Homeschool Programs
Participate in interactive programs that complement curricula in math, science, social studies, language arts, music and art! At the National Building Museum, children can explore the people, the processes, and the materials that create buildings and places by becoming city planners, designers, and engineers. These programs accommodate children ages 4-14 and a range of ability levels and learning styles, and they encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills.
School Group Programs
Homeschool groups and co-ops are invited to register for National Building Museum school group programs. These programs are designed for groups of 10-30 students and will be offered in the mornings and afternoons Monday-Friday through June 11, 2010. For more information, visit the School Program Description page. To sign up for a program, visit the registration page.
Not part of a Homeschool group? Would you like to meet other homeschool families?
Individual families can register for the Museum’s Homeschool Day on March 30, 2010. The following programs, the same programs offered throughout the year for school groups, will be offered on Homeschool Day. For a description of the programs, click on the program's name below. Register here.
Morning Programs
10:00 am-12:00 pm
City by Design (ages 5-7)
City by Design (ages 8-10)
Be a Green Builder (ages 10-14)
Fuller's Fantastic Geodesic Dome (ages 10-14)
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Patterns: Here, There, and Everywhere (ages 4-5)
Patterns: Here, There, and Everywhere (ages 6-7)
Afternoon Programs
12:30-2:30 pm
City by Design (ages 5-7)
City by Design (ages 8-10)
Green by Design (ages 9-14)
Fuller's Fantastic Geodesic Dome (ages 10-14)
12:30-2:00 pm
Patterns: Here, There, and Everywhere (ages 4-5)
Frequently Asked Questions about Homeschool Day
What time should we get to the Museum?
Check in for each program will begin half an hour before the program starts inside the Museum's F Street entrance.
What should we do for lunch?
You may bring a bag lunch or purchase a lunch from the Museum Cafe and picnic on the Museum's Great Hall carpet.
Do adults have to purchase tickets?
Adult admission is FREE.
Do I need to stay with my child(ren)?
Parents are welcome to stay with their children during the programs. If you would like to drop your children off, you may do so after signing a emergency release and contact form. Children must be picked up by an authorized person immediately after the program ends. Please note that this is a change from the Museum's Fall Homeschool Day.
What are the expectations for adult participation?
Adults can contribute immensely to students’ experience at the Museum. The hands-on programs require active participation of adults.
Can I bring my infant/toddler?
Yes. Please bring toys or activities to keep small children occupied during program times.
How should I prepare my child(ren) for the programs?
Several of the Museum's programs include a packet of information, an "Educator Resource Packet," for you to prepare your children for the program's content and themes. The packets may be downloaded online.
My child is advanced for his/her age and grade level. Can I sign them up for a program designed for students older than his/her age?
No. Please follow the age ranges listed above when registering your children. Several of the programs for older children require children to be of a certain height or to have hand-eye coordination appropriate for their age.
My child has physical and/or academic special needs. What is the best procedure to include him/her in the program?
The Museum’s school programs are designed to accommodate all needs and are ideal for those students with special needs because they are hands-on and designed to complement a variety of learning styles. But in order for your students to get the most out of our programs, it is important for the trained Museum Teachers to be made aware of any special needs your students have. The Museum strongly encourages you to indicate any special needs, whether physical or academic, when registering your student. Given enough notification, Museum educators can adapt school programs to fit the specific needs of your student. Please indicate how best to accommodate the student(s). A wheelchair accessible entrance is located at the G Street entrance of the Museum.
How large are the classes?
Each program's enrollment is limited to 20 students.
How do we get to the National Building Museum?
The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, and is adjacent to the Judiciary Square station on Metro’s Red Line. Using the Metro is quick and easy, plus offers a great opportunity to talk with students about city design and transportation. The Museum is unable to provide public parking. We do not recommend driving to the Museum because finding parking can be very challenging. If you are driving, please allow an extra 30 minutes for traffic and to find parking. Two-hour metered parking is available on all sides of the building, however, if you are planning on staying at the Museum for longer than two hours, we recommend parking in one of the nearby parking garages. The closest parking garages are at 6th and G Streets, NW. Click here for detailed driving directions to the National Building Museum.
I registered my child(ren), but we can no longer come. What should I do?
Please email youthgroups@nbm.org to let us know you won't be coming. Refunds are not available.
I have additional questions. What is the best way to communicate with the National Building Museum?
Due to the high volume of phone calls, e-mail is the most efficient method of communication. Email youthgroups@nbm.org for all questions regarding registration. Please note, during certain times of the year, it may take a couple of days to return your phone call or email. If necessary, you may call the Museum at 202.272.2448.
