Step Up For Students Approved
Use Your Step Up Funds for Animal-Led Learning
My ZOO Box delivers open-and-go animal adventures that build real skills—science exploration, reading connection, and critical thinking—without feeling like “school.”
Why We Lead With Animals
Kids don’t need to be pushed to learn when they’re fascinated. Animals are a natural gateway into science, geography, and big-picture thinking—because curiosity turns into questions, and questions turn into learning that sticks.
Instead of worksheets or more screen time, My ZOO Box uses animal wonder to create hands-on learning that feels like play.
Real Learning. No Pressure.
We sneak the academics in while they’re busy having fun.
Science & Biology
Kids learn habitats, diets, lifecycles, and anatomy without realizing they are studying biology.
Geography & Culture
Every animal has a home. We explore the continents, climates, and countries where they live.
Critical Thinking
Why does a zebra have stripes? Our activities encourage asking questions and seeking answers.
Tailored to Their Age
Two distinct clubs to ensure the learning is always age-appropriate and engaging.
Play-based animal learning for little explorers, built to do together.
- Guided activities built for preschool attention spans
- Builds early skills like fine motor, early math, and early literacy
- Open-and-go learning with minimal prep
Real zoology + hands-on STEM for big thinkers who love to build and discover.
- Deeper animal science with anatomy, adaptations, and geography connections
- STEM projects and activities that build critical thinking
- Great for independent learners who ask “why?”
Not sure which to pick?
If your child is not reading yet or needs letter reinforcement, start with Cub Club.
If your child is reading, choose Zoologist Club for deeper science and anatomy. Newer reader? Add the Early Reader option to Zoologist Club.
What’s inside Cub Club?
Ages 3–5 · Tap a dot to discover everything inside each box!
Animal Ambassador
A cuddly companion that builds comfort, confidence, and empathy.
Exclusive Book
A preschool-friendly, fact-filled animal story written by My ZOO Box.
Anatomy Poster
Learn the animal's body parts while coloring and tracing.
Math + Literacy Games
Play-based learning that sneaks in early math and language skills.
Dramatic Play Surprise
Turns your living room into an animal habitat with roleplay and storytelling.
Continent Map
A dual-sided map that grows with your Cub, plus stickers to add with each box.
Brochure
A friendly start-here guide that walks you through the box step-by-step.
SEL Postcard
Helps kids practice big feelings and kind choices.
Collectible Sticker
A special sticker for each animal to add to the continent map.
Process Art & STEM
Open-ended art ideas and simple STEM that invites experimenting and creating.
Snack & Sensory Recipe
Kid-friendly recipes for hands-on skills with an animal twist.
QR Printables
Bonus activities you can print anytime for extra practice.
The Zoo Passport
A memory book of all EDventures your little Zoologist explores!
Exclusive Science Book
Non-fiction knowledge and fun, approved by real-life Zoologists.
Surprise Item
A secret special that keeps the fun alive for all Zoologist Club members.
Animal Ambassador
Promotes emotional development and provides a sense of security.
Themed Art Project
Adds the right amount of creativity to the learning experience.
Postcard from the Animal
Written from the animal's perspective to build a wildlife connection.
Anatomy Poster
Writing, art, and biology all infused within this popular item.
Themed Recipe
Two delectable snack recipes to build life skills and practical math.
STEM Project
Hands-on STEM project revolving around the animal of the month.
QR Printables
Additional activities to extend the learning for curious Zoologists.
Collectible Sticker
Complements the Zoo Passport for immersive world learning.
What’s Inside Every My ZOO Box?
Both clubs include the core essentials below. Then we tailor the rest to your child’s age.
Animal Ambassador
A high-quality plush that helps kids feel connected to their animal and builds empathy.
Educational Book
A storybook for preschoolers or a science reader for older kids—chosen to match their age.
Anatomy Poster
A brightly illustrated diagram that shows how the animal’s body works in a kid-friendly way.
Expand the Learning with Digital Unit Studies
Grab a one-off digital unit study for just $5.00. Instant PDF download—no physical materials required.
How to Use Your ESA Funds
Ordering My ZOO Box with your scholarship is simple.
Log In to EMA
Sign in to your Step Up For Students (EMA) portal where you manage your scholarship funds.
Search “My ZOO Box”
Navigate to the marketplace or vendor search and type “My ZOO Box” to find our approved listing.
Checkout / Submit
Select your subscription, one-time box, or digital unit study and complete the purchase through the portal.
Parents Love the “Open & Go” Simplicity
Kid-Approved Learning
Animals hook their interest—so the learning actually sticks.
Designed With Educators
Built to support real skill-building through play—science thinking, reading connection, and critical thinking that grows with your child.
Flexible for Real Schedules
Use it on your schedule—weekends, after school, homeschool days, or in short bursts when you need a win.
Common Questions
Is this eligible for Step Up For Students?
Yes! My ZOO Box is eligible for Step Up For Students and can be purchased directly through the Step Up marketplace.
Does this count as “school”?
Yes! My ZOO Box counts as school. Each box is a complete, multidisciplinary learning unit built around one animal and includes science learning (animal biology, habitats, and adaptations), geography and ecosystem connections, reading materials to build vocabulary and comprehension, and hands-on projects, games, and activities. Many families use it as a structured part of their homeschool week.
Is it a strict curriculum?
No—there are no tests, grades, or strict daily lesson plans. My ZOO Box is designed to fit your homeschool rhythm. Use the animal unit as a full month of learning or pick activities as you go—hands-on STEM builds, reading, games, and conservation missions—at your child’s pace.
How much parent involvement is needed?
Cub Club is parent-led and meant to be done together. Zoologist Club is designed for more independent exploration, with only occasional help needed depending on age.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Check out our FAQs page
Start Your Animal Adventure
Join thousands of families making science the best part of their month. Eligible for Step Up For Students reimbursement.
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