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 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 Museum School legacy of extraordinary learning from the first moment I stepped into a 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 19 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
Calendar + Events
CALENDAR + UPCOMING EVENTS
Download the 2024-2025 calendar HERE.
Join us on January 13, 2025 between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM for a chance to tour the classrooms and ask questions about Museum School. Meet some of our amazing staff and learn more about all that Museum School has to offer. This is a come-and-go event. Children are welcome!
We encourage you to share this event and link to RSVP with friends and family. Free parking will be available during the event in the Museum School Parking Lot on Lansford Lane.
Curriculum
2024-2025 CURRICULUM
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.
Children in each age group have the option to enroll in an extended-day class which integrates engineering concepts through STEAM activities that complement and connect with the traditional Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Children may attend class from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM one morning a week, from 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM one afternoon a week, or from 9:00 AM – 1:55 PM one day a week. (Please note that classes do not meet on Monday.)
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.
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.
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.
Class Schedule
2024-2025 CLASS SCHEDULE
Children must turn 3-6 years of age by September 1 to attend Fall/Spring 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.
Parent Resources
Enrollment
ENROLLMENT
Summer 2025 + Fall/Spring 2025-2026
January 28th | Member Registration
February 10th | Open Registration
Tuition
2024-2025 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 12, 2024. The second tuition installment will be invoiced with a due date of September 6, 2024. The final installment will be invoiced with a due date of November 8, 2024.
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 12, 2024 | The deadline to withdraw from the full school year, before the first tuition payment is due.
November 8, 2024 | The deadline to withdraw from the remainder of the school year, before the final tuition payment is due.
Summer Programs
Registration is closed for Summer Museum School and STEM Squad classes. We hope to see your family in Summer 2025! Click Here to Learn more about Summer at the Museum
Summer 2025
January 28th | Member Registration
February 10th | Open Registration
Museum School 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, 2024 for the Fall/Spring 2024-2025 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.
Interested in Extended Day Classes? Learn More HERE!
What is S.T.E.A.M.?
- At Museum School, S.T.E.A.M. refers to the Science Technology Engineering Art and Math extension activities that will enrich your child’s experience and knowledge of the weekly science or history topic.
What are the characteristics of an Extended Day student?
- A student who is able to remain in a group setting without parental assistance for an extended period of time.
- An independent child who is able to eat in a group setting, seated at a table.
- An inquisitive learner who finds joy in building, investigating, creating, and engaging in sensory activities.
Will my child nap in the Extended Day class?
- There is a not a rest time in the Extended Day schedule.
Will my child be with the same classmates all day?
- Children enrolled in an Extended Day class are in a self-contained class with the same group of students and teachers throughout the day. Children in the Extended Day class are in attendance from 9:00 AM until 1:55 PM.
What should my child wear to class?
- Children should wear comfortable play clothes that allow for independence when using the restroom and gross motor activities. Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended; tennis shoes are the safest choice for the engaging in movement activities.
Will I send a lunch and a snack with my child?
- Children should bring an 8-12 ounce reusable thermos/bottle of clear, unflavored water to class each day, clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name. Water bottles should be child size and easily accessible for the child to open independently.
- Lunch will be provided by each child’s parent/guardian for those children participating in the Extended Day classes. All lunches must be free of peanuts and tree nuts.
Sample Extended Day Schedule |
|
9:00 |
Greet Children, Exploration and Free Play |
9:30 – 10:15 |
Circle Time Lesson and Visit FWMSH Museum Exhibit (as applicable to topic) |
10:15 – 11:05 |
Discovery Centers, Art Projects, and Exploration |
11:05 – 11:20 |
Live Animal Science Talk OR Continue Discovery Centers, Art Projects, Exploration & Outside Play |
11:20 – 11:30 |
Restroom, Handwashing & Clean Up |
11:30 – 12:00 |
Lunch |
12:00 – 12:30 |
Gross Motor Activities |
12:30 - 1:30 |
STEAM Extension |
1:30 – 1:45 |
Snack |
1:45 – 1:55 |
Closing Circle & Story |
1:55 |
Dismissal |
*The classroom schedule and activities will vary based on the developmental stage of each age group (ages 3-6), children’s interests, the unit of study, and the progression of the school year.
Museum School class sizes range from 12 to 14 children. Classes have a 1:6 or 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 Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation and follows all standards and requirements.
The full scope of Health and Safety Procedures 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!