Children learn to create buildings and places while focusing on teamwork and problem-solving skills. Homeschool programs accommodate ages 4–14 and a range of ability levels and learning styles.
Groups
Homeschool groups and co-ops are invited to register for school programs, designed for groups of 10–30 students and offered Monday-Friday, late September through mid-June.
Days
Individual homeschool families can attend one of the Museum’s popular Homeschool Days to participate in hands-on educational programs with other homeschool families.
The final Homeschool Day of the 2017-18 school year will take place on Thursday, May 24. Registration opens April 23 at 10 am.
Program Schedule
Morning
Designing on the Wild Side, 4-6 year olds, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Architecture 101, 7-9 year olds, 10 am to 12 pm
Water Works, 10-14 year olds, 10 am to 12 pm
Afternoon
Design Detectives, 4-6 year olds, 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Roller Coaster Rally, 7-9 year olds, 1 pm to 3 pm
Architecture 101, 10-14 year olds, 1 pm to 3 pm
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?
The $10/child cost covers one child’s participation in one program. There is no cost for adults to participate in the programs. There is a cost for students and adults to visit the exhibitions. (See the following question.)
Does a Homeschool Day ticket include admission to the Museum’s exhibitions?
No. Each $10 Homeschool Day ticket covers one child’s participation in one homeschool program. There is no cost for adults to chaperone the homeschool programs. If families would like to visit the Museum’s exhibitions before or after the Homeschool Day programs, discounted exhibition tickets may be purchased during pre-registration or on the day of your visit.
What are the expectations for adult participation? Do I need to stay with my child?
Adult guardians are welcome and encouraged to stay with their children during the programs. All programs require the active participation of a few adult chaperones, and adults can contribute immensely to students’ experience at the Museum. If you would like for your children to participate on their own or if you have multiple children in separate programs, all children must be picked up immediately after the program ends. For the safety of your children, adults are expected to remain in the building during the programs.
Can I bring my infant/toddler?
Yes. Please bring toys or activities to keep small children occupied during program times. Or, consider bringing any children under six years old to the Museum’s Building Zone.
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 for each program 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 developmental 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. In order for your students to get the most out of our programs, it is important for our 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. Please email youthgroups@nbm.org with any questions.
What programs are offered?
Each Homeschool Day offers a different selection of programs. Please see the event page for a list of what programs are scheduled on a specific Homeschool Day.
Browse a complete list of programs.
How large are the classes?
Each program’s enrollment is limited to 22 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.
I registered my child but we can no longer come. What should I do?
Email youthgroups@nbm.org to let us know you won’t be coming. While refunds are not available for program tickets or exhibition tickets, we will be able to offer your spot to another family
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.