As winter sets in and honeybees retreat to their hives, a new generation of beekeepers will soon be preparing to take flight. The Backyard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) will open its annual Bee School on Jan. 5, welcoming beginners eager to learn the art and science of beekeeping.
Held over four consecutive Monday evenings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Weston, the in-person program offers participants a hands-on introduction to honeybees, hive management and the vital role pollinators play in the environment. The sessions will run Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26, with a snow date of Feb. 2.
“Each year brings new energy,” said Andy Hatt, BYBA president and one of the Bee School instructors. “We’re always excited by the influx of people who want to learn about bees. In past years, our classes have had 60 to 70 students. It makes for a lively group.”
Founded in 2003, Bee School has become a launchpad for hobbyist and home beekeepers across southern Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. The program covers everything from choosing equipment and preventing hive diseases to understanding colony behavior and seasonal hive care.
“Bee School is designed for brand-new and beginning beekeepers of all ages,” Hatt said. “Students come away with enough basic knowledge to start their own colonies in the spring. They learn about bee behavior, the roles of the worker, drone and queen, and even how bees communicate through their famous ‘waggle dance.’”
Hatt said what truly sets Bee School apart is its personal touch.
“The in-person format helps us connect new beekeepers with mentors,” he said. “It’s about building relationships. Participants meet experienced BYBA members, ask questions, and discover that they’re joining a community of support. The heart and soul of BYBA is the interpersonal connection among like-minded people.”
Bee School’s instructor team includes several Master Beekeepers and seasoned educators with more than a century of combined experience. Among them are Connecticut State Bee Inspector Paula Wolf and veteran instructors David Blocher, Leslie Huston and Chris Rountos.
Together, they guide students through the essentials of maintaining healthy colonies and understanding why bees matter more than ever.
In recent years, backyard beekeeping has seen a surge in popularity as awareness grows about the challenges facing pollinators. Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change have all contributed to declining bee populations.
“There’s been a marked increase in interest in bees and beekeeping,” said Hatt. “We’re losing vast numbers of insect species worldwide. Keeping bees helps local pollination, but it also connects us to the larger ecosystem it makes people more aware of how our choices affect the natural world.”
Students who enroll in Bee School receive a BYBA membership, which includes access to seasonal workshops, monthly expert lectures, a mentorship program and an online support forum. For younger learners, the association also offers a children’s program called “Wannabees.”
“Bee School is just the beginning,” said Hatt. “We want participants to realize they have a network of support. Spending time with these gentle creatures can be deeply gratifying and it often inspires people to keep learning and growing as beekeepers.”
Registration for Bee School 2026 is now open on the BYBA’s website or by emailing reg@backyardbeekeepers.com
