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 Schedule

Seminar (Saturdays 11am – 5pm) Workshop (Wednesdays 5pm – 8pm)
April 26, 2025 May 21, 2025
June 28, 2025 July 30, 2025
August 30, 2025 September 24, 2025
October 25, 2025 November 19, 2025
December 20, 2025 January 28, 2026
February 28, 2026 March 25, 2026

Make-up dates

  • Sunday, May 4th 2025
  • Saturday, September 20th 2025
  • Saturday, March 21st 2026

Please email Emmy[at]bonsaiwest.com if you would like to attend one of these dates.

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.