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Bring science out of the classroom and into the weather laboratory of Mount Washington. This homeschool series (Jan–Jun 2026) pairs short, hands-on sessions at the Mount Washington Observatory Valley Headquarters with expert educators and real instruments—perfect for curious students ages 6–15.
Bring science out of the classroom and into the weather laboratory of Mount Washington. This homeschool series (Jan–Jun 2026) pairs short, hands-on sessions at the Mount Washington Observatory Valley Headquarters with expert educators and real instruments—perfect for curious students ages 6–15.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mount Washington Observatory · Conway, New Hampshire
Storm Scholars: Homeschool Educational Series brings classroom curiosity out of the textbook and into the weather-worn world of Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Based at the Mount Washington Observatory Valley Headquarters in North Conway, this hands-on series runs January through June 2026 for homeschoolers ages 6–15, meeting monthly for focused, 90-minute sessions that introduce students to meteorology, climate science, local geology and alpine ecology. The program centers on New England’s tallest peak—Mount Washington—famous for its extreme weather and classic alpine zone. Sessions blend indoor lessons with outdoor observation and instrument demonstrations, giving kids direct contact with real science: barometers, anemometers and temperature logs come alive as educators explain how mountain top conditions form and change. Students learn to recognize features of the landscape—rocky ridgelines, subalpine fir and low-stature plant communities—that shape local weather patterns and influence habitats. Led in partnership with Conway School District’s Project SUCCEED and Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), Storm Scholars treats the Observatory’s Valley Headquarters as a learning lab. Parents and home educators are encouraged to join at no extra cost, so learning becomes collaborative; one-on-one guidance helps extend lessons beyond the session and into-at-home projects. The series offers two enrollment options: individual sessions at $65 each or a full semester (January–June) for $275 per student. Practical preparation matters here. The meeting point at 2779 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH, is fully stroller and wheelchair accessible; students should come dressed in outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring water, snacks and any personal medications. Educators supply curriculum resources to support continued study, and sessions are deliberately short—90 minutes—to match attention spans while leaving families time to explore the Mount Washington Valley afterward. This program stands out because it situates science instruction inside a region where weather is not abstract. Mount Washington’s shifting storms, high winds and alpine conditions offer a visceral classroom that textbook diagrams cannot replicate. For homeschool families, that immediacy turns questions about climate and geology into observable phenomena you can measure and discuss together. Beyond the classroom, the Valley Headquarters connects visitors to a wider network of trails, interpretive exhibits and seasonal natural history programs across the White Mountains. Whether your child is a budding meteorologist, a curious naturalist or simply someone who wants to see science in action, Storm Scholars provides a structured, memorable gateway to understanding some of the most dramatic weather on the continent. Each session concludes with a simple hands-on experiment and take-home materials that help students track and compare conditions between sessions; instructors also outline safe-field practices when observing weather or visiting higher elevations. Families who want more can ask about connecting to longer MWOBS youth programs and seasonal hikes led by local naturalists. Reserve your student's spot well ahead.
easy.
90 minutes per session; January–June 2026 semester option.
Light activity—suitable for elementary and middle-school students able to stand and walk short distances
Sessions are split by age: Ages 6–11 meet on second Fridays of the month; Ages 12–15 meet on third Fridays, January–June 2026.
Meet at Mount Washington Observatory Valley Headquarters, 2779 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860.
One home educator (parent/guardian) per student is strongly encouraged to participate and there is no additional fee.
Snacks are provided; lunches or full meals are not included—bring personal snacks and any necessary medications.
The Valley Headquarters and meeting space are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Individual sessions are $65 per student; the full semester (January–June) is $275 per student.
Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) has been a focal point for mountain weather observation and education since the early 20th century.
The alpine zone is fragile—follow Leave No Trace, stick to established trails and avoid trampling low-stature vegetation to protect habitat.
Mount Washington Observatory is a scientific organization based in Conway, New Hampshire, that operates the weather station at the summit of Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet. It provides public access to extreme weather science through guided Weather Station Tours and specialized training programs. The Observatory's Weather Station Tours run six days a week and offer visitors the chance to meet dedicated scientists, explore cutting-edge instruments, and learn about forecasting practices used in one of the most challenging environments in the northeastern United States. In addition to public tours, the Observatory partners with Memorial Hospital and SOLO Wilderness Medical School to deliver the Mount Washington Observatory Overnight Medical Training Program for Youth Educators. This immersive overnight program at the summit weather station equips staff from youth-serving organizations with Wilderness First Aid certifications and hands-on experience tailored for outdoor youth activities. The Observatory emphasizes safety, scientific rigor, and practical training. Visitors to the summit encounter real operational instruments and professional staff who collect weather data and share forecasting insights. Program participants gain certified medical skills relevant to wilderness settings and benefit from collaboration with established medical and wilderness training partners. Located in Conway, New Hampshire, the Observatory connects community education with applied mountain meteorology and outdoor safety training. Its public tours and educator programs are designed to increase understanding of extreme weather, improve preparedness for outdoor programs, and strengthen the skills of those responsible for youth safety in remote environments. Programs and tours accommodate educators, outdoor leaders, and interested public participants regularly.
Book with Mount Washington Observatory