School and Group Programs
Booking Instructions:
How to Book a YSI Program for Your Class
Booking your class for a YSI program is easy! Please follow these steps to reserve your spot:
1. Choose Your Program Location
You will see four buttons, one for each YSI location:
Vasona Lake County Park – Los Gatos
Alum Rock Park – San Jose
Sanborn County Park – Saratoga
At School Programs – We come to you!
Click the button for the location where you’d like to book your program(s).
2. Select Your Program in Our Registration Store
Click “Facility Bookings”Browse the programs available for that location and select the one that best fits your class.
Double-check the program description and location before booking.
3. Pick Your Date & Time
Available dates and times will appear in blue within the booking calendar.
If a date is grayed out, it has already been booked.
4. Register One Grade Level at a Time
Each program booking covers one class (up to 34 students) from the same school.
If you have multiple grade levels you would like to book programs for, please complete a separate booking for each grade.
Multiple Classes in the Same Time Slot
Some programs allow two or more classes per time slot:
Ohlone 3-hour programs can host up to 3 classes at once.
Ohlone 1.5-hour programs can host up to 2 classes at once.
Moving Exploding Earth 2-hour programs can host up to 2 classes at once.
Physics of Sight, Sound, & Motion programs can host up to 3 classes at once.
If a program allows multiple classes, an “Additional Class” option will appear during checkout.
For available 1-hour & 1.5-hour programs where you want two classes to attend at the same time:
Make sure that both classrooms at your selected site are available for your chosen date and time.
Example: If you want two classes to attend the Animal Program at Vasona at 10:00 am, ensure that both the Oak Room and Lake Room are available at 10:00 am on that date.
6. Complete the Checkout
Fill in all required details (school name, district, grade level, teacher contact info).
Submit your booking. You will receive a confirmation email once your request is approved.
7. Check Your Confirmation Email
If an email is not received, the booking has not been completed. Please be sure to double-check that your confirmation email has been received.
💡 Helpful Tip: YSI programs often fill quickly. Booking early will give you the best chance of securing your preferred date and time.
Select your desired location below to begin:
Booking your class for a YSI program is easy! Please follow these steps to reserve your spot:
1. Choose Your Program Location
You will see four buttons, one for each YSI location:
Vasona Lake County Park – Los Gatos
Alum Rock Park – San Jose
Sanborn County Park – Saratoga
At School Programs – We come to you!
Click the button for the location where you’d like to book your program(s).
2. Select Your Program in Our Registration Store
Click “Facility Bookings”Browse the programs available for that location and select the one that best fits your class.
Double-check the program description and location before booking.
3. Pick Your Date & Time
Available dates and times will appear in blue within the booking calendar.
If a date is grayed out, it has already been booked.
4. Register One Grade Level at a Time
Each program booking covers one class (up to 34 students) from the same school.
If you have multiple grade levels you would like to book programs for, please complete a separate booking for each grade.
Multiple Classes in the Same Time Slot
Some programs allow two or more classes per time slot:
Ohlone 3-hour programs can host up to 3 classes at once.
Ohlone 1.5-hour programs can host up to 2 classes at once.
Moving Exploding Earth 2-hour programs can host up to 2 classes at once.
Physics of Sight, Sound, & Motion programs can host up to 3 classes at once.
If a program allows multiple classes, an “Additional Class” option will appear during checkout.
For available 1-hour & 1.5-hour programs where you want two classes to attend at the same time:
Make sure that both classrooms at your selected site are available for your chosen date and time.
Example: If you want two classes to attend the Animal Program at Vasona at 10:00 am, ensure that both the Oak Room and Lake Room are available at 10:00 am on that date.
6. Complete the Checkout
Fill in all required details (school name, district, grade level, teacher contact info).
Submit your booking. You will receive a confirmation email once your request is approved.
7. Check Your Confirmation Email
If an email is not received, the booking has not been completed. Please be sure to double-check that your confirmation email has been received.
💡 Helpful Tip: YSI programs often fill quickly. Booking early will give you the best chance of securing your preferred date and time.
Select your desired location below to begin:
2025–2026 School Programs FAQ
Booking and Cancellation Policy
What forms of payment does YSI accept?
Our preferred payment method is by credit card via our online registration system. Checks or other forms of payment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is YSI’s cancellation policy?
Upon booking your program, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
$50 fee for changes or cancellations over 30 days before the scheduled program date
$100 fee for cancellations within 30 days of the scheduled program date
$175 fee for cancellations within 14 days of the scheduled program date
$200 fee for cancellations less than 14 days before the scheduled program date.
Full program fee for cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled program or for no-shows
How many students can be accommodated for each program, and what is the YSI instructor-to-student ratio?
For programs at YSI nature centers: no more than 4 instructors per school group
For programs at school sites: no more than 2 instructors per school group
Animal-based and non-station programs: maximum of 34 students per school group
Do you hold programs during specific times of the year?
Programs run September 1, 2025 – May 29, 2026.
Some programs are better suited for certain seasons; please contact programs@ysi-ca.org for recommendations.
Do you offer special discounts or promotions for Title I schools?
Yes! We receive grant funding to provide free or discounted programs to Title I schools, as well as potential transportation reimbursements. Contact Administration during registration to check eligibility. Programs at Vasona, Alum Rock, and Sanborn Parks
What time should we arrive at YSI?
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to unload and split into groups. The front gate to Vasona Park opens at ~8:00 a.m.
Will there be a snack break? 15-minute break for back-to-back groupsLife of an Ohlone (3-hour) snack break must be requested at registration. Moving, Exploding Earth includes a snack-based activity.
Can we store snacks/lunches?
Yes, indoor storage is available.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely! We’d love to see your photos.
Are there tables or picnic areas for snacks/lunch?
Each location has public picnic areas. To guarantee space, consider reserving through the park websites.
Do parent drivers pay for parking?
YSI will email a parking permit to distribute to drivers for free entry.
Is there a limit on parent chaperones?
No, but space is limited in classrooms, student and instructor space takes priority.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, all three locations have accessible restrooms.
Are YSI sites wheelchair accessible?
Alum Rock: Mostly paved, easily modified for accessibility
Sanborn: Limited paved paths
Vasona: Mostly paved, routes can be modified
For questions, email programs@ysi-ca.org
Programs at School Sites
What time will the instructor arrive?
Instructors arrive 30 minutes before start time. Example: 9:30 a.m. program → instructor arrives by 9:00 a.m.
What materials are required for YSI programs?
Life of an Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, or Physics: A table is required for materials
Animal-based programs: Tables optional but helpful
Please provide a spacious area for the instructor and materials, with room for students to sit in a half-circle
Title 1 School Grant Funding Info
If you are a Title 1 school interested in receiving grant funding for your YSI program, please contact us directly instead of booking through the online system.When you reach out, please include the following details:Your first and last name
School and district
Grade level(s)
Number of classes
Number of students in each class
Total number of students
Program(s) of interest
Important Notes:Grant funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding is available up to $2,500 per school, with final amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
If you have any questions about eligibility, availability, or the application process, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Questions? Please email us at programs@ysi-ca.org or call (408) 356-4945 ext. 1
What forms of payment does YSI accept?
Our preferred payment method is by credit card via our online registration system. Checks or other forms of payment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is YSI’s cancellation policy?
Upon booking your program, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
$50 fee for changes or cancellations over 30 days before the scheduled program date
$100 fee for cancellations within 30 days of the scheduled program date
$175 fee for cancellations within 14 days of the scheduled program date
$200 fee for cancellations less than 14 days before the scheduled program date.
Full program fee for cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled program or for no-shows
How many students can be accommodated for each program, and what is the YSI instructor-to-student ratio?
For programs at YSI nature centers: no more than 4 instructors per school group
For programs at school sites: no more than 2 instructors per school group
Animal-based and non-station programs: maximum of 34 students per school group
Do you hold programs during specific times of the year?
Programs run September 1, 2025 – May 29, 2026.
Some programs are better suited for certain seasons; please contact programs@ysi-ca.org for recommendations.
Do you offer special discounts or promotions for Title I schools?
Yes! We receive grant funding to provide free or discounted programs to Title I schools, as well as potential transportation reimbursements. Contact Administration during registration to check eligibility. Programs at Vasona, Alum Rock, and Sanborn Parks
What time should we arrive at YSI?
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to unload and split into groups. The front gate to Vasona Park opens at ~8:00 a.m.
Will there be a snack break? 15-minute break for back-to-back groupsLife of an Ohlone (3-hour) snack break must be requested at registration. Moving, Exploding Earth includes a snack-based activity.
Can we store snacks/lunches?
Yes, indoor storage is available.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely! We’d love to see your photos.
Are there tables or picnic areas for snacks/lunch?
Each location has public picnic areas. To guarantee space, consider reserving through the park websites.
Do parent drivers pay for parking?
YSI will email a parking permit to distribute to drivers for free entry.
Is there a limit on parent chaperones?
No, but space is limited in classrooms, student and instructor space takes priority.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, all three locations have accessible restrooms.
Are YSI sites wheelchair accessible?
Alum Rock: Mostly paved, easily modified for accessibility
Sanborn: Limited paved paths
Vasona: Mostly paved, routes can be modified
For questions, email programs@ysi-ca.org
Programs at School Sites
What time will the instructor arrive?
Instructors arrive 30 minutes before start time. Example: 9:30 a.m. program → instructor arrives by 9:00 a.m.
What materials are required for YSI programs?
Life of an Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, or Physics: A table is required for materials
Animal-based programs: Tables optional but helpful
Please provide a spacious area for the instructor and materials, with room for students to sit in a half-circle
Title 1 School Grant Funding Info
If you are a Title 1 school interested in receiving grant funding for your YSI program, please contact us directly instead of booking through the online system.When you reach out, please include the following details:Your first and last name
School and district
Grade level(s)
Number of classes
Number of students in each class
Total number of students
Program(s) of interest
Important Notes:Grant funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding is available up to $2,500 per school, with final amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
If you have any questions about eligibility, availability, or the application process, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Questions? Please email us at programs@ysi-ca.org or call (408) 356-4945 ext. 1
