Fort Worth Museum School
About
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
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
From left to right -
Back: Mrs. Cassara, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Rymell, Mrs. Conklin, Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Shive
Front: Mrs. Glass, Mrs. Butts, Mrs. Pederson, Mrs. Aldridge, Mrs. Neubauer, Mrs. Puhl
Fall/Spring Curriculum
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.
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 compliment and connect with the traditional 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 compliment and connect with the traditional Museum School natural science and history curriculum.
Summer Curriculum
Upcoming Events
Check back soon for more info on upcoming events!
Enrollment
There are limited spaces available. The website does not reflect classes that are full at this time; it will be updated as registration is processed.
The leadership staff of the Museum and Museum School remain dedicated to implementing up-to-date health and safety standards for the welfare of the Museum School staff and children. Museum School follows CDC and Child Care Licensing directives and recommendations.
Parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with and understand the applicable Parent Handbook for their student's chosen program before making the final enrollment decision.
Museum School admits students of any race, nationality or ethnic origin.
- Complete online Enrollment form
- Receive admission letter from registermuschool@fwmsh.org
- Payment for non-refundable registration fee in Procare
Due August 8, 2022
- Statement of Health
- Hearing/Vision Screening Results (if 4, 5, or 6 years of age by September 1, 2022)
- Immunization Records
- Click HERE to see examples of immunization records.
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Complete the FARE Allergy Form (if applicable)
- Complete online Enrollment form
- Receive admission letter from museumschool@fwmsh.org
- Payment for non-refundable registration fee in Procare
- Immunization Records
- Click HERE to see examples of immunization records.
- Complete the FARE Allergy Form
(if applicable)
2022-23 Fall/Spring
There are limited spaces available. The website does not reflect classes that are full at this time; it will be updated as registration is processed.
If the class you want is closed, we encourage you to proceed with submitting your enrollment request in order to be placed on the waitlist. The registration fee will not be invoiced until your child is placed in a class and you have received an Admission Letter.
Children must turn 3-6 years of age by September 1, 2022. 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.
Fall/Spring Tuition
All Museum School classes meet once per week. Class fees include a $100 non-refundable registration fee plus tuition. Class fees may be paid with a credit card or ACH bank transfer and will be invoiced and paid directly through your child’s 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. Checks or cash cannot be accepted and registrations cannot be accepted by phone, mail, or in person. Tuition invoices will be emailed five days prior to the due date.
July 22, 2022 - Deadline to withdraw from the school year before the first tuition payment is due.
November 18, 2022 - Deadline to withdraw from the remainder of the school year before the final tuition payment is due.
2022 Summer
All Museum School Summer 2022 Classes and Wait Lists are full at this time.
Each weekly class session will be Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. If the class you want is closed, we encourage you to proceed with submitting your enrollment request in order to be placed on the waitlist. The registration fee will not be invoiced until your child is placed in a class and you have received an Admission Letter.
Children must turn 3-6 years of age by September 1, 2021. 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.
Summer Tuition
Class fees include a $50 non-refundable registration fee plus tuition. Class fees may be paid with a credit card or ACH bank transfer and will be invoiced and paid directly through your child’s 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. Checks or cash cannot be accepted and registrations cannot be accepted by phone, mail, or in person.
A withdrawal letter must be emailed to museumschool@fwmsh.org by the deadline indicated for each session. Tuition is non-refundable after the withdrawal deadline for each session.
Scholarships
The Museum School Scholarship Program offers economic assistance to families in order that their children may experience an educational and exciting Museum School class. Funding for the scholarship program is made possible by generous contributions from individuals whose goal is to help all children gain the life-long benefits Museum School has to offer.
A limited number of scholarships (based on financial need using the income guidelines of the WIC program) are allotted on a first-come basis.
All available scholarships have been awarded for Fall/Spring 2022-2023 and Summer 2022.
Parent Handbooks
Frequently Asked Questions
Children must be 3, 4, 5, or 6 years of age by September 1, 2022 for the Fall/Spring 2022-2023 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!
