The Tennessee Aquarium strives to be a tributary to each visitor's river of knowledge. Think of the Tennessee Aquarium not just as a field trip, but rather as an extension of your classroom with world class exhibits and standards-based educational opportunities. We are the only aquarium in the United States accredited as a supplementary education school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement(SACS CASI).

The Tennessee Aquarium Education Department is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing opportunities for every visitor to earn an "E" from their experience with us. We accomplish this by providing people with Exposure to the natural world and creating a personal Experience for them. This allows people to be Enlightened by and build a strong Emotional connection with nature which Empowers them to make a difference in their own corner of the world.

 
This Tributaries site provides information to help you make your visit successful and enjoyable on every level - a memorable educational experience for students, teachers and chaperones alike. Carefully looking through this site is the best way to prepare for your visit. Included are brief descriptions of the many educational programs we provide for every grade level. If you have not already scheduled one of these programs for your group please review the School Programs section now. Although reservations are accepted as late as ten working days prior to your aquarium visit, the programs do fill up fast!