Preschool | Fort Worth Zoo
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Registration for Zoo Preschool and Nature's Navigators 2023-2024 is now open. 

Register Now!

 

 


Zoo Preschool 2023-2024

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.

Starting the week of Sept. 11, 2023, your 3-, 4- or 5-year-old will meet once per week, Monday through Friday, through the week of May 13.

How to Register:

If you are experiencing registration issues, please contact the education department.

  1. Click on the registration link.
  2. Create an account on Brightwheel or sign in if you have an existing account.
  3. Once you have signed into your account, you’ll be directed to fill out the registration form. 
  4. You will be sent online admission forms to complete and submit through Brightwheel.
  5. Once all forms have been submitted and approved you will be sent your first bill.
  6. Payment is due three days after your bill is sent (through email).
  7. Once payment is received, your child will be admitted into class and a confirmation message with more information will be sent through Brightwheel messaging.
  8. You will receive more information about your child’s class before the beginning of the year. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with Brightwheel and make sure the app is downloaded on your phone. All Preschool communication will come through Brightwheel messaging. 
*For multiple children, click on the registration link again and sign in to add a child. 

Nature's Navigators 2023-2024

This nature-based, extended-day program will be available for 4- to 5-year-olds twice a week, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, from September to May.

How to Register:

If you are experiencing registration issues, please contact the education department.

  1. Click on the registration link.
  2. Create an account on Brightwheel or sign in if you have an existing account.
  3. Once you have signed into your account, you’ll be directed to fill out the registration form. 
  4. You will be sent online admission forms to complete and submit through Brightwheel.
  5. Once all forms have been submitted and approved you will be sent your first bill.
  6. Payment is due 3 days after your bill is sent (through email).
  7. Once payment is received, your child will be admitted into class and a confirmation message with more information will be sent through Brightwheel messaging.
  8. You will receive more information about your child’s class before the beginning of the year. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with Brightwheel and make sure the app is downloaded on your phone. All Preschool communication will come through Brightwheel messaging. 
*For multiple children, click on the registration link again and sign in to add a child.

Zoo Preschool Nature's Navigators
Classes are available for children ages 3 to 5 Classes are available for children ages 4 to 5
Class is in session for three hours once a week, from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Class is in session for five hours twice a week, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes meet once a week; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday Classes meet twice a week: Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.
Students must be 3 years of age before Sept. 1 Students must be 4 years of age before Sept. 1
Animal-based curriculum Nature-based curriculum with lots of outdoor time. 
Students must be toilet-trained
32-week program, September through May
Fort Worth Zoo members receive a tuition discount
Zoo Preschool t-shirt included
Students are grouped together to enhance the development of both academic and social skills 

Payment Information

  • Full-year tuition is $1,300 for Zoo Preschool
  • Full-year tuition is $4,000 for Nature's Navigators
  • Zoo members receive a 10 percent discount (must be a member at the time of registration)
  • $100 nonrefundable registration fee
  • A payment plan is available for those who have completed all paperwork by Sept. 1, 2023. A 50% down payment – including tuition, registration fee, payment plan fee, and additional purchases – is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance will be split into four payments and charged monthly from September through December. This full-year payment option includes a $50 fee.
  • Parents can register their child from Sept. 18 through Dec. 11, 2023, at a pro-rated rate if openings are available​​​.
  • Tuition refund requests must be made by Aug. 1, 2023.  

             

 Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday   Thursday   Friday 

Zoo Preschool  

Morning

 

9 a.m. to noon

One morning a week

 

Full

9 a.m. to noon

One morning a week 

9 a.m. to noon

One morning a week 

9 a.m. to noon

One morning a week

9 a.m. to noon

One morning a week 

Zoo Preschool 

Afternoon

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

One afternoon a week

Limited Spots

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

One afternoon a week 

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

One afternoon a week

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

One afternoon a week

No class

Nature's Navigators 

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Twice a week

Monday/Wednesday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Twice a week

Tuesday/Thursday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Twice a week

Monday/Wednesday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Twice a week

Tuesday/Thursday

 

No class

 


Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, families will be notified about class cancellations via Brightwheel 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 canceled for that day.


Preschool FAqs

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

All preschoolers must be toilet-trained and toilet-independent. The classrooms are not licensed or equipped for diaper changing; therefore, pull-ups and diapers are not permitted. If you are in doubt, we suggest waiting until next year to enroll.

If the class I'd like to register for is full, how do I get on the waitlist?

Once classes are full, there will be a waitlist option. You will still fill out the registration form and you will be contacted by a coordinator.

Once I submit my registration, how long will it take before I receive forms?

After submitting your registration form, it may take up to 2 business days to receive a notification on your next steps. Make sure to check your email and Brightwheel for additional communication regarding Zoo Preschool.

What do I need to send with my child to Zoo Preschool?
Zoo Preschoolers will need to bring a child-sized reusable water bottle and a snack.
If my child is registered for Nature's Navigators -- what will they need to bring?
Nature’s Navigators will need to bring a snack, water bottle and non-refrigerated lunch and nap mat for rest time.
What does my child need to wear?

Your child will need to wear their Zoo Preschool shirt to each class. This will be provided on the first day of class. They will go outside for Zoo hikes so please send your child in weather-appropriate attire. We require closed-toed shoes and prefer shoes that do not need to be tied.

What are your COVID policies?

We are following current Texas State guidelines. We are frequently washing hands, sanitizing and cleaning rooms and surfaces, and having drop off and pick up occur only in our carpool line.

What is a day in Zoo Preschool like?

Zoo Preschoolers will enjoy Zoo hikes, animal-themed activities, a weekly animal lesson and enjoy an animal presentation. Zoo Preschoolers attend one time a week for 3 hours.

What is a day in Nature Navigators like?

Nature’s Navigators Preschoolers will enjoy a lot of outdoor time, Zoo hikes, snack, nature excursions, art, lunch and a rest time. Nature’s Navigators attend two times a week for 5 hours each class.

How many kids and teachers are in each class?

Each class has up to 17 kids and two teachers.

What are the staff qualification?

Zoo Preschool staff all have education, experience, or degrees in early childhood education. Our Zoo school staff all meet the state licensing requirements.

My child will not be 3 when preschool starts. Can they still come to Zoo Preschool?

Your child must be 3 years old for Zoo Preschool, or 4 years old for Nature's Navigators by Sept. 11, 2023. 

What is your refund policy?

You can receive a refund (minus the $100 non-refundable registration fee and $25 processing fee) up to 30 days before the first day of Zoo Preschool. If a spot is available, you are able to change your class for a $25 fee.

What is Brightwheel?

Brightwheel is the service we use for billing, communication, and photos. You can download this app to your phone and make updates to your account such as your approved pick-up list.