Preschool

Registration for Zoo Preschool and Nature's Navigators 2022-2023 is closed. Registration for the 2023-2024 school year opens Feb. 6, 2023. 

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 (Beginning Feb. 6):

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

1. Click on the registration link (available Feb. 6).
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.
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.

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 (Beginning Feb. 6):

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

1. Click on the registration link (available Feb. 6).
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.
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.

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)
• $100 nonrefundable registration fee
• A payment plan is available for those who have completed all paperwork by Sept. 1, 2023. A 50% down payment 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.  

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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.