The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is pleased to announce the return of its popular Bee School, beginning January 5, 2026. This four-week in-person course is designed for new and aspiring beekeepers, as well as anyone interested in learning more about honey bees and pollinator support.
Bee School 2026 will run on Monday evenings — January 5, 12, 19, and 26 (with a snow date of February 2) — and will be held in person in Weston, located in Fairfield County. Participants will also receive access to session recordings to review at their convenience.
Instruction will be provided by a team of experts, including:
Andy Hatt, Cornell Master Beekeeper
David Blocher, Master Beekeeper certified by the Eastern Apicultural Society
Christopher Rountos, BYBA Workshop Presenter
Paula Wolf, Connecticut State Apiary Inspector
The curriculum covers foundational topics such as honey bee biology and behavior, hive equipment and setup, seasonal care, pest and disease management, and best practices for supporting pollinators.
Bee School is $30 for BYBA members.
Not a member yet? We’d love to have you join our community!
Membership is $30 for individuals or $40 for families annually. Please join BYBA and register for Bee School online!
Those who join BYBA now will receive membership through December 2026, gaining a few bonus months of access to member benefits.
Graduates will also have access to BYBA’s ongoing educational offerings, including monthly “New Bee” Zoom discussions, hands-on workshops, and regular meetings featuring regional and nationally recognized speakers.
“Bee School is more than just a class,” says instructor, Andy Hatt. “It’s an opportunity to join a vibrant community of backyard beekeepers who are passionate about learning, sharing, and supporting the health of honey bees in our region.”

