About
ABOUT MUSEUM SCHOOL
For seventy-two years Museum School has introduced children to the wonders of the world around them. Founded in 1949, the program was first called the “Frisky and Blossom Club.” Today, Museum School continues to be a national model for informal science education.
The program’s intimate classroom surroundings foster a love for learning . . . from the wondrous science specimens and historical artifacts in the Museum’s large teaching collections to the early-childhood master teachers who brilliantly connect children’s imaginations to nature in their own backyard and times long ago. Young children are encouraged to discover and dream of one day becoming astronauts, engineers, historians, paleontologists and so much more through their encounters with real objects and real stories.
Museum School prides itself on its developmentally-appropriate, experiential, engaging learning environments. We are always exploring ways to creatively focus on all of the unique learning opportunities that we are able to offer during this challenging time.
We are looking forward to continuing the Museum School legacy experienced by generations of children. We know that this will be another year of excellence at Museum School, and we hope your child will join us at Museum School!
Meet Our Team
MEET OUR TEAM
It is a gift to serve as the Museum Preschool Director. With over twenty years in education as a teacher, instructional specialist and preschool director, I felt the magic of the 72 year legacy of extraordinary learning from the first moment I stepped into a Museum School classroom. The happy, cheerful classrooms where children are actively engaged in playing, learning, and exploring are a bright spot in early childhood education. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t stop and appreciate having the opportunity to spend each day in such a special place amongst treasures from our museum’s history and science collections and a team of passionate educators who make the magic come alive each day.
It is a treat to hear the stories of generations of Museum School families and to welcome our new families. I can’t wait for your child to join us and experience the gift of Museum School.
Sincerely,
Sarah Oliver, Museum Preschool Director
As the Museum Preschool Assistant Director, I have the opportunity to be an integral part of the everyday interactions with the children and families of Museum School. I have faithfully served as a 3-year-old teacher in the Rabbit Room for over 17 years, and it was a privilege to have both of my daughters attend Museum School. I enjoy sharing my appreciation for nature and the world around us with our Museum School families. I am passionate about the learning that takes place in our classrooms; our lessons are supported by our rich teaching collection of live animals, science specimens, and history artifacts. Museum School has a very special place in my heart, and I am thankful for the role it plays in our community. I look forward to welcoming you and your family into our school.
Sincerely,
Paula Butts, Museum Preschool Assistant Director
Meet Horizon, Museum School's unofficial mascot! Horizon started training to become a guide dog, but he was "career changed" and is now a registered Pet Partners' therapy dog! You may see him greeting families at Museum School arrival, receiving pets in the hallway, and even educating students about dogs and their jobs.Calendar + Events
Curriculum
2023-2024 CURRICULUM
Museum School classes meet once a week. (Please note that classes do not meet on Monday.) 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.
Three Year Old | 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 other animals. Children who are age three have the option to enroll in an extended-day class which integrates activities that complement and connect with the Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Four Year Old | Four-year-old children discover how individual animals with similar characteristics are grouped into families. Their curriculum includes additional topics such as earth science, Native American cultures and early Texas settlers. Children who are age four have the option to enroll in an extended-day class which integrates engineering concepts through STEAM activities that complement and connect with the Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Five and Six Year Old | 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 unique features. Please note that children may attend this class for two consecutive years at age 5 and 6. However, the curriculum remains the same; children will benefit from repetition and will continue to learn new details the second year. Children who are age five and six have the option to enroll in an extended-day class which integrates engineering concepts through STEAM activities that complement and connect with the Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Class Schedule
2023-2024 CLASS SCHEDULE
Children must turn 3-6 years of age by September 1, 2023 to attend Fall/Spring 2023-2024 classes. All 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.
Interested in Extended Day Classes? Learn More HERE!
Parent Handbook
2023-2024 PARENT HANDBOOK
Enrollment
ENROLLMENT
Museum members may register for Summer 2023 and Fall/Spring 2023-2024 classes on February 7, 2023.Tuition
2023-2024 TUITION
A child’s annual tuition will be divided into 3 equal payments (as noted above). The non-refundable registration fee will be invoiced within 30 days of submitting an Enrollment Form and receiving an Admission Letter.
An invoice will be generated through Procare© for the Registration Fee and each of the 3 non-refundable equal payments. The first tuition installment will be invoiced with a due date of July 21, 2023. The second tuition installment will be invoiced with a due date of September 8, 2023. The final installment will be invoiced with a due date of November 10, 2023.
The child’s placement will be relinquished if the registration and/or tuition fees are not paid within 2 business days of the due date listed on the invoice.
Families are able to enable auto-pay in their Procare© account. When auto-pay is enabled, for every billing cycle, the full available balance will be pulled from the account on the due date listed on the invoice. Click HERE for detailed Procare© instructions.
July 21, 2023 | The deadline to withdraw from the full school year, before the first tuition payment is due.
November 10, 2023 | The deadline to withdraw from the remainder of the school year, before the final tuition payment is due.
Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship approval does not guarantee placement in a class. If you will be applying for a scholarship for Fall/Spring 2023-2024 or Summer 2023 Museum School, the Scholarship Application instructions are linked to the Enrollment Form. Scholarship applications should be submitted at the same time as your child’s Enrollment Form.
Summer 2023
Get ready to LEARN this summer with classes for all ages!
Choose from Museum School summer classes for ages 3 - 6 or from STEM Squad summer classes for ages 7 - 11.
Click HERE to find out more about summer offerings and registration!
Current Family Information
CURRENT FAMILY INFORMATION
Click HERE to access the current family information page.
Please note - This page is password protected. The password may be found in your Museum School communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
- JPG photo of your child (Summer applicants only)
- Email addresses & phone numbers for both parent/guardians
- FWMSH Membership Number & Expiration Date (if applicable)
- Physician - Name, Address, Phone Number
- TWO Emergency Contacts - Name, Address, Phone Number
- Authorized Pick Ups - Name(s) & Phone Number(s)
Children must be 3, 4, 5, or 6 years of age by September 1, 2023 for the Fall/Spring 2023-2024 school year. Age levels of classes are strictly observed, and children will be placed in classes accordingly.
All 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.
Museum School class sizes range from 12 to 14 children. Classes have a 1:7 teacher to student ratio. Each class has two lead teachers.
All staff have education, experience or degrees in early childhood, elementary and special education.
Museum School is regulated by the TDFPS (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) and follows all standards and requirements regarding student records.
The full scope of COVID-19 Health and Safety Procedures (temperature screenings; masks; cleaning and disinfecting practices; student drop-off/pick-up; social distancing; etc.) are listed in detail in the appropriate Parent Handbooks. It is critical that all parents/guardians familiarize themselves the handbook.
Yes! Members of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History receive early access to registration for Museum School classes as a benefit of membership.
Current Museum School families also receive a 10% discount on the purchase of a Museum membership, at the front desk or over the phone. Learn more about the different levels and benefits of a Museum membership here!
