Zoo Preschool

Starting in September 2019, preschoolers will have fun learning about Patterns and Colors in the Wild. Your 3-, 4- or 5-year-old will meet once per week, Monday through Friday, from September to May.

WAITLIST FOR PRESCHOOL 2019-2020

Registration for Zoo Preschool 2019 - 2020 opens online on May 1 at 8 a.m.

During Fort Worth Zoo Preschool, children experience an activity-packed, three-hour class that includes unique and interactive animal activities. Students will learn about animals and conservation and develop social, language, artistic and cognitive skills. Zoo Preschool is an immersive, hands-on environment where your child’s curiosity will fuel his or her learning experience.

Your Zoo Scholar will:

Experience an activity-packed, three-hour class
Participate in unique and interactive animal activities
Learn about Zoo animals, both local and exotic
Develop an appreciation and understanding for animal and habitat conservation
Enjoy daily live animal presentations and trips into the Zoo
Develop social, language, artistic and cognitive skills
Receive a Zoo Preschool T-shirt

Zoo Preschool Information

Classes are available for children ages 3 to 5
Morning and afternoon weekday classes are available
32-week program, September through May
Fort Worth Zoo members receive a tuition discount
Zoo Preschool T-shirt included
The student to teacher ratio is 7-to-1
Students must be 3 years of age before Sept. 1
Students must be toilet-trained
Students are grouped together ages 3-5 to enhance the development of both academic and social skills

Class Sessions and Times

Curriculum rotates on a three-year cycle with each year focusing on one of the following topics
- Habitats and Animal Homes
- Zoophabet: Animals from A to Z
- Animal Patterns and Colors
Each class meets for three hours once a week, from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
Classes are available once a week, Monday Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
If you would like your child to be placed in the same class as a friend, you must register for the same class day and time.

Payment Information

Full-year tuition is $1000 (Zoo members receive a 10 percent discount)
$100 nonrefundable registration fee
A payment plan is available. A 50% down payment is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance will be split into four payments and charged monthly September through December. This full-year payment option includes a $50 fee.
Parents can register their child at any time during the school year at a pro-rated rate if openings are available

Wait list

Wait lists will be available online in late summer. A non-refundable $5 fee will be charged. Wait list registrants will be contacted as openings occur. If an opening becomes available, a member of the Zoo’s education department will contact the next wait list registrant, who will have 24 hours to confirm registration.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, families will be notified about class cancellations via phone or email by 8 a.m. for morning classes and by noon for afternoon classes. You can also check the Zoo’s website for information regarding the status of the Zoo on inclement weather days. If the Zoo is closed for inclement weather, classes will be cancelled for that day.

For more information, contact the education department:
Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
phone: 817-759-7200
fax: 817-759-7201
email: education@fortworthzoo.org

Preschool