NOW ENROLLING
A unique one-day-a-week, play-based preschool for children ages 3–6.
Openings are available in all age groups for the 2026–2027 school year.
Our Story
For more than seventy-five years, Museum School™ has inspired generations of young children to wonder, explore, and discover the world around them. Founded in 1950 as the "Frisky and Blossom Club," Museum School is a nationally recognized program while remaining true to its original mission: nurturing children's natural curiosity through meaningful, hands-on experiences in science and history.
From the very beginning, Museum School has been shaped by the extraordinary resources of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Authentic science specimens, historical artifacts, live animals, and museum exhibits become invitations to ask questions, investigate ideas, and connect with the world in meaningful ways. Guided by experienced early childhood educators, children develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through real objects, real stories, and authentic experiences.
Generations of families have made Museum School part of their childhood, and it is not uncommon to welcome the children and grandchildren of former students into our classrooms. That enduring legacy is one of our greatest treasures and a reflection of the meaningful relationships and unforgettable memories created at Museum School.
As we honor our rich history, we remain committed to providing developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences that inspire curiosity, foster a sense of wonder, and celebrate the joy of discovery. We look forward to welcoming your family and continuing the Museum School story for generations to come.
About
ABOUT
We are NOW ENROLLING for the 2026-2027 School Year. Classes are open for ages 3, 4, 5 and 6 by September 1.
Museum School is a unique play-based STEAM preschool at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, serving children ages 3–6. Guided by experienced early childhood educators, children investigate science, technology, engineering, art, and math alongside history and nature through hands-on experiences that build curiosity and confidence.
Meeting one day each week, Museum School gives families the flexibility to complement other preschool programs, homeschool education, or time at home, while providing a museum-based early childhood experience unlike any other. Each classroom is led by two experienced lead teachers, creating a consistent, nurturing environment where children are known and supported as they learn and grow.
Learning at Museum School extends far beyond the classroom. Museum exhibits become learning spaces, and authentic science specimens and history artifacts become teaching tools. Every topic comes to life through process art, engineering challenges, and hands-on investigation, designed to honor the way young children learn best: through play, exploration, and strong relationships.
Families from Fort Worth and communities across North Texas choose Museum School for a developmentally appropriate early childhood education that nurtures both academic and social-emotional growth. Our small classes, collaborative teaching teams, and extraordinary museum setting help children build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Meet Our Team
MEET OUR TEAM
Serving as the Museum School Director is one of the greatest honors of my career. With more than twenty years in education as a teacher, instructional specialist, and preschool director, I recognized the magic of Museum School from the moment I stepped into a classroom. There is something truly special about watching young children explore, create, question, and play while surrounded by the extraordinary science and history collections of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Each day, I work alongside an exceptional team of passionate early childhood educators who create meaningful opportunities for children and families. Together, we strive to ensure every child feels known, valued, and inspired to discover the world around them. I never take for granted the opportunity to spend each day in such a special place, surrounded by treasures from our museum's science and history collections, curious children, and a team of educators who bring the magic of Museum School to life.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is welcoming both new families and generations of Museum School alumni back through our doors. Hearing the stories of parents and grandparents who once attended Museum School is a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact of this special community. We look forward to welcoming your family and sharing the Museum School journey with you.
Sarah Oliver, Museum School Director
Serving as the Museum School Associate Director is both a joy and an honor. I have the opportunity to be part of the everyday moments that make Museum School so special, building meaningful relationships with the children and families in our community. After more than five years as a lead teacher in the Turtle and Frog Rooms, I understand firsthand the incredible growth that takes place during the preschool years. It was also a privilege to have my own son attend Museum School, giving me the unique perspective of both an educator and a parent.
I love sharing my appreciation for nature and the world around us with our Museum School families. I am passionate about the meaningful learning that takes place in our classrooms, where children's curiosity is nurtured through our rich teaching collections of live animals, science specimens, and history artifacts. There is nothing more rewarding than watching children ask questions, make discoveries, and develop a genuine sense of wonder about the world around them.
Museum School holds a very special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the role it plays in the lives of children and families throughout our community. I look forward to welcoming your family and sharing all that makes Museum School such a remarkable place.
Jessie Neubauer, Museum School Associate Director
MEET OUR EXCEPTIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS
Exceptional teachers are at the heart of everything we do. Our educators bring backgrounds and professional experience in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, and child psychology, along with related fields such as special education. Each class is led by two experienced teachers who work together to create a warm, developmentally appropriate environment where children feel known and supported. Through strong relationships and a shared commitment to play-based learning, our teachers nurture each child's natural curiosity and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Inside Museum School
Inside Museum School
Take a peek inside Museum School. Follow us on social media for classroom adventures, museum explorations, and joyful moments throughout the school year.
Instagram: @fwmshmuseumschool
Facebook: @FWMuseumSchool
Enrollment
ENROLLMENT
NEW: We have expanded the 3-year-old program!
Classes are available for ages 3, 4, 5 and 6 by September 1.
Looking ahead? 2027-2028 School Year Registration Schedule:
January 12 | Families Enrolled in the 2026-2027 School Year
January 26 | Museum Members
February 9 | Open on the Website
Class Schedule
2026-2027 CLASS SCHEDULE
Museum School is a 1-day/week science and history enrichment program for children ages 3, 4, 5 & 6 years of age by September 1.
WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR 3-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM. CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL AGE GROUPS. INVITE A FRIEND AND REGISTER TODAY!
Learn More about Extended Day Here!
Please note that classes do not meet on Monday.
Children must be toilet-trained and toilet-independent to be eligible for enrollment. The classrooms are not licensed or equipped for diaper changing; therefore, pull-ups and diapers are not permitted. Museum School classes are designed for children who can remain in a group setting without parental assistance, are toilet trained, and able to use the restroom without assistance.
Tuition
Curriculum
CURRICULUM
2026-2027 Museum School Curriculum Calendar
Museum School classes meet once a week. Each week, Museum School class topics and activities for all ages change or build on each other, taking children on an exciting journey of investigation and discovery.
Extended-day classes integrate engineering concepts through STEAM activities that complement and connect with the traditional Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Age 3 by September 1 | Three-year-old children become familiar with individual animals – what they look like, what they eat and the kind of homes they prefer. They soon learn the differences between mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and amphibians.
Age 4 by September 1 | Four-year-old children discover how individual animals with similar characteristics are grouped into families. Their curriculum includes additional topics such as earth science, dinosaurs, space and early Texas settlers.
Ages 5 & 6 by September 1 | The five- and six-year-old class introduces the concept of habitats and the interdependence of all living things. Caves, deserts, forests, prairies and space are just a few of the exciting topics that reinforce the idea that there are many types of environments, all with their own uniq
ue features. Please note that children may attend this class for two consecutive years at age 5 and 6; although the curriculum remains the same, children will benefit from repetition and will continue to discover and learn new details in the second year.
Calendar + Events
Family Resources
FAMILY RESOURCES
Parent Handbook
The Parent Handbook is the primary resource for school policies, procedures, and day-to-day information. The Parent Handbook includes a linked Table of Contents, making it easy to quickly find answers to common questions.
View the 2026-2027 Parent Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Find information in the Parent Handbook using the linked Table of Contents.
- Arrival and Dismissal
- Clothing
- Lunch and Snack
- Birthdays, Treats and Holidays
- Communication
- Tuition and Fees
Please contact the Museum School office if you have questions.
817-255-9333
Helpful Links
Summer Programs
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Click Here to Learn more about Summer at the Museum
Looking ahead?
Summer 2027 Registration Schedule:
January 12 | Families Enrolled in the Fall/Spring 2026-2027 School Year
January 26 | Museum Members
February 9 | Open on the Website
We're growing!
Expanded classes for 3-year-olds.
Openings available for children ages 3–6 (by September 1).
Museum School Garden & Courtyard Project
The Museum School Garden is dedicated to Jeannie Wolfe, Museum School Director, from 1993 to 2012. Her dedication and respect for children and their families laid the foundation for her dream of creating this special environment to serve future generations of Museum School. The updates to the garden honor her compassion, integrity, and vision, ensuring the space continues to inspire all who find joy in helping children learn and grow.
Project Goals:
- Create an enriched outdoor learning garden that caters to students.
- Extend the learning experience from indoor classrooms to a vibrant outdoor setting.
- Emphasize the development of gross motor skills and STEM learning in an outdoor setting.
