April 1st, 2026, was no Aprils Fools Day. “It’s finally here!” was the shared mood among South Shore Charter School scholars as they eagerly hurried into their classrooms after morning drop off. Parked proudly in front of the school, the coach bus served as clear evidence that the long-awaited trip was finally happening. The sparkle of excitement and anticipation in the scholars’ eyes could not be denied.
Lively conversations filled the air as scholars enthusiastically discussed the animals at the top of their must see lists. Unsurprisingly, the LION reigned supreme as the undisputed king of the Bronx Zoo. It was a joyful and engaging start to an incredible day of learning and discovery.
The journey to the zoo was an experience in itself. Scholars enjoyed sitting alongside their teachers while taking in the breathtaking view of the New York City skyline as the bus crossed the bridge. Every moment was embraced with wonder and excitement.
When the bus finally pulled up to the Bronx Zoo, words fell short in capturing the sheer delight. Squeals of excitement, wide smiles, and infectious energy, even singing filled the atmosphere. Scholars were ready to interact with animals they had previously only encountered in their science books.
This underscores the fact that South Shore Charter School remains committed to providing experiential learning experiences where curiosity intersects with discovery. Furthermore, “We believe learning should extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Our goal is for scholars to experience the world as their classroom, where every environment becomes an opportunity to grow, question, and discover. By taking them beyond their immediate community and into new spaces like the Bronx Zoo, we are expanding their horizons and helping them see that there is a much bigger world they belong in and can learn from,” said Mr. Dermoth Mattison, the school’s Founder and Executive Director.
The world‑renowned Bronx Zoo, home to over 11,000 animals, offered the perfect setting. Scholars experienced heart pounding excitement as they encountered Lions, monkeys, gorillas, bears, birds of all species, reptiles, and so much more. Teachers were on hand throughout the visit, answering questions and guiding scholars through real-time learning moments.
One unexpected standout of the day was the giraffe, whose larger than life height left a lasting impression on our scholars. Its towering presence, especially when compared to our youngest learners, created an indelible image that many will not soon forget.
Scholars also participated in a self guided scavenger hunt, making the experience both interactive and educationally impactful. This activity encouraged observation, recollection, and engagement with the zoo exhibits while reinforcing classroom learning. After a full day of discovery and wonder, scholars returned home full not only in spirit, but well prepared for the next phase of learning. As a follow up science assignment, scholars will create an exhibit for the hippopotamus, drawing inspiration from their zoo observations and applying what they learned about animal habitats and presentation. The experience was just as meaningful for educators. They were proud to share this experience with their students relating through their lens. In fact, one Educator shared: “We love our scholars as we love our own children we had a blast.”
South Shore Charter School continues to prioritize meaningful, immersive learning opportunities that create lasting memories. Thank you to the Bronx Zoo for another unforgettable educational experience that brought science to life for our scholars.
