Policies & Procedures
The education experience includes behind-the-scenes areas as well as portions of the main Aquarium. The following policies and procedures are in place for your safety as well as the safety of the animals. Please read the policies and procedure below to ensure your class is properly prepared for their experience.
All programs will begin and end on time.
Our programs begin promptly, therefore plan on arriving 15 minutes early. Please understand that programs will end at the scheduled time even if you are late.
All Adults MUST remain with their assigned facilitator at all times.
Many of the behind-the-scenes spaces are accessible by staff only. If someone in the group separates themselves from the group, they may be unable to reconnect with their group without a staff escort.
No horseplay.
Students will have the privilege of being over the top of a few large exhibits. In order to ensure the safety of the students and the animals, we have a strict “no horseplay” policy. Ultimately, teachers are responsible for the discipline and welfare of the students.
No chewing gum allowed.
Due to the close proximity of the animals, chewing gum is not allowed in the Aquarium.
Programs are available for students K through 12th grade.
Group size: Minimum – 20, Maximum - 28
(If you are bringing more than 140 students, you will have to book multiple dates.)
The adult ratio is strictly enforced.
In order to maintain the integrity of our education programs and comply with our capacity limits we require that teachers and parents adhere to our adult ratio*.
- K – 5th grade: 1 adult per 5 students
- 6th – 12th grade: 1 adult per 10 students
* Additional adults will not be allowed. Pre-approved exceptions can be made for students with special needs who require a paraprofessional.
Lunch
There is not a designated lunch space onsite. Schools are encouraged to either eat before or after their educational experience.
Children four years old and under are not permitted to participate in education programs.
Children four years old and under are not permitted to participate in education programs due to safety precautions. Please note: we have no accommodations for children four years of age and under.
Younger/older siblings will not be permitted to participate in education programs.
Education programs are age/grade-appropriate. Teachers and adults are not allowed to bring children not enrolled in the class(es) participating in the education program.
Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes.
Education programs include a walking tour. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Heels, flip-flops and roller shoes (shoes with retractable wheels) are not permitted in behind-the-scenes areas.
Students are not permitted to wear or carry hats, cameras, cell phones, book bags, etc. during the education experience.
Your group will be in behind-the-scenes areas where loose items can potentially pose a safety hazard. All necessary materials (including writing supplies) are provided by the Aquarium.
Remain on the bus upon arrival.
A member of the Georgia Aquarium staff will meet each bus, greet the contact person and provide instructions on unloading. Please do not allow your students to get off of the bus before instructed to do so by an Aquarium staff member.
Notify us of the special needs of your students.
It is our goal to ensure that every student has a memorable experience. With ample notice, we will do our best to accommodate the special needs your students may have.
Deposits are required to hold a reservation and final payment is due 30 days prior to your visit.
We require a $100 non-refundable deposit, per date, to hold your reservation. Deposits will be credited toward your final balance. You will receive an email confirmation/invoice at the time of your reservation. The final payment for your group must be received 30 days prior to your visit, or your reservation will automatically be cancelled for non-payment. Payments for approved additional students must be made 48 hours prior to your visit.
Please review our full payment policy before making your reservation.
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