K-12 Programs
ACES 2021-2022
Research Apprenticeship
Other Offerings
UA Science: Sky School provides immersive, inquiry-based science programs to Arizona K-12 students. Field experiences focus on core University of Arizona science areas such as sky island ecology, earth sciences, dendrochronology, hydrology, and astronomy, and meet Arizona State Science Standards. We integrate topics across the scientific disciplines, while simultaneously building language arts and mathematics skills. All programs include outdoor field instruction in small groups, from a schoolyard to our Mt. Lemmon campus, with UA graduate student scientists serving as instructors and mentors. Students are in charge of designing and carrying out their own scientific inquiry projects, learn astronomy with the use of UA telescopes, and have opportunities to maintain post-trip relationships with UA scientists. Programs also include inclusive teambuilding exercises and games to promote scientific skills, group cohesiveness and effective collaboration.
- Students participate in authentic science inquiry experiences
- Relating learning to the larger framework of science research, as well as personal applications
- Increased skills and confidence for Arizona youth to pursue higher education and STEM careers
- Developing and maintain working relationships with UA scientists
- Developing a better ‘sense of place’, including the natural and cultural history, of the Tucson region
Our programs are meant to be welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. We follow the University of Arizona’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information. Our staff are trained to provide a positive experience for all participants. Please contact us if you have any questions or special needs for your Sky School program.
Exploring the Sky Islands
$165
per student
(Standard)
$145
per student
(Title I)
Program length:
2 days, 1 night
Suggested grades:
3rd–7th
Group size:
20–40 Students
Sign Up
Sky Island Survey
$285
per student
(Standard)
$240
per student
(Title I)
Program length:
3 days, 2 nights
Suggested grades:
5th–9th
Group size:
20–40 Students
Sign Up
Flagship Research
$400
per student
(Standard)
$340
per student
(Title I)
Program length:
4 days, 3 nights
Suggested grades:
8th–12th
Group size:
20–40 Students
Sign Up
Daytime Field Course
$80
per student
(Standard)
$70
per student
(Title I)
Program length:
1 day
(no night program)
Suggested grades:
3rd–7th
Group size:
20 minimum (discount for 50+ students)
Sign Up
Summit fees include day- and night-time instruction, all curricular materials, meals, and dormitory lodging at the summit of Mt. Lemmon for the duration of the program. Transportation must be provided by the school.
We charge fees that reflect approximately half of the actual cost of running programs. Through generous private donations we have limited scholarship funding available in cases of need. Please contact us (uaskyschool@gmail.com) for more information.
Urban Research
$200
per student
(Standard)
$160
per student
(Title I)
Program length:
3 days
(no night program)
Suggested grades:
3rd–12th
Group size:
20-70 Students
Sign Up
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a reservation with the Sky School. The required deposit is 1/3 of the projected cost of your program and is due within 14 days of the initial reservation request. The specific deposit amount due will be calculated for you at the time you make the reservation request. If the deposit is not received within 14 days, the reservation request will be cleared from the Sky School calendar.
Should your school want to move dates within the school year, we will do our best to make the transition. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a move and in the event you need to cancel, the deposit is still non-refundable.
If program cancellation or a major modification occurs 60 days or sooner prior to the program start date, your school/district will be responsible for paying 100% of the amount quoted in the confirmation letter.
Final payment for programs will be due within 30 calendar days of the final day of your program.
- Haury Program
- Larry and Susan Allen
- Tucson Electric Power
- Willingham Foundation
