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8 March 2026

From Classroom to Lagoon: How Dolphin Academy’s Education Department Engages Local Schools

Finding ways to make science come alive is a constant challenge for educators. The Dolphin Academy Education Department turns that challenge into a joy, connecting lessons learned in class with real encounters in the lagoon and at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. Through school projects, on-site and off-site programming, and youth activities, the Dolphin Academy Education Department helps local schools build curiosity, confidence, and care for the ocean.

A school-to-sea bridge: how the team partners with educators

Dolphin Academy’s Education Department offers educational marine-life programs tailored to a wide range of learners, including pre-schools, kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools, special schools, and private schools. Programs are available as single sessions, packages, or as social projects, and can be adapted for community groups such as foundations, orphanages, vacation plan groups, church community groups, 60+ senior groups, clubs, and more—always in line with specific needs.

What this looks like in practice:

Explore the Education hub to see how programs can fit your class or group: Education.

Bayena i Dolfein: a Curaçao-wide school project

Launched in 2005, Bayena i Dolfein (Whales and Dolphins) was created to give every child in Curaçao the chance to learn about dolphins, whales, and marine life in a fun and educational way. The project deepens understanding while building awareness of Curaçao’s unique marine environment.

What’s included

Built for the classroom

Why it works

This project thrives thanks to community support. Organizations interested in empowering local learners are invited to consider sponsorship opportunities.

After-school momentum: Youth Activities students love

Learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Dolphin Academy’s Youth Activities offer hands-on, interactive marine education after school and during breaks. These programs are ideal for young ocean enthusiasts and a natural extension of classroom learning.

See current offerings and sign-up options: Youth Activities.

Deepening engagement: Assistant Trainer Course for ages 9–14

For passionate learners ready to go further, the Assistant Trainer Course is Dolphin Academy’s most comprehensive and interactive dolphin educational program for children ages 9 to 14. Students experience the thrill of working alongside a trainer, while learning daily about dolphin biology and behavior through classroom lectures, games, and water sessions. They even participate in a real training demonstration.

Key details:

For students and families inspired by school visits or youth clubs, this course builds practical skills and deepens understanding through authentic, trainer-led sessions.

Planning tips for teachers and school leaders

Use these practical takeaways to make the most of your partnership with the Dolphin Academy Education Department:

  1. Define learning outcomes: Identify the marine-life concepts your class needs (e.g., ecosystems, animal behavior) and match them to the appropriate program or grade-level curriculum.
  2. Leverage provided materials: Use the student work booklets and teacher’s guide for pre- and post-visit lessons. This strengthens comprehension and ties experiences back to classroom standards.
  3. Choose your language: Select Dutch, English, or Papiamentu materials to support comprehension and participation.
  4. Align grades wisely: For Bayena i Dolfein, plan by grade 3–8 topics to ensure a seamless curricular fit within Nature and Technology.
  5. Coordinate logistics early: For school visits, note that transportation is included in Bayena i Dolfein. Confirm schedules and student needs with the Education team in advance.
  6. Prepare students for the visit: Discuss ocean etiquette and what it means to meet a dolphin respectfully—this fosters positive, safe interactions for everyone.
  7. Extend learning beyond the day: Keep momentum with Snorkel Club, Dolphin Fun Club, or school-break Vacation Plan activities so students can continue building confidence and skills.
  8. Consider group customization: If you’re planning for a larger group or have special requirements, inquire about single sessions, packages, or social project formats.
  9. Explore community partnerships: If your school or organization is interested in supporting access, ask about sponsoring Bayena i Dolfein to help more students benefit.
  10. Bring the sea to your site: Ask about off-site options if visiting the Aquarium isn’t feasible—mobile programming can bring marine education to your campus.

If you’re organizing a large cohort or have unique needs, see additional options under Groups & Special Requests.

Quick answers for educators

From classroom to lagoon—what students take home

When lessons move from the whiteboard to the water, students gain more than facts. They develop a personal connection to Curaçao’s marine life, a sense of responsibility for ocean habitats, and confidence built through hands-on discovery. By pairing teacher-ready resources with memorable experiences, the Dolphin Academy Education Department gives schools a reliable way to inspire learners and elevate science education.

Conclusion

From Bayena i Dolfein to Youth Activities and advanced opportunities like the Assistant Trainer Course, Dolphin Academy helps local schools turn curiosity into understanding and stewardship. Ready to plan your next learning adventure?

Interested in expanding access? Ask about sponsoring Bayena i Dolfein and help bring marine education to even more students across Curaçao.