“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school” Albert Einstein.
I worked in public schools for many years and met many talented teachers. Not until circumstances gifted me with the opportunity to be home with the boys, did I discover the limitless possibilities of homeschool. This week’s article is an effort to answer the high volume of questions about homeschool I see on a daily basis. Greenville is a dream location for homeschool families.
Programs
Upcountry History Museum 540 Buncombe Street 29601
Homeschool Days take place the 3rd Friday of each month at 1:30. Kids will enjoy hands-on classroom activities. Programs support South Carolina Standards for social studies. Reminder: Splash & Bubbles leaves February 4th – don’t miss it! Next up: Civil War Narrative Quilts by Vera Hall on February 16th.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate 300 College Street 29601
TCMU speaks for themselves and you know how much we love them. Take advantage of SteamWORKS from 1-4 pm, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday and Open Art Studios from 1-4 pm Wednesday & Friday, and 9:30-12:30 on Saturday. Enjoy all the other exhibits before and after those times!
Roper Mountain Science Center 402 Roper Mountain Road 29615
The best “bang for your buck” is to purchase a yearly pass. RMSC has SO much to offer homeschool families! Our favorites: Friday Starry Nights (September 14 – May 10) & Afternoon Explorations (Thursdays + Fridays 1:30-5 pm).
TR Maker’s Company 3 South Main Street, Travelers Rest 29690
There is not enough room in this article to list everything TR Maker’s Company offers on a weekly basis. Arts Lead Learning (ages 5-12) uses painting, sculpture, drawing, dance, drama, music, etc., to teach Life Science, Physics, Math and more. Students can be dropped off for in-person learning. They offer a semester-long series called Masters & Makers that meets once a week. It’s for ALL ages (even adults). Check out their website for more details! P.S. the owners are some of the nicest and most creative people you’ll ever meet.
Lake Conestee Nature Preserve 840 Mauldin Road 29607
Lake Conestee is one of our all-time favorite spots to hike! In addition to the trails, they offer “exploratory and play-based” learning programs that align with South Carolina Science Standards. Knee-High Naturalists (2-4 years), Nature Discovery Clubs (elementary & middle) are just a few of the programs you should check out.
Places To Visit
Sigal Music Museum 516 Buncombe Street 29601
This museum has performances and lectures for older students. Everyone who lives in the area should be familiar with the history of this beautiful building (stay tuned, we’re working on that). It’s the perfect place to learn about music and history. Check out their website for specific details.
Greenville County Library System 25 Heritage Green Place 29601
I won’t insult you by listing all the ways the library can aid in your educational journey. You NEED to know the Hughes Main location has a South Carolina Room that’s a must see. Older students can find a plethora of information pertaining to the history of our state.
Bob Jones University Gallery & Museum 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd. 29614
The museum may be temporarily closed. Please check their website before making plans to visit. They offer Homeschool Days (ages 5-14) for a ridiculously low fee (adults/$3, student/$8.50). Adults can stay OR drop off their child for a 75 minute session. This one is top notch!
TRee House Cafe & Studio 27 South Main Street, Travelers Rest 29690
Carry the class into this whimsical world of paints and colors Wednesday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm. Tell owner, Kristen, we said hello!
Greenville Zoo 150 Cleveland Park Drive 29601
You can just walk with your family through the zoo and discuss the different types of animals, OR sign up for one of their educational programs. Saturday Safari (10-11:30 am, ages 5-7) classes are full of crafts and hands-on activities. Visit the website for all the Know-Before-You-Go details! You can download printable crafts & coloring pages! Yearly memberships come in handy.
Greenville County Museum of Art 420 College Street 29601
This museum is ONLY open Friday thru Sunday during construction. Watch for changes on their website. On Sunday afternoons at 2 pm, they hold FREE activities such as lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and musical performances.
World Of Energy 7812 Rochester Highway 29672
Take a walk along a nature trail, picnic in a shelter overlooking beautiful Lake Keowee, fish from a pier, and play video games all while learning about energy! The World of Energy is open Wednesday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm and it’s FREE.
Do Not Miss These Spots
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site 1800 Little River Road 28731
South Carolina Botanical Gardens 150 Discovery Lane 29634
Musgrove Mill 398 State Park Road 29325
South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais Street 29201
EdVenture 211 Gervais Street 29201
Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Parkway 29210
Stumphouse Tunnel Stumphouse Tunnel Road 29691
Not in the Upstate, but well worth the (short) drive.
We can’t let you go without encouraging you to visit South Carolina State Parks! Each park offers educational opportunities for all ages. We just renewed our Park Passport and are excited to get started!
By no means is this a complete list of educational offerings, but will hopefully get you started!