The School of Bonsai – Year 3 & 4

Students in the third year should now feel confident in their understanding of the total transformation from raw stock material to specimen-grade bonsai. Based on their exhibited abilities, students may have the opportunity to implement projects on a tree from Bonsai West’s specimen collection, or they may continue working on their own material. Year 3 is a self-directed course, and students will be encouraged to work on projects that align with their concentration of study.

The School meets once every month: 6 Full-Day Seminars and 6 Evening Guided Workshops.

Seminar/All-day Classes
The Seminar covers more challenging and abstract content. Throughout the year, each student will be dedicated to expanding on their own desired topics.

Workshop/Half-day Classes
The Workshop is an opportunity for students to work directly with Zuma. Bringing their own trees for study, students will document and develop their trees to elevate their personal bonsai collection.

Year III & IV Schedule

2026-2027 season
Seminar (Saturdays 11am – 5pm) Workshop (Wednesdays 5pm – 8pm)
April 25, 2026 May 20, 2026
June 27, 2026 July 22, 2026
August 15, 2026 September 16, 2026
October 17, 2026 November 18, 2026
December 19, 2026 January 20, 2027
February 20, 2027 March 17, 2027

Tuition

  • Total: $1750 for course
    • First payment to reserve enrollment: $650
    • Second payment on June 30th: $550
    • Third payment on October 15th: $550

NOTE: These payments cover tuition for the course, but students should expect some additional purchases on supplies throughout the year (e.g. pots, special soil blends, wire, etc.).

Payment is non-refundable.

How to Enroll

Those interested in enrolling in the School of Bonsai can reach out to Emmy via email: emmy[at]bonsaiwest[dot]com or by calling the nursery during our normal business hours at (978) 486-3556.