K-12 Education

The Hermitage Education Department equips teachers and teaches students about the Jacksonian Era.

Andrew Jackson’s formal education may have paled in comparison to his predecessors in the White House, but that never stopped him from seeking out the best schools for his adopted son and the many wards he fostered. Jackson always pushed his family to excel in their studies.

Today, The Hermitage shares Jackson’s belief in the value of education with a wealth of excellent and challenging educational opportunities for school groups, children on summer break, scouts, teachers, and adults.

For more tour information on our K-12 education programs or to make a reservation for your school or class, contact our education director. Due to schedule demands, education groups must have a minimum of 15 students.

Class Prices

$11/student ($7/student for Title 1 schools, $13/student in Junior Docent Program)

$14/non-title I High School/College students

$18/adult; one free teacher/chaperone per ten students

Free/bus drivers

If you would like to reserve a Hands-On-History program or have questions about an existing reservation, please contact: [email protected]

Homeschool Day Schedule

Join us this year for our Homeschool Days! From learning military drills to celebrating the holidays at The Hermitage, our Homeschool Days are full of interactive activities and learning opportunities for the whole family! In the 2019-20 school year, Homeschool Days will be held August 2^nd, October 4^th, December 13^th, February 7^th, April 3^rd and June 12^th. For questions and more information, please contact Patrick Martin at [email protected] or 615-889-2941 ex. 241.

August 2, 2019 – Get Back to Nature!  

Did you know Jackson’s name for his home, “hermitage,” means “retreat?” Explore the over 1,100 acres of land, nature trail, and formal garden and see why this name is perfect to describe the Hermitage landscape! Spend time with Hermitage educators learning about how plants were used in the home, conduct your own soil test to measure the richness of the land, and have an up close encounter with feathered friends who call Middle Tennessee home. All activities will take place at the Cabin by the Spring.

October 4, 2019 – A Presidential Toast  

Come experience a presidential visit at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage! When James Monroe visited Jackson in 1819, it was more than just a friendly visit. Take on the roles of these two men and their supporters as we debate foreign policy and issues of the time, learn about the president’s engagement with citizens, and practice historic table etiquette with a toast. While you’re here, check out the Monroe Exhibit and hear about the roles voting and government play in our society! This homeschool day will be geared more toward our high school audience, but look out for our other homeschool days to see what we have to offer for other ages.

December 13, 2019 – Christmas at the Hermitage

In 1845, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage was home to nearly 160 people. For the Jacksons and their family and friends, Christmas was a time of elaborate meals, the exchange of small gifts, and games and musical entertainment. For the enslaved people who lived here, Christmas marked an the end of the cotton harvest, an opportunity to visit with family and friends, celebrate occasions like marriage, and receive tools, clothing, and other supplies for the coming year. Christmas in 1845 looked similar and different than Christmas today, no matter whether someone was slave or free. Join us as we explore holiday traditions across the plantation, with crafts, games, and sweet treats!

Pricing: Adults $18, Children $11 and Family Pass (1 Adult + 3 Children) $48.

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