage: Indoor storage is available for snacks/lunches.
βPicnic areas: Each location has public picnic areas. To guarantee space, please reserve through the park websites.
βParent drivers: YSI will email a parking permit to distribute to drivers for free entry.
βParent chaperones: No set limit, but space is limited in classrooms. Student and instructor space takes priority.
βAccessibility:
Alum Rock: Mostly paved, can be modified for accessibility
Sanborn: Limited paved paths
Vasona: Mostly paved, routes can be modified
Restrooms: All three locations have accessible restrooms.
βPhotos: Absolutely! Weβd love to see your photos.
βOur preferred payment method is credit card via our online registration system.
We also accept checks sent by mail: Your check must be received at least 30 days before your program date.
If payment is not received on time, your program may be cancelled and subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Other forms of payment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
βWhat is YSIβs Cancellation and Change Policy?
βWhen booking a program, you agree to the following terms:
β$50 change fee for any changes made after booking (date, time, program type, or participant numbers).
$50 cancellation fee if cancelled more than 30 days before the program date.
$100 cancellation fee if cancelled within 30 days.
$175 cancellation fee if cancelled within 14 days.
$200 cancellation fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the program.
Full program fee if cancelled within 72 hours or for no-shows.
Please double-check all details before finalizing your registration.
βHow many students can be accommodated?
YSI nature centers: no more than 4 instructors per school group
At school sites: no more than 2 instructors per school group
Animal-based and non-station programs: maximum of 34 students per school group
Do you hold programs during specific times of the year?
βYes. Programs run September 1, 2025 β May 29, 2026.
β
Some programs are better suited for certain seasons. Contact programs@ysi-ca.org for recommendations.
βDo you offer discounts for Title I schools?
βYes! Thanks to grant funding, Title I schools may qualify for:
βFree or discounted programs
Transportation reimbursements
Contact YSI Administration during registration to check eligibility.
βPrograms at Vasona, Alum Rock, and Sanborn Parks
Arrival time: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to unload and split into groups.
The front gate to Vasona Park opens at ~8:00 a.m.
Snack breaks:
Standard: 15-minute break for back-to-back groups
Life of an Ohlone (3-hour): snack break must be requested during registration
Moving, Exploding Earth: includes a snack-based activity
Food storage: Indoor storage is available for snacks/lunches.
βPicnic areas: Each location has public picnic areas. To guarantee space, please reserve through the park websites.
βParent drivers: YSI will email a parking permit to distribute to drivers for free entry.
βParent chaperones: No set limit, but space is limited in classrooms. Student and instructor space takes priority.
βAccessibility:
Alum Rock: Mostly paved, can be modified for accessibility
Sanborn: Limited paved paths
Vasona: Mostly paved, routes can be modified
Restrooms: All three locations have accessible restrooms.
βPhotos: Absolutely! Weβd love to see your photos.
Programs at School Sites
βWhat time will the instructor arrive?
Instructors arrive 30 minutes before start time. Example: 9:30 a.m. program β instructor arrives by 9:00 a.m.
β
βWhat materials are required for YSI programs?
Life of an Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, or Physics: A table is required for materials
βAnimal-based programs: Tables optional but helpful
Please provide a spacious area for the instructor and materials, with room for students to sit in a half-circle
Title 1 School Grant Funding Info
βIf you are a Title 1 school interested in receiving grant funding for your YSI program, please contact us directly instead of booking through the online system.
To process and approve your Title 1 funding request, please provide the following booking details. Be as specific as possible, funding amounts are set based on the information provided at the time of approval.
β
School
District
Grade level(s)
Number of classes
Number of students in each class
Total number of students
Program(s) of interest
Location of interest
If applicable: Would you like your programs scheduled at the same time or one after another?
Important Notes: Grant funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding is available up to $2,500 per school, with final amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
We unfortunately do not have any transportation funding to offer schools this 25-26 school year.
If you have any questions about eligibility, availability, or the application process, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Questions? Please email us at programs@ysi-ca.org or call (408) 356-4945 ext. 1
Instructors arrive 30 minutes before start time. Example: 9:30 a.m. program β instructor arrives by 9:00 a.m.
β
βWhat materials are required for YSI programs?
Life of an Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, or Physics: A table is required for materials
βAnimal-based programs: Tables optional but helpful
Please provide a spacious area for the instructor and materials, with room for students to sit in a half-circle
Title 1 School Grant Funding Info
βIf you are a Title 1 school interested in receiving grant funding for your YSI program, please contact us directly instead of booking through the online system.
To process and approve your Title 1 funding request, please provide the following booking details. Be as specific as possible, funding amounts are set based on the information provided at the time of approval.
β
School
District
Grade level(s)
Number of classes
Number of students in each class
Total number of students
Program(s) of interest
Location of interest
If applicable: Would you like your programs scheduled at the same time or one after another?
Important Notes: Grant funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding is available up to $2,500 per school, with final amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
We unfortunately do not have any transportation funding to offer schools this 25-26 school year.
If you have any questions about eligibility, availability, or the application process, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Questions? Please email us at programs@ysi-ca.org or call (408) 356-4945 ext. 1