Early Elementary Schoolship Program

The Early Elementary program is geared toward younger learners (Kindergarten-3rd Grade) with shorter stations than our NextGen program. During this program, students work in small groups to collect samples from Lake Michigan, then teach each other what they learned in an upbeat, low-stakes round-robin. Every student participates in interactive learning stations to explore fish, plankton, the bottom of the lake (benthos), and water quality. Students will explore life aboard the ship as they haul lines and raise sails. A stewardship discussion is held at the end of the program. The Early Elementary program is highly hands-on and discovery oriented, and is curated to suit the age group’s needs.

Morning Session:*  Arrive at 9:00 a.m. and return to shore at 11:45 p.m.
Afternoon Session:*  Arrive at 1:15 p.m. and return to shore at 4:00 p.m.

*Note:  Summer season programs have more flexibility in program timing than the spring and fall seasons. Please contact ISEA for summer program time options.


Are you ready to book?

The schooner Inland Seas sails out of Suttons Bay, MI. The capacity is 32 passengers (children and adults). Use the link to check available dates.

The schooner Manitou sails out of Traverse City, MI (Spring Schoolship season only). The capacity is 35 passengers (children and adults). Use the link to check available dates.


Already booked your field trip?

We’ve compiled all the information you need for your trip in this one document. Please download or print for your reference.

Please watch this Pre-Boarding Safety Instructions video with your students prior to your trip.


After sail teacher survey.

Teachers, please fill out this survey after your sail.

The Inland Seas is a US Coast Guard-certified vessel operating in the Great Lakes. There are enough life jackets aboard the vessel for all participants and crew however, it is not required that they be worn during the schoolship program.

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