Storm Scholars: Homeschool Weather Labs Where Kids Meet New England’s Tallest Peak

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.