Homeschoolers
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Programs and Resources | Self-Guided Groups | Docent-Led Tours
Thank you for your interest in programs for children at the National Gallery of Art. We offer many opportunities to serve the needs of homeschoolers.
Download the Art in the Classroom Poster for Manet's The Railway (522kb)
Family Activities
Homeschooler families will find National Gallery of Art family activities a convenient source for learning about art and experiment with art making. Children and adults participate together in a variety of workshops, children's films, and storytelling programs for ages four through twelve. All programs are free but some require preregistration.
NGA Learning Resources
View a searchable library of more than 300 teaching packets, DVDs, online resources, PDFs, and podcasts on various periods, artists, and the art of specific cultures. All are available free of charge. Teaching packets available for loan range from Picturing France: 1830–1900 to Islamic Art and Culture. Packets may include in-depth illustrated booklets, large color reproductions suitable for posting in the classroom, slides and image CDs, and timelines. Submit requests for loan materials online. Please allow one month for delivery.
NGAkids is a collection of interactive "learning to look" activities based on works of art in the National Gallery's collection and in special exhibitions. In the Art Zone, kids play with a Dutch dollhouse, compose a still life, or make interactive art online.
You might also consider attending a teacher workshop to prepare for your trip.
See more resources and tips for planning a visit to the National Gallery of Art.
You are welcome to guide students through the museum independently. Please complete the self-guided group form at least four weeks prior to your visit. This assists museum staff in preventing overcrowding in the galleries. Be sure to indicate whether you would like to receive a catalogue describing teaching resources at the Gallery.
Self-guiding materials such as highlight brochures and scavenger hunts, family guides, the children's audio tour, and special exhibition self-guides offer individualized experiences for homeschooled groups.
View more self-guiding tips, museum policies, and general information about the National Gallery of Art.
If you are interested in a docent-led tour please note the following requirements:
- Each group must consist of a minimum of ten students within the identified grade levels for your chosen tour. Please list the ages of participants on your tour request form to help us customize your experience.
- If you are wondering how a homeschool group might benefit from a specific tour, please e-mail us at homeschoolgroup@nga.gov.
- On the day of your visit please allow extra time for parking and traffic. The National Mall area can be very busy and congested. View area map, public transportation, and parking information.
- Please arrive on time at the designated tour starting point to avoid an abbreviated experience for your children.
- A coordinating docent will contact you by phone or e-mail one to two weeks before the tour. Please be prepared to discuss how the tour will complement or enhance the students' curriculum and learning.
- Please help us maintain the quality of everyone's experience by taking toddlers and babies to an adjacent area should they become disruptive.
Request a docent-led tour
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