FAQ's About Our Homeschool Programs

A. We host two different types of events for homeschoolers out here at Fossil Rim. First of all, we have
    about two events per month that are advertised on our web site and various other places. These
    events are open to any homeschoolers who call 254.897.2960 and register. You do not have to be
    a member of a particular homeschool group to sign up for one of these events.

A. The second type of event does not show up on our calendar or advertising. If you want to bring
    your homeschool group to an event at Fossil Rim, we can plan a day just for your group. There is
    a list of classes to choose from (there is even one day camp with a Robin Hood theme), and for
    these "private" homeschool group events only, the price is based on a sliding scale. The
    more participants you bring, the lower your cost per person!

    To plan an event for your homeschool group, call the Homeschool coordinator at 254.897.2960.
    She'll be happy to help you coordinate that event.

A. In planning for a homeschooling event, we need to know how many people will be attending. This
    determines the cost of materials that need to be purchased, how many vehicles must be reserved,
    and helps us plan not just for your event, but also for others that may be taking place out here at
    the same time. We do not want to be short of materials, vehicles or personnel. Many of the people
    who help with programs out here are volunteers, and we try to be courteous of their time by
    careful planning.

    Also, only by calling and making reservations will you know if there is room for your family to attend
    that particular event that day. Some of our homeschool events are very popular and they tend to
    sell out quickly!

A. When Fossil Rim started this homeschool program in 2006, the first thing they did was hire a
    homeschooler to be their Homeschool Coordinator. She has been homeschooling (and
    continues to homeschool) for over 13 years. Her oldest 2 have graduated and gone on to
    college. She's looking forward to a few more years of homeschooling her youngest, though!
    Before coming to work at Fossil Rim, she spent many, many years on the board of a large
    homeschooling group in the DFW metroplex. She was curriculum coordinator for several
    years, then newsletter editor for several, and, finally, youth coordinator for a short time.
    She also ran a supplemental school for homeschoolers out of her own home, and coordinated
    science co-ops and other activities. She may not know EVERYTHING homeschoolers
    want, but she's been a part of this special community, this special way of life, for a long time.
    She understands homeschooling and all that that term means to you, because she IS a
    homeschooler, too!

A. The short answer is no. We realized that we cannot teach evolution, since so many homeschoolers
    find it offensive. Therefore, we do not teach evolution in our homeschool programs.

    However, we are a non-profit, 501c(3) corporation. Because it would jeopardize our non-profit
    status, we also do not teach from a biblical world view.

    We concentrate on the main idea in which creationists and evolutionists agree. That common
    ground is the idea of stewardship. So, it is from that viewpoint that our homeschool programs
    are taught. We focus on the idea of conserving what exists, not on how what exists came to be.

    It has always seemed to us to be so fitting, that the homeschool program must be based on
    stewardship or conservation, because that is what Fossil Rim itself is all about.

A. A few days before your scheduled event, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes last
    minute instructions and directions to whichever building you are to meet at here at Fossil Rim.

    If a particular class requires that you bring materials with you, you will be notified of that.

    You will also need to fill out 1 copy of the liability/photo release form, which you may download by
    clicking here.

    Generally, however, you want to come prepared for being outdoors in changeable weather. Do not
    wear open-toed shoes or heels. Our ground here is rough and rocky, and we are in the country.
    Bring plenty of water. Also, bring raincoats if you have them. Our vehicles are open. They have
    canvas tops, which provide a little protection from rain, but you will still get somewhat wet if we
    do get rain.

A. If, because of weather conditions, or not enough participation, Fossil Rim makes the decision to
    cancel a homeschool event, you will be notified 48 hours in advance whenever possible, and your
    money will be refunded. Generally, what is considered "bad weather conditions" is going to be
    based on the type of event we are having. If we are doing a fossil dig, for example, and it is
    pouring rain that day, then we are going to have to cancel because our vehicles cannot maneuver
    that muddy ground.

    If we are doing an indoor class, however, it will not be cancelled because of inclement weather.
    And we generally do not cancel tours. We do tours out here 362 days a year, in all kinds of
    weather, and all kinds of temperatures. The animals are wearing weather-proof coats, so they
    are active in all kinds of weather!

    Severe ice will probably be the only thing that will cause an event to cancel.

A. If you find you are unable to attend a homeschool event for which you have signed up, you must
    notify us 48 hours in advance of the event in order to receive a refund.

A. See our Local Links page for attractions and events in and around the Glen Rose area.

    Shopping at the square in Glen Rose is a real treat, too!

A. See our Directions Page.