About
ABOUT MUSEUM SCHOOL
For seventy-four years, Museum School™ has introduced children to the wonders of the world around them. Founded in 1950, 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™ is proud to provide developmentally appropriate, experiential learning opportunities that build upon our rich legacy cherished by generations of children. We look forward to another exceptional school year in 2025–2026 and hope your child will join us to experience the magic of 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
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
CALENDAR + UPCOMING EVENTS
2025-2026 Calendar Coming Soon
Tour & TeaJoin 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
2025-2026 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 ages 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025 may attend class:
- 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM on Tuesday or Wednesday morning
- 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM on Thursday or Friday morning
- 12:45 PM - 3:15 PM on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon
- 9:00 AM - 1:55 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
Children ages 5 or 6 by September 1, 2025 may attend class:
- 9:00 AM - 1:55 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
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
2025-2026 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.
Learn More about Extended Day Here!
Learn More about Extended Morning Here!
Parent Resources
Enrollment
ENROLLMENT
Summer 2025 + Fall/Spring 2025-2026
January 28th | Member Registration
February 10th | Open Registration
Tuition
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 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.
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, 2025 for the Fall/Spring 2025-2026 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!
Learn More about Extended Morning 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.
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Sample Extended Day Schedule |
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9:00 |
Greet Children, Exploration and Free Play |
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9:30 – 10:15 |
Circle Time Lesson and Visit FWMSH Museum Exhibit (as applicable to topic) |
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10:15 – 11:05 |
Discovery Centers, Art Projects, and Exploration |
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11:05 – 11:20 |
Live Animal Science Talk OR Continue Discovery Centers, Art Projects, Exploration & Outside Play |
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11:20 – 11:30 |
Restroom, Handwashing & Clean Up |
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11:30 – 12:00 |
Lunch |
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12:00 – 12:30 |
Gross Motor Activities |
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12:30 - 1:30 |
STEAM Extension |
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1:30 – 1:45 |
Snack |
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1:45 – 1:55 |
Closing Circle & Story |
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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!
