virtual field trips nyc doe

Virtual Field Trips: Take a Virtual Field Trip!

Take a Virtual Field Trip!
Around the World
Art and Design
Civil Rights
New York, New York!
Sustainability

"Hold on, here we go! Next stop knowledge!" – Finding Nemo

Welcome to the NYC Department of Education's virtual field trip collection. We hope you'll stay awhile and go on some virtual field trips to visit extraordinary people and places, remarkable events in history, and fascinating topics! From animals to aerospace, NYC’s water supply to national parks, honeybees to hip-hop, presidential campaign ads to the Pacific garbage patch, explore the streets of New York and beyond. Dive deeper into movements of change and the inspiring individuals that led the way. Discover your passion and feed your curiosity!

Check out the virtual field trips organized by grade band!

Next: Grades K-2 >>
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2021 2:37 PM
URL: https://spep.libguides.com/VirtualFieldTrips

The buses used for field trips are the same buses used to bring students to and from school for their regular academic program. As a result, trips will not be scheduled on dates when NYC public schools are closed (generally all federal holidays) or when the public schools have half-day sessions. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/calendar

Trips requiring more than five (5) vehicles may not be scheduled on Fridays due to limited vehicle availability.
Schools are responsible for fees associated with tolls and parking.
Tolls must be paid by check - made payable to the bus vendor and given to driver before the scheduled trip.
Canceled check will serve as the receipt of payment.
Schools must confirm all assigned trips with the bus company dispatcher two days before the scheduled trip.
Neither OPT nor the bus companies can be responsible for routing field trips. To ensure proper travel, schools must provide bus drivers with directions to and from the field trip site.

Charter Bus Service How to charter a coach-style or yellow bus .

The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

School Trips

Parent notification/consent forms for doe-sponsored.

Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- English English
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Spanish Spanish
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Chinese Chinese
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Bangla Bengali
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Russian Russian
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Urdu Urdu
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Arabic Arabic
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- Korean Korean
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- French French

International Trip

Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- English English
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Spanish Spanish
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Chinese Chinese
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Bangla Bengali
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Russian Russian
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Urdu Urdu
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Arabic Arabic
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- Korean Korean
Parent Notification-Consent Form - International Trip -- French French

Overnight/Extended Day Trip

Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- English English
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Spanish Spanish
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Chinese Chinese
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Bangla Bengali
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Russian Russian
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Urdu Urdu
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Arabic Arabic
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- Korean Korean
Parent Notification Consent Form - Overnight Extended Day Trip -- French French

(required for all DOE-Sponsored School Trips)

Trip Plan -- English English
Trip Plan -- Spanish Spanish
Trip Plan -- Chinese Chinese
Trip Plan -- Bangla Bengali
Trip Plan -- Russian Russian
Trip Plan -- Urdu Urdu
Trip Plan -- Arabic Arabic
Trip Plan -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Trip Plan -- Korean Korean
Trip Plan -- French French

Transportation

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Field Trips

The Frederick A.O. Schwarz Education Center facilitates programs for thousands of children and adults each year to teach them about our city: the challenges we’ve encountered, the innovations we’ve created, the unique contemporary issues we face as New Yorkers, and the complexity of how the decisions we make today impact our city’s future. Each field trip is a unique experience, driven by student inquiry, dialogue, and hands-on activities.

We offer both in-person and virtual field trips.

Summer booking is now open! Our field trips will be offered from Tuesday, July 9 through Friday, August 23.

We are also taking reservations for the remainder of the school year, through June 23, 2024.

Please fill out the Field Trip Request Form to request a trip.

Field Trip Request Form

Times: Programs are available Tuesday—Friday beginning at 10am .

Cost: The pricing of in-person and virtual field trips is different. Please see the relevant section below for group pricing.

Programs: Field trips vary in duration between 60 and 90 minutes. Details are listed below. Programs can be modified for groups of all needs and abilities, and program time can be adjusted under special request.

Scheduling: Advance reservations are required and must be made by using the field trip request form. Please note that due to the volume of requests, it may take up to three weeks to receive a response from our School Programs Scheduling Team. Field trips are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. More details are listed below.

In Person Field Trips

Manny Vega: Art in El Barrio / Arte en El Barrio

I Feel You, NYC: Capturing the City's Emotions

“And Scene” 100 Years of New York through Film

Between the Pages: 100 Years of New York Life

A large colorful quilt hangs on the wall of a gallery.

I Dream of NYC: 100 Years of New York Life through Art

The Making of New York

Black Lives Matter protesters with their hands in the air in a sign of surrender and the “hands up don’t shoot” slogan

Activist New York

Planning map for the New York City grid system. The map shows all of Manhattan, with the streets and parks labeled.

The Greatest Grid

A group of children gather together and smile at the camera.

What Makes New York New York? Black History Edition

A daguerreotype of a man (left) and a woman (right).

Activist New York: Black History Edition

Two visitors look at interactive screens on display in a gallery

What Makes New York New York?

In person field trip pricing.

Note: We reserve the right to limit reservations to two groups per school per day. Teachers and chaperones are included for free in the group fee pricing.

Virtual Field Trips

60 min program for Grades 4–8

75 min program for Grades 9–12

Explore New York’s rich history of social justice movements to see how activists have reimagined a more just future. Students will use photographs, flyers, posters, and film footage from the exhibition to discuss topics, such as youth action in the Civil Rights Movement, health activism and the Young Lords, and the current Movement for Black Lives. The program will provide space for students to voice their thoughts and participate in a reflective activity about what care for one’s self and community looks like.

City as Canvas

45 min program for Grades K–1

60 min program for Grades 2–12

Explore highlights from the Museum’s graffiti art collection and see original works created by legendary writers such as Daze, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Keith Haring. Participants will view sketches from the artists’ personal blackbooks, photographs of large-scale pieces on subway cars, and works on canvas as sources for studying graffiti as a dynamic art movement. Students will respond creatively by drafting their own sketches. Participants are encouraged to bring a pencil and paper to the session!

Getting Around

60 min program for Grades 2–5

From horse-drawn omnibuses to electric cars, transportation in New York City has undergone many changes from the 1800s to the present day. Students will discuss how New York evolved over time by seeing pictures from the Museum’s collection. Participants will play a matching game and notice how new technologies affected the ways New Yorkers lived and traveled.

Puppets of New York

60 min program for Grades 2–5

Explore the many ways that New Yorkers have brought puppets to life on television and in movies, in plays, and on the streets in New York City! Students will see puppets of all shapes and sizes from the Puppets of New York exhibition and examine how puppets are developed, manipulated, and used as tools for building connections and standing up for causes as they draw inspiration from the rich and diverse traditions of puppetry in New York City.

Civil Rights

75 min program for Grades 9–12

Explore New York City’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and discover the importance of youth action in the 1964 boycott by NYC students against segregated schools. Participants will hear the stories of Civil Rights activists to learn about New York’s major role in the Black freedom movement and the ongoing movement for racial justice today.

Virtual Field Trip Pricing

Scheduling a tour:.

We are currently offering field trips from now through June 23, 2024, and from July 9 through August 23, 2024. Please fill out the Field Trip Request Form to request a trip.

Field Trip Request Form

To schedule a field trip, please complete the Field Trip Request Form. Please have your contact information, preferred program, dates, times, and group size ready before filling out the form.

Please note that due to the volume of requests, it may take up to three weeks to receive a response from our School Programs Scheduling Team. Field trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For in-person field trips, please bring at least one chaperone per 10 students; a maximum of six chaperones may accompany each class. On the day of your visit, please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the scheduled visit for in-person field trips. Field trips will be shortened for late arrivals.

Do you have a special booking request, such as bringing multiple groups, larger groups, or a group with special needs? Please indicate your request on the Field Trip Request Form and a member of our scheduling team will be in touch to discuss options.

Please contact us at [email protected] with other inquiries and questions.

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Register for Free LGBTQ+ Live Virtual Field Trips!

Open to: All Teachers Opportunity at a Glance: In partnership with local cultural institutions, the NYC Department of Education is offering free, live virtual field trips on topics related to LGBTQ+ history, culture, and identity. K-12 NYC DOE teachers can register to visit one of four museums with their classes and will also receive pre- and post-lesson materials. All schools can access several asynchronous trips as well as other materials to support student learning. Registration is now open ( https://spep.libguides.com/lgbtqtrips ). Priority is given to the first 50 schools that register with each cultural institution. For questions, email [email protected] . Key dates: Ongoing Location: Virtual Field Trip Registration deadline: Ongoing Take action: https://spep.libguides.com/lgbtqtrips For more information: [email protected]

Celebrate Pride with Free Virtual Asynchronistic LGBTQ History Field Trips

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Here are some citywide opportunities for teachers to supplement traditional classroom instruction with hands on, experiential learning for their students. See a list of current offerings below, organized by borough.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum Through touch-tours, open-ended inquiry challenges, craft projects, and interactive games, Bartow Pell’s curriculum-rich sessions build critical thinking and evidential reasoning skills that benefit students across disciplines.
Bronx River Alliance The Bronx River Alliance's Education Program helps schools and community organizations use the river as a classroom, engaging youth and adults in a variety of enjoyable and educational activities. The Alliance provides teachers with training, curriculum consulting, lesson plans, equipment and supplies to support students in becoming river doctors, scientists and more.
Bronx Zoo The WCS Education Department offers a variety of standards-based learning experiences at our parks and at schools.
Rocking the Boat Rocking the Boat's On-Water Classroom exposes students to the joy of rowing and the ecological diversity of the Bronx River.
Wave Hill Immerse your class in nature as you explore Wave Hill’s glorious gardens and woodlands. An experienced educator leads your class in outdoor exploration and hands-on activities that help students at all levels make meaningful connections to the environment.
826 NYC storytelling and bookmaking 826NYC hosts classes across New York City for Write Together: an interactive writing experience that encourages creative expression, explore the elements of storytelling and strengthens writing skills. Elementary and middle school classes collaborate on illustrated children’s books, middle schoolers can choose their own adventure with multi-ending stories, and high schoolers learn the art of memoir writing during a fast-paced and whimsical 90-minute narrative program. The Write Together program is now available as either a virtual workshop or an in-person field trip to a "secret library." Read about a 2nd-grade class trip to the Secret Library »
Aviator Sports and Events Center This 175,000-square-foot facility has two regulation NHL ice rinks, a 20,000-square-foot field house, a gymnastics center, a rock wall and two outdoor fields. Groups can participate in basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, ice skating, flag football, rock climbing, team-building activities, swimming and bubble soccer.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Registered school groups can visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for free. The Garden also offers 90-minute guided workshop programs for students in pre-K through 8th grade ($150 per class; a discount is available for Title I schools) to help students explore trees, plants and flowers.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy The Conservancy offers a variety of programs for children in grades K-12, with topics including the ecology of Brooklyn Bridge Park, engineering, geological formations, sustainability and more.
Brooklyn Children's Museum The Brooklyn Children's Museum offers on-site school programs as well as "Museum on the Go" art, culture, math and science curriculum kits that can be used in your classroom. A limited number of free school programs for Title I schools are available.
Brooklyn Navy Yard BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard partners with the Brooklyn Historical Society to offer free education programs. Students visiting the Brooklyn Navy Yard will learn to think like historians and engineers through hands-on investigation of Brooklyn’s material culture, art and written documents. Read about a 3rd-grade class trip to the Brooklyn Navy Yard »
Brooklyn Robot Foundry Show your students the wonder of building robots with workshops on simple circuits, vibration, switches, LEDs and more.
Environmental Study Center This 7,000-square-foot learning center in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, is home to over 200 living organisms, four learning labs, an outdoor learning space with a pond habitat and urban garden, and a greenhouse laboratory.
New York Aquarium Classes, group tours and self-guided tours are available for all grades.
New York Transit Museum Led by a staff of skilled educators, school programs complement curricular exploration of the New York City history, the engineering sciences, the mathematics and art of subway and station design, and the urban landscape.
Newtown Creek Alliance The Newtown Creek Alliance offers guided tours through the Newtown Creek watershed focusing on the history, industrial use and environment challenges in the area.
Prospect Park Zoo Guided tours on themes including animal adaptations, animal families, animal defenses, diets and habits are available. Self-guided tours and classes are also offered.
Waterfront Museum Docked in Red Hook, Brooklyn, this floating classroom helps students learn about geography, history, social studies and science aboard the last remaining covered wooden barge.
Weeksville Heritage Center Weeksville Heritage Center, Brooklyn’s largest African-American cultural institution, is a multidisciplinary museum dedicated to preserving the history of the 19th-century African American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn — one of America’s first free black communities.
Wyckoff House Museum The Wyckoff House Museum preserves, interprets, and operates New York City’s oldest building and the surrounding one-and-a-half acres of park. Through innovative educational and farm-based programs it builds cultural and agricultural connections within our community, emphasizing immigration, family, food, and community through history.
American Museum of Natural History The Museum of Natural History is a top field trip destination in New York City: amazing new exhibits, over 32 million objects in their permanent collections, and exceptional programs, resources and classes for students and teachers.
Asia Society and Museum Building on the idea of the Museum as an extension of the classroom, Asia Society offers interactive guided tours for school groups in grades 3–12. In the galleries, teachers and students can learn about the works of art on view, discuss how art relates to their own experiences, and discover what’s new and compelling about art today.
Battery Urban Farm Explore The Battery with lesson materials covering agriculture, urban ecosystems, nutrition and history.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine This landmark building offers numerous field trips aligned with state standards, some free, for NYC schools. Programs are available in architecture and geometry, medieval journeys, immigration, shapes and patterns, world religions, civic engagement and more.
Center for Architecture The Center for Architecture offers hands-on workshops at its SoHo location and school-based residency programs for K-12 students.
Central Park Zoo Self-guided tours, guided tours and classes are available.
Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Center This 80,000-square-foot center offers a variety of sports activities, including soccer, rock climbing, gymnastics, basketball and more.
Children's Museum of Manhattan The museum’s theme-based, 90-minute guided group visits for grades K-8 are led by a museum educator and include a tour of a thematic exhibition and a hands-on arts workshop. In-school residency programs are also available.
Cooper Hewitt Design Cooper Hewitt offers two free design programs for K-12 students.
Democracy Now! Give students an opportunity to visit a news studio control room to view a live taping of Democracy Now!, followed by a discussion about independent news and investigative journalism. Trips are free.
Drawing Center This SoHo center offers two free programs for K-12 students, comprised of on-site and in-school activities. The experience includes a guided tour and hands-on projects.
El Museo del Barrio El Museo del Barrio offers guided tours of the museum as well as walking tours of the surrounding neighborhood, both of which allow students to participate in sketching, movement and writing activities.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration On ranger-led programs, students in grades 3-12 can play the role of newly arrived immigrants. Self-guided activities for grades 2-12 are also available.
Empire State Building The Empire State Building offers lesson plans connecting to social studies, science and technology, history and geography, as well as a virtual tour.
Governors Island Teaching Garden In April through October, students will rotate through hands-on stations that typically include a farm tour, planting or farm work activity, cooking or harvesting and tasting activity, and possible fourth mini-lesson.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum The Intrepid offers social, studies, history and science programs for students in pre-K through 12th grade.
Merchant's House Museum The landmark Merchant's House, preserved intact, offers an authentic glimpse into life in the mid-19th century. Students explore four floors of period rooms.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided tours and self-guided group admission are available. Guided tour topics include exploring art across cultures, stories and legends, faces and masks and art explorations of particular locations and time periods.
Metropolitan Opera Access Opera engages students with the unforgettable experience of watching a performance live on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House and provides teachers with resources for drawing connections across literature, social studies, foreign language, and the arts
Morgan Library and Museum Explore curriculum in the sciences and humanities through direct observation of primary sources, such as Mesopotamian seals and tablets, medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, rare printed books, master drawings and period architecture. Read a New York Teacher article about a 5th-grade class trip to the Morgan »
Morris-Jumel Mansion Tour "Manhattan's oldest house" and learn about the Revolutionary War, life in the 18th and 19th centuries, slavery, archaeology and more.
Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust The Museum of Jewish Heritage is New York’s home for Holocaust education. Tours focus on various topics including issues of cultural identity and heritage, the Jewish immigrant experience, Israel and more.
National Archives The National Archives offers free trips that explore rich primary sources.
National Jazz Museum Educational tours and in-gallery workshops at this museum in Harlem allow participants to engage deeply with jazz history and discover timeless lessons of creativity, vision and collaboration.
National Museum of Mathematics Experience the joys, wonders, and beauty of math at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), the only museum dedicated to math in North America. At MoMath, teachers and students from pre-K through high school and beyond are able to explore more than 30 memorable, interactive exhibits designed to make math accessible and fun. Classes are also able to participate in MoMath’s many activities and workshops that bring math to life in exciting and innovative ways. Read a New York Teacher article about a class trip to the Museum of Math »
New York City Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics The New York City Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics increases students’ interest and excitement about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through space and aviation science. Through hands-on activities that simulate real world experiences, students in grades K–12 apply math and science concepts learned in the classroom while working together to solve authentic problems.
New York City Fire Museum The museum, in conjunction with the New York City Fire Department, operates a world-class fire safety education program designed to teach participants how to prevent fires within the home and how to protect themselves and escape should a fire occur. The program consists of two components— classroom training and a simulated fire event in a mock home environment.
New-York Historical Society Bring your students on a trip to the oldest museum in New York! Whether they are visiting a special exhibition or our beautifully redesigned permanent collection galleries, students will be actively engaged with the stuff of history — the artifacts, works of art, and documents that provide a window onto our collective past.
New York Improv Theatre Interactive shows and workshops entertain audiences with creative comedy arts.
Paley Center for Media Using programs from the collection of television and radio recordings as a means of illustration and investigation, Paley Center educators lead sessions on a wide range of subjects such as advertising, the documentary form, and the civil rights movement. Inquiry-based classes seek to build analytical thinking, viewing, and listening skills and attempt to provide insight into the roles television and radio play in our culture.
Rubin Museum of Art Explore Himalayan Asia here in New York! Guided tours at the Rubin help K–12 students develop visual literacy and critical-thinking skills through engaging, inquiry-based discussions. Read a New York Teacher article about a 1st-grade trip to the Rubin »
South Street Seaport Museum South Street Seaport Museum tells the story of how New York’s great natural harbor gave rise to the metropolis we know today. Dockside programs combine indoor and outdoor hands-on activities to show how the science of the harbor affects how we live today.
Tenement Museum Through interactive tours of the tenement building and Lower East Side neighborhood, students investigate universal themes of cultural identity, discrimination, and human rights.
Whitney Museum of American Art In free guided visits, students will learn to think critically, look closely and consider how art can be a voice for expressing different ideas.
Alley Pond Environmental Center Alley Pond's class workshops are available on a variety of topics, from invertebrate animals to ecosystems to seasonal species to ecology.
Bayside Historical Society At its historic "Castle" building at Fort Totten, Bayside History Society offers a variety of hands-on programs for students in grades K through 12 that teach what life was like in Queens more than a century ago.
King Manor Museum Programs focus on life and work at King Manor in Jamaica, Queens, in the 19th century and the history of the King family in early America and the anti-slavery movement.
Louis Armstrong House Museum The Louis Armstrong House Museum sustains and promotes the cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy of Louis Armstrong by preserving and interpreting Armstrong’s house and grounds and collecting and sharing archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy. Read a New York Teacher article about a middle school class trip to the Louis Armstrong House »
Materials for the Arts The Education Center at Materials for the Arts in Long Island City, Queens, offers programming focused on creative reuse: making art with readily available materials and the ever-changing MFTA warehouse inventory. The Center hosts field trips programs for students and P-Credit courses for teachers in two classroom studios, organizes exhibitions of artwork at MFTA Gallery, and sends teaching artists into schools to share reuse techniques.
Museum of the Moving Image Exhibition tours, film and television screenings, and hands-on workshops help you teach the core curriculum with the support of a dynamic and interactive environment.
New York Hall of Science The Hall of Science offers school workshops and programs for all ages, as well as an on-the-go option. Students can learn about design, ecosystems, STEM and more.
Queens County Farm Museum This 47-acre farm, the oldest continuously farmed site in New York State, includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. Read a New York Teacher article about a kindergarten field trip to the farm »
Queens Historical Society The Queens Historical Society offers walking tours of historic sites in Flushing, archaeology workshops, workshops about the Underground Railroad and more.
Queens Museum The Queens Museum provides pre-K–12 students with fun learning experiences that integrate in-depth observation and interpretation of art and historical exhibits, and hands-on art-making activities.
Queens Public Library Visit one of their 63 community libraries for student library cards, summer meals, activities for all ages, clubs for teens, as well as books, magazines, ebooks and other media in many languages and formats -- all for free.
Queens Zoo The Queens Zoo offers guided tours on themes including adaptations, habitats and diets, birds, mammals and domestic animals. Classes and self-guided tours are also available.
Vander Ende Onderdonk House At the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City, students can tour the house and grounds, see a slide presentation on early New York history and participate in a colonial craft activity.
Voelker Orth Museum The Voelker Orth Museum occupies an 1890s immigrant family's house in Flushing, Queens and offers a variety of history, science and art programs. Read a New York Teacher article about a 1st-grade class trip to the Voelker Orth Museum »

Staten Island

Historic Richmond Town Using history and culture as a foundation, the museum explores the roles and lives of men, women, and children throughout the centuries. School tours and workshops are available.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanic Garden Snug Harbor on Staten Island offers four 90-minute outdoor tour varieties: New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, Wetlands, Snug Harbor Pastoral Grounds and Gardens, and Snug Harbor Heritage Farm. Each tour may be paired with a class; topics include Chinese calligraphy, wetlands, the water cycle and more.
Staten Island Children's Museum Guided by a museum educator, students will learn through hands-on experience.
Staten Island Museum School and educator programs use the Staten Island Museum’s collection and exhibitions to create a forum for ideas, debate, and exchange. Programs at the Museum and in the classroom offer students and teachers an interdisciplinary and hands-on learning experience.
Staten Island Zoo The Staten Island Zoo offers animal presentations with topics including animals and folklore, ecosystems, rainforest, safaris and more. Traveling zoo programs are also available.

Makerspace NYC nyc's Largest makerspace

k-12 Programs

We have been working in New York City schools since 2013. Our education department has flourished and we are proud to have provided STEM and arts education all across the city.

In the 2018-19 school year we taught almost 20,000 K-12 students in New York City schools.

2022-2023 school programs.

We also offer virtual programming and will deliver activity kits to you. We are a NYC DOE Vendor and ip1 schools receive a 10% discount To schedule a field trip, email [email protected]

Con Edison Stem Days Out

If you are a middle school in Staten Island, we invite you to contact us to participate in a FREE STEM activity and tour as described above. Limit 1 field trip per school and spots are limited.

Please contact [email protected] to schedule

Custom Programming

We often work with schools to create the programs they want. We can help you develop custom project-based programs that integrate curriculum standards across subjects including science, technology, engineering, math, art, and the humanities.

Please feel free to reach out to us to start a conversation about what we can do for you!

Take a Virtual Trip to the Teaching Garden!

We created a virtual field trip to the GrowNYC Teaching Garden on Governors Island! Below are age appropriate videos that focus on plant parts (for grades k-5) and regenerative agriculture (for grades 6-12). Below each virtual field trip video we also have photos with links to videos where students can learn more.

The GrowNYC Teaching Garden at Governors Island features over 20 vegetable beds made from recycled plastic lumber, farm-style rows, an aquaponics system, an outdoor kitchen, a greenhouse, a high tunnel hoophouse, fruit trees, several rainwater harvesting systems, a rain garden, and much much more.

You can find info about booking an in-person field trip or visiting during open public hours here .

Virtual Field Trip

Click the images below to learn more.

Eat the rainbow!

A day in the life of a farmer.

Pollination

Rainwater harvesting

Pollination!

Rainwater harvesting!

Strawberries!

Grades 6-12.

Rainwater Harvesting!

Flowers and pollinators, companion planting, edible flowers.

Our hours are subject to change on a daily basis based on special events and exhibition closures. Please check our Visitor Information page . Last entry is one hour prior to closing.

Mon-Fri: 10:00am-5:00pm

Sat, Sun, and Holidays: 10:00am-6:00pm

The Space Shuttle Pavilion will be closed due to exhibition planning from Tuesday, September 3 through Friday, September 13

Crowds of people on Pier 86 during Fleet Week, with white event tents on the left, and active duty military personnel are sitting on military vehicles on the right.

Field Trips

Our field trips offer grades K–12, homeschool groups, after-school programs and camps with guided, self-guided or virtual tour options tailored to meet the needs of students and teachers alike. Fill out our form to reserve your spot today.

Guided Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips
Groups With Disabilities

We offer fun and engaging field trips highlighting the intersection of innovation and history through our collection of engineering marvels, historic spaces and powerful stories. All programs are 60 minutes, after which your group is free to stay and explore should your schedule allow. Availability is limited. To reserve your spot, all reservation and payment information must be received at least two weeks before your visit date. Please complete a Field Trip/Group Program Request form, and upon submission, a Group Sales Representative will follow up to confirm the date and time. Please note that large groups may need to be divided up over multiple time slots and/or dates.

What was life like for those serving on an aircraft carrier? Students will discuss how life aboard Intrepid differed from life on land and some of the adjustments sailors made to improve the quality of life aboard. Students will learn how a sense of community was developed and discuss similarities between the community on a Navy ship and their own experiences.

Learn about different modes of transportation through the lens of an aircraft carrier, a ship that functions as an airport at sea! Students will explore the features of various aircraft, spacecraft and the ship itself. Materials needed: paper, crayon, marker, or coloring pencil.

What was life like for those serving on an aircraft carrier? Students will discuss how life aboard Intrepid differed from life on land and some of the adjustments sailors made to improve quality of life aboard. They’ll also learn how a sense of community was developed and discuss similarities between the community on a Navy ship and their own experiences.

Students will discuss the parts of a plane and how nature influences shape and design. Educators will demonstrate the four forces of flight and students will experiment with these concepts before creating their own simple flying machines. Fundamental concepts such as the four forces of flight, Bernoulli's principle and aerodynamics will be discussed.

Evaluate the challenges of early space missions as a Museum educator discusses the Mercury-Atlas 7 and Gemini III missions that occurred during the Space Race! Explore Intrepid’s role as the primary recovery vessel for both NASA missions. Beginning March 26, 2024, groups will be able to self-guide after the program to view the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home of the space shuttle Enterprise , and explore the Museum's largest temporary exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon .

The former USS Intrepid served for 31 years for the United States Navy, and its rich history can be explored today through the collections of the Museum. Learn in detail about Intrepid ’s involvement in a specific period of time that corresponds with your unit of study. Choose from World War II, the Cold War or Vietnam War era.

Students will evaluate the challenges of early space missions as a Museum educator discusses the Mercury-Atlas 7 and Gemini III missions that occurred during the Space Race. They will also explore Intrepid’s role as the primary recovery vessel for both NASA missions. Beginning March 26, 2024, groups will be able to self-guide after the program to view the the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home of the space shuttle Enterprise , and explore the Museum's largest temporary exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon .

The design of an aircraft plays an important role in its ability to manipulate the sum of forces to impact its motion. Students will explore the Museum’s collection of aircraft and evaluate different aircraft’s levels of success in achieving the tasks they were designed for.

The design of an aircraft plays an important role in its ability to manipulate the sum of forces to impact its motion. Students will explore the Museum’s collection of aircraft and evaluate different aircrafts’ levels of success in achieving the tasks they were designed for.

Our virtual field trip tours allow students to learn about the ship’s history and the crew who served from wherever they are. All programs are adjusted per age group, are 45 minutes long and offered via Zoom—or another video platform of your choice.

Registration is required at least two weeks in advance. Payment is due in advance and is non-refundable. Program materials will be emailed once the reservation is complete.

An educator will take your group on a virtual tour of the Intrepid Museum, where students will learn about the history of the ship and the crew who served from 1943-1974. All programs are adjusted to be age-appropriate and will vary according to the age of the group.

The motions of the Sun, Moon and stars create recognizable patterns that led to the development of the astronomy we know today. Using an online planetarium program, students will view the night sky, see how our planet moves in space, and learn how that movement affects our days and seasons. After viewing the stars and learning how these observations of the sky were used to explain different phenomena on Earth in the past, students will create an engaging art project based on their own interpretations of the stars. Materials needed: paper, crayon, marker or coloring pencil.

Students will discuss the different parts of a plane and how nature influences shape and design. Educators will demonstrate the four forces of flight, and students will experiment with these concepts before creating their own simple flying machines. Fundamental concepts such as the four forces of flight, Bernoulli's principle and aerodynamics will be discussed. Materials needed: paper, paperclip (recommended).

A picture is worth a thousand words. After a virtual tour of specific exhibits, students will examine historic photographs, and practice analyzing and interpreting these important primary sources. This program engages students in inquiry-based learning, and allows them to take part in critical dialogue through both writing and discussion.

A Museum educator will discuss the Mercury-Atlas 7 and Gemini III missions that occurred during the Space Race, including Intrepid 's role as the primary recovery vessel for both NASA missions. Students will get a tour of the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home of the space shuttle Enterprise .

Are we really weightless in space? What does an astronaut experience while living on the International Space Station? After observing and taking part in science demonstrations, students will explore the concepts of microgravity and gravitational force, and construct their own arguments on how gravity works.

Aircraft can come in many forms and have wide-ranging functions. Explore the aircraft in Intrepid 's collection, and create three different paper airplane designs alongside a Museum educator to determine how plane design impacts function. Materials needed: three sheets of paper.

In World War II, many Black Americans sought double victory, both at home and at war. Intrepid 's Black sailors were underrepresented and often relegated to low-ranking positions on board, mirroring the Jim Crow laws at home. Looking at primary sources from the Museum's collection and personal accounts from Black sailors who lived and fought on Intrepid , we will explore themes of segregation, discrimination and brave activism in creating historical change.

The Intrepid Museum offers a range of different in-person and virtual field trip programs for groups with varying disabilities. Explore the options below and find one that’s right for your group.

These 60-minute explorations of the Museum are specifically designed to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of learners with developmental or learning disabilities. Educators customize programs to the goals, interests and needs of each group. All groups receive pre-visit materials including a social narrative and visual vocabulary. Virtual programs are also available. Program themes include, but are not limited to: Life at Sea Learn what it took to be one of the approximately 3,000 crew members living aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid . This program focuses on the living conditions and wide variety of jobs that were needed for a "city at sea." Aviation & Aircraft Discover the four forces of flight and how an airplane flies in the sky. This program explores the Museum’s extensive aircraft collection. Space Uncover Intrepid 's role in the early space program. Explore the space shuttle Enterprise, replica space capsules and the night sky. Transportation Compare the different ways humans can travel on water, in the air and into space! This program examines the design and function of the ship, aircraft and spacecraft. Virtual pre-visits are also available for groups of learners with autism. Educators introduce students to the Museum and what to expect during their visit. Please note your interest in a two-part program when making your request.

In-Person at the Museum These 90-minute customized multi-sensory programs include detailed verbal descriptions of Museum spaces, artifacts and historic images, as well as opportunities to touch aircraft, artifacts and models. Program themes include, but are not limited to, Life at Sea, Aviation & Aircraft, Space, and Transportation. Virtual or in-person pre-visit sessions to help students prepare for their visit are available by request. Virtual These 60-90 minute customized programs feature sound effects and detailed verbal descriptions of Museum spaces, artifacts and historic images. Program themes include, but are not limited to, Life at Sea, Aviation & Aircraft, Space, and Transportation. A special focus on the temporary exhibit Navy Cakes: A Slice of History or the British Airways Concorde is also available. All groups receive pre-visit materials to help prepare for the program. Two-part sessions are available by request.

American Sign Language interpretation is available for all Guided Group and All Hands programs, whether virtual or at the Museum. Please include the request for ASL interpreters on the request form. Programs are scheduled for 90 minutes. ASL interpreters are provided by the Museum at no additional cost. Groups in New York City are eligible for free programs. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

A visitor is listening to the audio component of an exhibition.

Explore the Museum at your own pace, experiencing its own-of-a-kind artifacts and exhibitions.

A woman is helping an older man read something while he holds a large horn.

We offer a range of online guides that are free to view and download to help visitors of all abilities better plan a visit with us.

An educator is in a classroom in front of a screen speaking to a group of students.

The Intrepid Museum Learning Library offers thematic Museum content and resources for all ages and abilities. Resources include historic photographs, oral histories and video, integrating STEM and history, and support for K-12 educators, after-school programs and librarians.

Our on-site group programs for K-12 groups are offered at 10:30am and 11:45am. All programs are 60 minutes unless otherwise noted. Programs for Adult Groups are scheduled by request and subject to availability. Virtual group programs are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. All programs are 45 minutes unless otherwise noted.

Self-guided visits for all schools and educator-led programs for NYC DOE schools are priced at $10.50/person. Please inquire with Group Sales about pricing for all other groups. All groups receive one free chaperone for every 10 students. Exceptions may apply if you are bringing students with disabilities. A limited number of free programs are available to New York City Department of Education public schools. Additional funding for schools and organizations in New York and New Jersey is available for specific programs, including classes and groups with disabilities.

The price is $75 per 45-minute online school program. A limited number of free programs are available to New York City Department of Education public schools. Additional funding for schools and organizations in New York and New Jersey is available for specific programs, including classes and groups with disabilities.

The Museum requires a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 15 students for all school groups, including those on self-guided visits. The student-chaperone ratio for educator-led programs may not exceed 6:1. Exceptions may apply if you are bringing students with disabilities. For virtual programs, the Museum requires a minimum of one chaperone for each online school program, but more are welcome.

If your group has extra time before or after an educator-led program, you may explore the Museum on your own. Please keep in mind that students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Yes, indoor seating for groups located on the mess deck. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Your group may also choose to eat outside on Pier 86. Please note that there are no lunch storage facilities. Food is available for purchase in the Welcome Center at Aviator Grill (very limited seating is available and only to those who purchase at the Aviator Grill; guests may carry their purchases to other seating areas on the pier and on the mess deck). Prepared (or pre-packaged) lunch options are also available to be pre-ordered. On select days, food is also available for purchase on the pier.

We require groups to have a minimum of 10 students in order to participate in on-site educator-led programs or receive group-rate pricing for self-guided visits. Exceptions may apply if you are bringing students with disabilities.

The maximum group size for a program is 50 participants, including adults/chaperones. Groups larger than 50 will be broken into separate groups and charged $75 per program offered.

For educator-led programs, groups larger than 15 students will be divided to work with two or more Museum educators, subject to availability. Don’t worry—students will all do the same thing! Exceptions may apply for groups of students with disabilities. Self-guided groups may stay together or split into smaller groups. Please keep in mind that students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Cancellations must be made at least 2 weeks prior to the date of visit. If you notify the Group Sales Representative in writing that you’re canceling the visit less than 2 weeks prior to the date of your visit, you’ll be issued a credit valid for 1 year from the date of the original visit. If you don’t provide the required written notice of cancellation, all money paid will be forfeited, all money owed will be due, and no credit will be issued. Tour Guides, Museum Educator Led Tours and/or Workshops are non-refundable; a credit will be issued in the event you must cancel or reschedule your tour, but only if you provide the Museum with the required notice of 2 weeks prior to the date of your planned visit. The $75 online school program reservations are non-refundable. The Museum reserves the right to change its schedule and/or hours of operation. We’ll provide as much notice as possible of any changes to the schedule, but if we’re forced to cancel because of a special event or inclement weather, your visit will be rescheduled at no additional cost. If rescheduling the visit is not possible, you will be refunded the full amount paid.

To schedule a program for your group, please complete the form below. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance for any onsite or virtual educator-led program.

A Museum educator is showing something on a tablet to a group of students.

Looking for more information or ready to reserve your spot? Call 646-381-5010 or email [email protected] .

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FAQ - Field Trips

Does the doe provide free transportation for field trips, how do schools arrange transportation for field trips.

Yes, as long as trips comply with the following stipulations, as well as others listed on the DOE field trip site :

Trips cannot be scheduled on dates which are half days for any grade.
Trips are between October and June of the school year.
Trips are within the five boroughs of New York City.
All requests are received by OPT at least two weeks before the trip date.
All assigned trips are confirmed with the bus company dispatcher one to three days before the scheduled trip.
Buses leave no earlier than 9:30 AM and are back at the school by 1:30 PM.

Schools can arrange to have yellow bus service, take public transportation, use a combination of yellow bus service and public transportation or charter a coach-style or yellow bus for their field trips based on the requirements outlined in the OPT website and in the Online Field Trip Application Guide . Sign up on OPT's field trip request system .

The NYC Common Online Application

Families are still able to apply to charter schools for the 2020-21 school year while NYC experiences school closures due to COVID-19. Apply online to multiple charter schools in your neighborhood.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. The Common Online Charter School Application deadline is April 24. Apply Now!

*Specific application deadlines may vary by school. Some schools may close their application window by April 1.

Apply Online Now

Field Trips

Nycct field trips.

Bring Our Education Programs to Your School

We now offer in person and virtual versions of our programs, depending on the needs of your school. Virtual programs can be synchronized or asynchronous.

For more information and prices, please email the New York City Children’s Theater Education Director or just click and use the form below:

Bring Our Education Programs to You!

Our Trauma-Informed Toolkit (TITK) is designed for educators, staff, and volunteers who work with young people. The TITK modules features 9 key topics and explore the 6 key elements of a trauma-informed approach

For more information and prices, please visit the Trauma-Informed Toolkit website.

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Transportation Resources for Schools

Public, non-public and preschool personnel and administration can use this page to access applications, forms and Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) policy and procedure information.

For Public, Charter and Non-Public Schools

When to contact your transportation liaison.

Your transportation liaison is your source of support for busing, MetroCard, student eligibility, field trips, and other transportation topics.

Transportation professional development is also available for school staff responsible for transportation.

Contact your Transportation Liaison for:

Application access and training
Reporting late arrival of a bus to school
Reporting an overloaded bus
Help with field trips
Student eligibility checks
Help with checking MetroCard inventory
Help with entering bus stop or MetroCard information
Issues with the driver or attendant
Help with session times
Help with bus safety drills

Contact Information for Transportation Liaisons (TLs)

Find more Borough/Citywide office contacts.

When to Contact a Bus Company

Contact a bus company for:

A bus has not arrived at school before session start or end time
Your school needs to know the exact location of the bus
To get an estimated pick-up or drop-off time for a specific student

You can view the routes and bus vendors assigned to your school in the School Route Search .

When to Contact the Office of Pupil Transportation

Call OPT's customer service center at 718-392-8855 for any of the following:

A bus has not arrived at school before the school day has started/ended
On-going delays for bus arrival or pickup
A student is riding too long
A bus equipment malfunction
A bus capacity/overcrowding issue
A student is placed on a wrong bus
To request a change to a route
To report a student was injured or hurt themself on the bus
To report an accident
To report an issue with a driver, attendant, bus company, parent, and/or student

Follow the DOE’s protocol for when a child goes missing .

For emergencies, always contact 911.

NYCSA Account Creation Support

If you are a staff member in a non-public school in New York City, there may be students in your school who receive busing services from New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). Caregivers of those students can track their bus rides in real time through the NYC School Bus Caregiver app .

Parents/Guardians use their New York City Public Schools Account (NYCSA) credentials to sign in and use the NYC School Bus Caregiver app . Correct information about a student's parent/guardian must appear in the Non-Public Student Information System (NPSIS) so that the parent/guardian is eligible to create a NYCSA account. In some cases, information about a student’s parent/guardian may be either missing or incorrect in NPSIS and must be corrected in order for them to create a NYCSA account and access the NYC School Bus Caregiver app .

Provide Access to NYCSA and NYC School Bus Caregiver App

Here are the steps you can take to ensure that parents/guardians have access to NYCSA and for parents who have children with transportation services provided by NYCPS, the NYC School Bus Caregiver App.

Nonpublic Schools that use the NPSIS application should follow the instructions outlined below to ensure that eligible parents/guardians can create their NYCSA profile for the NYC School Bus Caregiver App.

Confirm if the parent/guardian has access to NYCSA for the child enrolled in your school. If they do not:

Confirm the identity of the adult and that they are the parent/guardian of the student.
Confirm that the parent/guardian information is correct in NPSIS.
If corrections or additions are needed, the system will confirm the parent/guardian is eligible for a NYCSA account and assign a NYCSA Account Creation Code (ACC). The ACC will appear in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report within 24 to 48 hours of any changes to parent/guardian information.
If the NYCSA ACC appears in the report, share the ACC with the eligible parent/guardian. The ACC is called a "Security Code '' in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Report and is unique to the parent/guardian and student.
If the ACC code is missing from the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report, please contact [email protected] with your school’s NPSIS School Code and the list of students with the error.

More information about how to change or add parent/guardian information in NPSIS is detailed in the following section. Please encrypt any student information shared with parents/guardians by email. Follow the guidance outlined in Appendix C any time an email body or attachment includes student PII.

Parents/guardians set up their NYCSA account.

Transportation registration information.
On a student’s IEP.
Nonpublic schools that require support and use of the NPSIS app for student enrollment may contact [email protected] .
Schools requiring NYCSA support and not using NPSIS may email [email protected].

Parents/guardians will access the NYC School Bus Caregiver App using the same credentials (username and password) they use to log in to NYCSA.

How to Add or Change Parent/Guardian Information in NYCSA

Go to https://apps.schools.nyc/NPSIS

Sign in with your DOE external user account email address (@doeexternal.nyc) and password. The site will direct you to the application homepage if you have access.

If you have forgotten your password, use the Password and Profile Management link to complete a self-reset. If you don’t know your username, contact [email protected] .

Assign a Parent/Guardian

Download and review the "School Roster" to determine whether the parent/guardian information and ACC exist.
If the information does not exist, use “Add Student” to add the student to your school’s roster.
Go to "School Roster"
Select student, student"s record will be hyperlinked
Click the student record to go to "Add/Update Student"
There you can update student information, as well as set transportation pre information and make additions to parent/guardian information
Within 48 hours a security code/ACC will be created for eligible adults, for more information contact [email protected]

Update an Existing Parent/Guardian

Download the "School Roster" to determine whether parent/guardian information and ACC exists.
If the parent/guardian exists, follow the link to check and update the information.
Select “Student” and the student’s record will be hyperlinked
Click the student record to go to “Add/Update Student”
There you can update student information, set transportation information and make additions to parent/guardian information
Within 48 hours, a security code/ACC will be created for eligible adults; for more information, contact [email protected]

For questions on the DOE Caregiver application, please get in touch with your school's Transportation Liaison . For questions about using NPSIS or the Parent/Guardian Roster screen, please get in touch with [email protected].

School Session Times (for Public Schools)

Each spring, the principal determines the school’s schedule for the coming year (in alignment with contractual obligations and NYSED minimum instructional time requirements). Changes to the schedule that deviate from the traditional contractual requirements require a vote via the School-Based Option (SBO) process. See the Session Time Memo for more information.
The school’s schedule is submitted to OPT via the Session Time Application. Prior to routing, it is reviewed and approved by the DOE and UFT.
Students are bused according to each school’s established session times. Busing is not provided for afterschool and extracurricular programs.
Once a school’s overarching session times and contractual work day schedules are established in the Session Time Application, students must be programmed for all instructional time in the STARS suite of applications. For more information, see the Elementary, Middle, or High School Academic Policy Guides .
Schools may choose to extend their school day beyond the required hours with the help of community-based organizations/non-profits and special grant opportunities; however, schools must deliver their mandated instruction and services, including for English language learners and the IEP-recommended program and related services for students with disabilities, during the regular, mandated school day.
Any requests to change a session time made during the school year will be reviewed in the order that they are received; however requests that affect bus routing may not be able to be accommodated.

Updates to the Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE) Screen in ATS (for Public Schools)

Review important updates to the “ medical alert code ” field in the “Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE)” screen in ATS. A full list of medical alert codes and descriptions can be found on the ATS Wiki .

A new “multi-select” feature allows users to select up to five different medical alert codes in STRE. For example, if a student’s 504 Plan or their IEP recommends limited travel time, climate control/air conditioning, and a paraprofessional—users should select A for “limited travel time” in the first field; T for “climate control/air conditioning” in the second field; and C for “needs two seats” in the third field, in the STRE screen in ATS.
If a student has more than five transportation accommodation recommendations, please indicate M for “miscellaneous,” and email [email protected] , to request that the student’s record be updated to reflect the full list of transportation accommodations.
Additionally, there are three new medical alert codes on the menu: harness; route with fewer students; and diabetes.

Reference the ATS Wiki for additional information on STRE.

For Preschool Busing

When to contact your program’s office.

The following Early Childhood program offices provide preschool programs with transportation information and support:

Pre-Kindergarten programs should contact their Committee on Preschool Special Education
Early Intervention programs should contact their Early Intervention regional office

Contact your program’s Committee on Preschool Special Education office or Early Intervention regional office when:

Your site needs to know if an adult has been approved to accompany a child
A child is not showing in the Pre-K/EI Rider System
The bus is overloaded
A copy of route ridership is needed
A child's bus route information; including bus company name or phone number, pick-up/drop off location, sequence, start date, etc.
To get the specific location of a bus

You can view the routes and bus vendors assigned to your school in the School Route Search .

Bus is arriving late to school
Bus has not arrived for pick-up after the school day has started
Child left at school
Issue with a driver, attendant, bus company, parent and/or student
A child is riding beyond the recommended guidelines
A child was injured on the bus
A child was placed on the wrong bus
Report an accident or student hurt themself

Requesting Services

School responsibilities when receiving transportation services from NYC-DOE Office of Pupil Transportation

Below you will find a summary of the duties that must be discharged by school personnel to ensure timely, safe, and efficient transportation. As the principal of the school, we are asking that you review the material that follows and certify that you understand and are prepared to undertake these responsibilities.

I am the principal of a school and, in requesting OPT-provided bus service:

I understand that our bus routes may be shared with students who attend other schools and that these students may be of different ages or genders.
I understand that Stop to School (GE) buses do not have attendants on board in addition to the bus driver.
I understand that the management of discipline on the bus is the school’s responsibility.
I understand that NYS law limits OPT-provided GE bus service to not more than 180 days and that these dates must be within the limits of the DOE calendar.
I understand that buses may arrive up to 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after our session time and that we must have school personnel available to meet buses and assist students on and off the bus at these times.
I understand that OPT will create our initial set of bus stops and routes, but that school personnel will have that responsibility thereafter.
I understand that school personnel will be expected to contact our OPT Transportation Liaison or OPT’s Customer Service Unit by telephone to report transportation-related issues.
I understand that session times submitted are subject to DOE approval.
And I also understand that, in lieu of OPT-provided service, by submitting additional information, I may request reimbursement for bus service managed directly by my school.

Regarding students receiving MetroCards, I also understand that:

School personnel are responsible for receiving and distributing MetroCards according to each pupil’s grade and distance eligibility and for recording the serial number of each MetroCard distributed to each student in a prescribed manner.
School personnel are responsible for reporting all lost, damaged or stolen MetroCards in a prescribed manner so that they can be properly deactivated.

And, regarding all students, I understand that:

School personnel are responsible for maintaining accurate transportation data for each student in a prescribed manner on a continuing basis.

And, lastly, given the implication of these requirements:

I will identify the school personnel who will be responsible for these tasks and will make them available to take part in transportation training workshops.

If you wish to continue with this request and accept the conditions outlined above, please complete and submit a Preliminary Request for Transportation Services . To receive transportation services for the start of school in September, completed applications must be received by June 1.

Schools with Academic Class Past 4PM

Schools with academic classes running past 4PM should read the After 4PM Information and Application Procedures . That document outlines the ways that a school can request to use a bus from a DOE vendor, or receive reimbursement for their own vendor.

Either way, a completed Transportation Request Form must be sent to OPT before July 1 for the upcoming school year.

If this service is approved by OPT, families of the students using after 4PM busing must submit the Parent Authorization Letter to your school prior to riding the bus.

Transportation Reimbursement for Students Eligible for Curb-to-School Transportation

The following groups of students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for transportation paid for by their family, foster care agency, or shelter staff in instances that DOE busing was not available.

Note: Transportation to related services as part of a student’s IEP is not reimbursed by OPT. Please contact your CSE for assistance.

Students in temporary housing or foster care, grades K-6 or grades 7-8 with an IEP and busing could not be provided
Students in foster care, grades K-6 and grades 7-8 without an IEP recommending transportation and busing could not be provided
Curb-to-school students whose bus company experienced a substantial delay that resulted in a no-show, or otherwise refused to provide service to the child assigned to the route

Note that submission of a Transportation Reimbursement Form does not guarantee reimbursement. The DOE reviews each submission and makes the final determination on reimbursement.

Travel reimbursement could be denied for the following reasons:

Your child does not fall into one of the categories above. All stop-to-school reimbursement requests for students not in temporary housing or foster care will automatically be denied.
Your child was routed and the DOE cannot verify that the bus in question experienced a substantial delay based on GPS data
If the form is not completely filled out and/or does not include receipts

Eligible families can fill out the Transportation Reimbursement Form .

Please note: Tips and student no show will not be reimbursed.

Training and Support

All schools should log into OPT Info Stop which contains training videos and documents. For additional support and training, schools can contact their transportation liaison or transportation support liaison.

Managing Student MetroCards

Schools give MetroCards to eligible students at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer terms each school year. Schools must record the serial number of each MetroCard provided to each student, and deactivate and quickly replace lost, stolen, or non-working MetroCards. Failure to do this may result in a delay in receiving additional MetroCards.

You may not give a MetroCard to any student using yellow bus transportation, and the MetroCard must match a student’s level of eligibility.

Full-fare cards are valid on MTA subways and buses (but not on express buses)
Full-fare cards are available for eligible students

Review the Transportation Overview page on the DOE website for additional information or contact your borough transportation liaison.

Requesting Additional MetroCards

For schools that utilize ATS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to [email protected] .

For schools that utilize NPSIS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to [email protected] .

OPT will only honor requests if the Inventory Report in ATS or NPSIS reflects the need for additional MetroCards. Contact your transportation liaison with questions.
The email must include your OPT Code, the types of cards, and the number of cards that are being requested.

Types of MetroCards Available for Students

Four-trip metrocards.

Each student MetroCard provides three trips each school day, with one transfer per trip. Three trip cards allow a student to travel from home to school, from school to an after school activity, and then from that activity back home.

If a student tells you their trip to school requires more than three trips you will need to make the request in ATS or NPSIS then email [email protected] or [email protected] with the student's name, I.D. number, and a copy of the MTA Trip Planner that displays the student's transportation options to school.

Special Program MetroCards

Special Program Student MetroCards are two-trip cards that are valid until 11PM for students whose school-approved program ends after yellow bus service is available, or if their program is during the school day or on a Saturday (ex. Saturday academies, after school programs, internships, or work study programs).

You can request Special Program MetroCards by filling out the Special Program Application for Student MetroCards .

Schools must track each student who receives a card on a distribution log.

Summer School MetroCards

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) provides MetroCards for student use during the summer for public and nonpublic schools, as well as for DOE-approved programs such as internships that are not necessarily based in a school building. The procedures that must be followed to request these MetroCards differ depending on the school or program type and are explained below.

Summer MetroCard requests for Public and Charter Schools.

Public and charter schools must submit their request through ATS and ensure students are registered with a class and program code in SSPR beginning April 18th. All students in public and charter schools must be registered in SSPR by May 13th to ensure delivery of MetroCards by the first day of summer school.

Reminder - Only students who received busing or MetroCards in the spring are eligible to receive a MetroCard for summer programs.

Please contact your school’s Transportation Liaison with questions or for assistance with the required ATS procedures.

Summer MetroCard requests for Nonpublic Schools.

Nonpublic schools are required to submit their summer school MetroCard request utilizing the Nonpublic Summer School and Fall Reconciliation Application not later than May 13th.

Reminder – The total quantity of cards requested should include students attending your program for the summer who are not on your 10-month roster.

Please contact your school’s Transportation Liaison with questions or for assistance with the required reconciliation procedure.

Summer MetroCard requests for DOE-Approved Programs not based in a school building.

DOE approved programs such as internships or CBO-provided enrichment activities providing in-person services can request MetroCards for all eligible students attending the program. The MetroCard Request Form for DOE-approved Summer Programs must be submitted by June 10 in order to ensure MetroCards for the first day of your summer program.

Please contact the Transportation Liaison for the DOE school district where your program is located with questions or for assistance with the required application.

Certificate for Free Transportation

In addition to providing student MetroCards, OPT provides schools with Certificates of Free Transportation which are valid on the NYC Transit System (subways) and Staten Island Railway only and will not be accepted on buses. These can be used for field trips by groups of up to 40 students when accompanied by one adult for each group of 10 students. The Certificates distributed by OPT are available for use Monday through Friday only, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please use this form to request Certificates for Free Transportation .

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development also provides transportation through a Complimentary Subway Transportation Program to schools and non-profit organizations that provide services to youth ages 5 through 18. The Certificates provided by DYCD are valid Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 11:30 PM as well as on weekends from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM. For additional information on DYCD services, call 800-246-4646 or email DYCD at [email protected].

Purchased MetroCards

Principals may purchase two-trip MetroCards for a variety of uses, including transportation for parent/teacher conferences and school events, by placing a purchase order through FAMIS. You must indicate on the purchase order if you would like to pick up the cards at OPT or have them delivered by courier.

You can also exchange expired two-trip MetroCards for new ones if you submit them to OPT within 18 months of the expiration date. Any cards expired for more than 18 months cannot be exchanged and OPT recommends turning in expired cards immediately after expiration, to account for processing time.

You can either mail the expired MetroCards with a copy of the original purchase order or the original receipt to OPT at the address below, or you can arrange for an appointment to exchange them in person by emailing [email protected] .

Attention: MetroCards 44-36 Vernon Boulevard, 6th Floor Long Island City, NY 11101

Once OPT receives the expired cards, new ones will be sent via courier, or can be picked up at the OPT offices.

Schools that purchase large numbers of MetroCards should consider making smaller purchases to limit the number of exchanges necessary.

STH & SFC Parent/Guardian MetroCards

Parents/guardians of students in temporary housing or foster care 3K- grade 12 who do not receive busing or are in the process of being routed can receive a MetroCard from their child's school to accompany their child to and from school.

Please submit an Application for Parent / STH MetroCards - 2023-2024 School Year to request these MetroCards.

School OPT code and DBN
Number of STH parent/guardian MetroCards

Note: Schools must ensure that the housing status in ATS-BIO is updated to reflect housing status.

Metrocard Brochure -- English English
Metrocard Brochure -- Spanish Spanish
Metrocard Brochure -- Chinese Chinese
Metrocard Brochure -- Bangla Bengali
Metrocard Brochure -- Russian Russian
Metrocard Brochure -- Urdu Urdu
Metrocard Brochure -- Arabic Arabic
Metrocard Brochure -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Metrocard Brochure -- Korean Korean
Metrocard Brochure -- French French

Field Trips

Field trip rules and procedures can be found in Chancellor's Regulation A-670 .

Beginning on September 18, schools will be able to book yellow school busing for field trips during the school day. The first date to schedule a field trip is September 26.

Schools can still charter coach buses for field trips. More information is available below.

Students in grades K-12 (school age) can get yellow bus service for field trips. Schools requesting field trips for school age students mandated for car seats, must provide the car seat for the trip.

Schools requesting field trips for Pre-K students under the age of 5 or weighing 50 pounds or less at the time of the trip require car seats and must charter the trip through a Pre-K vendor .

To request, cancel, edit, or view transportation services, school personnel must log in to the Online Field Trip System . Follow these steps when booking school bus transportation:

Booking is subject to availability; OPT will attempt to accommodate as many trips as possible
Trips must be within the five boroughs of New York City
Trips must leave the school after 9:30 AM and return to the school by 1:30 PM
Requests must be submitted at least one week before the trip date
Trips cannot service multiple destinations
Trips cannot be scheduled on dates when the NYC public schools are closed (generally all federal holidays) or on dates when the public schools have half-day sessions

Important Dates

September 26 is the first day when field trips may commence
The last day when field trips may commence is June 14

Dates Upon When Field Trips Cannot Take Place

September 25
November 7, 23-24
December 25-30
January 1, 15
February 19-23
April 1, 10, 22-30
June 17, 19

Charter a Contracted Coach Bus

When field trips do not fall within the yellow busing field trip parameters outlined above, or when yellow school buses are not available for trips that do fall within those parameters, schools may procure coach busing service.

To procure coach busing services, use the FAMIS portal (requires log in) to issue a purchase order (PO) to a contracted coach bus company for round-trip transportation of students and adults on school trips lasting no more than six days and five nights, within the five boroughs, intrastate, and out-of-state.

Eligible coach bus vendors are based on borough and trip details. To identify the appropriate vendor, reference Coach Bus Rates and issue a purchase order through the FAMIS portal (requires log in) using object code 669 and the corresponding item number and contract number.

The available coach bus companies are:

Academy Express, LLC 111 Paterson Avenue Hoboken, NJ 07030 (201) 420-7000, Ext. 2236 [email protected] Contact: Francis Tedesco

Accord Bus, LLC 575 Scholes Street Brooklyn, NY 11237 (212) 973-8282 [email protected] Contact: Sofia Fayer

J and R Tours LTD 41 Torre Place Yonkers, NY 10703 (914) 668-5050 [email protected] Contact: Ralph J. DiDonato

S and J Tour and Bus, Inc. 185 Canal Street, #402 New York, NY 10013 (718) 921-4246 [email protected] Contact: Mona Jiang

Suburban Trails 750 Somerset Street New Brunswick, NY 08901 (732) 249-1100, Ext. 231 [email protected] Contact: Zarko Zecevic

Charter a Non-Contracted Coach Bus

If none of the contracted charter bus vendors are available on the date of your scheduled trip, then schools may go through the 3 competitive bids or MWBE process in FAMIS. As a reminder, all non-contracted thresholds must be followed as outlined in the OTPS Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOPM) .

View the Non-Contracted Charter Bus Guidance Document .

Prior to the Trip

The school: .

Verify the company has a satisfactory rating posted on the US Department of Transportation - Safety Measurement System .
Obtain the documentation listed below and upload to FAMIS for the Division of School Leadership Finance Team review and approval.

The School requests from the Vendor:

A copy of the driver’s 19A certification certified by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle.
A copy of NYSDMV Abstract of Driving Record indicating the driver’s 19A status is Active-School-Qualified.
For commercial general liability insurance, a combined single limit coverage of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence. General aggregate and Products-COMP/OP AGG.
For automobile liability insurance, a combined single limit per occurrence of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000)
A copy of the Worker's Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance in the amounts prescribed by law.

Upon receipt of the above documentation uploaded to FAMIS, the DSL Finance Team will review the purchase order.

On the Day of the Trip

The school official (Principal or trip Designee that is also a Public Schools Employee at the school) in charge should verify that:

The driver of the vehicle has the appropriate license and a company-issued identification card.
The vehicle has a valid registration and Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker.
The capacity of the bus, as indicated by the numbers located by the entry door, is sufficient to transport the number of people who are taking the trip.

After the Day of the Trip

School certifies the purchase order (PO) in FAMIS for services rendered before or on June 30, 2023.
School submits supporting documentation to accounts payable to initiate payment to the vendor.

Schools may contact their Transportation Liaisons for assistance.

Certificates for Free Transportation

Groups of students accompanied by teachers may use free group subway transportation certificates while traveling to and from educational field trip sites during designated days and times.

Certificates are valid for round-trip travel on subways only, not buses. The certificates may be used:

Monday through Friday (they are not valid on Saturday, Sunday or holidays).
Between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM only
Year round (including summer)
At any subway station of the NYC Transit System and Staten Island Rapid Transit
For a maximum of 40 students and four adults
For a minimum of five students and one adult

Please use this form to request Certificates for Free Transportation .

Schools can choose to combine yellow bus service and certificates on a trip. For example, a school may use yellow bus service to travel to their destination if they are leaving after 9:30 AM and use certificates of transportation for return travel by subway if they will return later than 1:30 PM.

Free subway passes for use at other times of the day and on weekends and holidays are available from the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development .

Volunteer Attendants

On general education school buses .

The following procedures are required for the Office of Pupil Transportation to authorize an individual to serve as a volunteer attendant on general education school buses contracted by the New York City Department of Education.

The New York State Education Department regulations require that any adult who rides a school bus be:

Fingerprinted (the fingerprint requirement may be waived for current DOE employees who have already been fingerprinted at either 44-36 Vernon Boulevard or 65 Court Street)
Have a recent medical examination form on file
Have an annual tuberculosis (TB) test on file
Take and pass the same training classes as our permanent school bus attendants
Take and pass an annual follow-up training

Any parent/guardian wishing to be a volunteer attendant will not be permitted to ride on the same route to which his/her child is assigned.

Schools are responsible for the identification and initial screening of candidates. If the candidate is not already well known to the school, this process must involve interviews and reference checks. All candidates must be at least 21 years of age. No candidate may serve on a vehicle prior to having obtained fingerprint clearance. Schools must submit this Volunteer Monitor form to Marilyn Mateo at [email protected] .

If a school requests an attendant for a bus route that services multiple schools, the principal of the requesting school must receive written consent from the principal of each of the other schools serviced by that route. The requesting school must receive a letter from each other school 1) on school letterhead 2) signed by the principal or assistant principal 3) include schools’ ATS Code, OPT code route number 4) and stating the principal is aware of and consents to the assignment of an adult attendant to supervise its students while they are being transported. This letter must be submitted to the Office of Pupil Transportation at the time of the request.

Once an individual has been cleared to serve as an attendant, the Office of Pupil Transportation will provide written notification to the school and the vendor providing service on that route. The notification will include the stops at which the attendant will be boarding and disembarking the bus. Only the attendant whose name is provided to the vendor is authorized to ride on that route. No other adults will be permitted to board the bus except in case of emergency.

Short-Term Exceptions

The Office of Pupil Transportation makes the following exceptions for a volunteer attendant to ride the school bus on a short-term basis:

Emergencies during the current school year for no more than ten school days
Summer school shuttles

In order to request a short-term volunteer attendant, please submit a Volunteer Monitor form to Marilyn Mateo at [email protected] with the following information:

The person’s name with fingerprint information on file. If fingerprint information isn’t provided, they cannot ride the bus under any circumstances.
The vendor/bus company name
The route they will be riding and whether morning and afternoon or both
The stop where they will board (applies to current school year exceptions only)
The stop where they will get off (applies to current school year exceptions only)

Safety Drills

All public, non-public, and charter schools, including preschool sites, are required to conduct at least three School Bus Safety Drills per school year. Bus safety drill dates for the 2023-24 school year are:

Between September 7 and September 15 (during the first seven days of school); entered into the OSYD portal by October 6
Between November 1 and December 22; entered into the OSYD portal by December 22
Between March 1 and April 26; entered into the OSYD portal by April 26

Once the drills are completed:

Schools should visit the Office of School and Youth Development for more information
All public, non-public and charter schools must complete the Certification of Performance and retain the form at their school

How to Conduct a School Bus Safety Drill

School staff should adhere to the following guidelines when conducting school bus safety drills. The instructions provided during each drill can prepare all school children to act quickly and safely in the event of an emergency even if they are not regular school bus riders. These directions are adapted for NYC from the School Bus Safety Drills Check Sheets published by the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute for the NYSED. Keep in mind; every child is required to participate in the drills, whether or not they receive school bus transportation regularly.

School leaders may satisfy school bus safety drill requirements in one of two ways:

Schools must work directly with a bus company to obtain a vehicle for the school bus safety drill and a driver to partner in the instruction of the drill
Each class should be allotted thirty minutes to practice on the bus, and drills should be co-led by a bus driver and school staff member
Introduce the drill and explain why you are conducting the drill
Stress the importance of following driver directions in an emergency
Review the DOE’s safety tips for riding on a bus with students
In a classroom setting

Steps to Follow During a School Bus Safety Drill

Explain the concept of emergency: “a dangerous situation requiring immediate action”
Threat of explosion
Bus in an unsafe position
Emphasize specific hazards encountered by student riders during snowy, icy, and other inclement weather conditions; slippery road conditions; and poor visibility
Have students point out the location of all emergency equipment (extinguisher, first aid kit, reflectors, etc.)
Have students point out and open all exits and passenger door
Explain the danger of playing with emergency exits
Demonstrate how to stop, secure, and shut off the bus
Explain why students should know the bus number and route
Demonstrate how to use the bus radio
Show students how to evacuate the bus safely. Practice at least one type of evacuation per each required drill.
Shut off and secure the bus, and activate red flashers during the evacuation practice
Insist on an orderly practice evacuation. Student helpers should get off first and wait on both sides of the front passenger door to keep students moving and prevent students from falling down the stairs.
Students should leave book-bags and all other personal items on the bus.
Point out a safe area for students to gather outside the bus
Ask students to “buddy up.” Younger students should hold hands as they move away from the bus.
To prevent injuries, insist on an orderly, “seat-by-seat” practice evacuation.
Student helpers should serve as outside “spotters” during the evacuation practice, outside the rear door. Helpers should get off first.
Require all students to “sit and slide” from the emergency door; never let students jump out the door or engage in horseplay during the practice
Students should leave book bags and all other personal items on the bus
Students in the front half of the bus go out the front door, and students in the back half go out the rear door (make sure students know where they are to evacuate before the evacuation starts)
Insist on an orderly, seat-by-seat, practice evacuation
Student helpers should go out the rear door before other students, and should “spot” for other students exiting the rear door
Remind students to leave book bags and all other personal items on the bus
After the evacuation, practice is over, gather the students in front of the bus and demonstrate safe crossing.
Let students point out Danger Zones
Review your operation’s “Safe to Cross” and “Danger - Go Back!” signals
Remind students never to try retrieving something they’ve dropped near the bus, and never to run after a missed bus
Explain the dangers of drawstrings or other dangling clothing
If the students paid attention and did a good job, remember to thank them! Thank any teachers or school officials who assisted or observed. Distribute the “Letter to Parents” for students to take home.

Reporting Completion of a School Bus Drill

Public Schools should report completed school bus safety drills on the OSYD Portal (Access Required)
Charter and Non-Public Schools should fill out a Certificate of School Bus Safety Drill Performance and keep it on file

For classroom instruction, “practice” can be done through role modeling, demonstration or video, depending on availability. A school bus company or in some cases an OPT representative may be able to assist in classroom instruction if scheduled in advance.

End-of-Year Procedures

Determining eligibility changes for ats users.

Specific groups of students will change eligibility as they advance in grade. Schools should communicate these changes in advance whenever possible.

Change: No longer eligible for yellow bus (students may request a MetroCard in the fall)
Students with distance code C or D
Students with an active IEP that does not mandate transportation
There is no change in eligibility for the following students currently in grade 6

Schools can use data on the TLST screen to identify the specific students in order to inform families.

Sort TLST data by grade
Scan each page and note students who will be affected by this change
Use Transportation Eligibility Change (Letter to Parent or Guardian) or your school’s existing memo to inform families
Transportation Eligibility Change -- English English
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Spanish Spanish
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Chinese Chinese
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Bangla Bengali
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Russian Russian
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Urdu Urdu
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Arabic Arabic
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Haitian Haitian Creole
Transportation Eligibility Change -- Korean Korean
Transportation Eligibility Change -- French French

Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing

School bus service is generally not available to students in New York City above the sixth grade.

Prior to the 2010-2011 school year, however, busing was provided to grade 7 and 8 students at fifty-four schools, mostly in Staten Island and a few schools in Queens and Brooklyn, due to a variance known as V0708.

Recent "wind back the clock" legislation returns busing to the schools that used this service in school year 2009-10 as it relates to the Office of Pupil Transportation variance V0708.

If your school did not have busing due to this variance in school year 2009-10, you are not eligible for the restoration of grade 7 and 8 busing.

For more information and a list of schools, see Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing .

School Closures

Weather event, non-public schools.

Non-public and charter schools should follow the guidelines below for handling weather-related emergencies as well as other emergencies that may impact transportation. Schools with DOE school bus transportation must have an emergency closure plan on file with OPT. In that plan, schools must detail their parent notification procedure for closures and delays.

When DOE schools close due to inclement weather, bus transportation will not be provided to any school (including non-public schools).

If DOE schools remain open and you decide to close your school due to inclement weather, follow one of these steps:

Include your name, contact information, and OPT school code(s)
This email address is not monitored on weekends, federal holidays, and other NYCDOE days off
When we receive your message, OPT will notify bus vendors to suspend service for the next day
The request is not approved until you receive written confirmation from OPT

To request for delayed opening or early dismissal, follow one of these steps:

Same day requests for a delayed opening or early closing cannot be accommodated
The request is not fully approved until you receive written confirmation from OPT

In the event that you decide to close your school on the day of a weather event, you must contact your bus vendor and inform parents before 5:30 AM.

After contacting the vendor and parents, follow one of these steps:

Notify OPT of your school closure using email: [email protected]
Include your name, contact information, and OPT school code(s) and confirm that the vendor and parents have been notified

Other Emergency School Closures

If your school must be closed due to a building safety or mechanical issue:

An agent will ask you to provide your name, contact information and OPT school code(s)
Notify your Borough/City-wide Office

Transportation Systems / Applications

Student Ridership Information
Add, Remove, and Change bus stops (OPT 199)
School Bus Violations
Field Trip Application
Session Time Application
Non-Public School Calendar
Non-Public School Information System (NPSIS)
Non-Public Summer and Fall Reconciliation
Pre-K / EI Site and Rider System
Pre-K / EI Calendar
Summer Pre-K Rider System

For help with usernames or passwords, email your Transportation Liaison .

Student Profile - Search for student school and bus information.

The Best Way to and From School - MetroCard guide for traveling in NYC using the MTA.

Virtual Fieldtrips

WAC is offering FREE Virtual Watershed Forestry Fieldtrips to the New York City Watershed so you and your students can experience the forests that filter and protect NYC’s drinking water LIVE in your classrooms.

During a Virtual Watershed Forestry Fieldtrip, WAC educators join your class live from the reservoirs, streams and forests of the NYC Watershed and lead your students in hands-on science activities related to watersheds, forest ecosystem services, and stream ecology.

Timing: Timing is flexible – our virtual fieldtrips can run anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your schedule and preference.

Technology: Typically, educators send us a Zoom or Google Meet link to join their class. Alternatively, we can host the fieldtrip through our own Zoom account.

Content : All fieldtrips include visiting a NYC drinking water reservoir to learn about where, why and how the NYC water supply system was built. Additional science content is presented depending on which trip option you choose. Your 3 options include:

Recommended pre-trip materials:

1. Our Pre-trip Lesson Google Slideshow leads students through a series of inquiries, 2 short videos and 1 short reading. Students will reflect on their own water usage, hypothesize where their tap water comes from, and get an overview of the NYC Watershed, water supply system and the role forests play in filtering and protecting water quality.

2. The NYC-DEP Education Department has created an awesome Virtual Tour of the NYC Watershed and water supply system with embedded videos, images and text that take your students on a journey from raindrops in the Catskill Mountains to their city taps. Consider assigning this individually or jig sawing the content (especially the video content) in groups before your fieldtrip.

NYC & COMPANY LAUNCHES NYC VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

NYC & COMPANY LAUNCHES ‘NYC VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS’

—New Resource on NYCGO.com Highlights Educational Online Offerings from Five-Borough Cultural Institutions and Attractions—

New York City (July 16, 2020) – NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City is expanding upon its virtual offerings and spotlighting online experiences to engage young New Yorkers and travelers who are currently unable to visit the destination. The NYC Virtual Field Trips digital resource, available at nycgo.com/virtualfieldtrips , comprises five-borough arts organizations and tourism businesses that are offering digital activity books, study guides, livestreams and more, this summer and beyond. The new initiative also includes curated recommendations from a selection of the City’s most innovative thinkers and educators, with additional curators to be announced as the program rolls out.

“New York City has always been an attractive playground for families, and our world-class arts & culture organizations, attractions and tours are committed to engaging young visitors virtually until they can return in person. We encourage New Yorkers and the world to take advantage of our new NYC Virtual Field Trips resource and plan their five-borough virtual field trip now,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company President and CEO.

Consumers can browse NYC Virtual Field Trips by type of content, subject, borough, age range and more. Featured experiences include:

Art & Culture

Brooklyn Museum

’s K-12 online learning resources include information, images, questions for viewing, and activity ideas relating to the museum’s previous exhibitions.

Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute

offers educational guidebooks supporting the institute’s recent exhibitions including

THE COLOR OF POWER: HEROES, SHEROES, & THEIR CREATORS

, which debuted in November 2019, with suggested lesson plan activities, interactive viewing questions, and more.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

’s educational resources include a Spotlight on Pride, featuring information on influential LGBTQ+ designers and wearers of jewelry from past to present.

Pre-K–12 groups are able to take virtual tours led by

The Jewish Museum

educators, exploring works of art in the museum’s collection via online video platforms.

Curriculum resources from

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

include comprehensive illustrated guides introducing students to select collections of the iconic Museum.

’s Guides for Educators are available as downloadable PDFs, with topics ranging from Modern Art and Ideas, to Residential Architecture in MoMA's Collection, to Latin American and Caribbean Modern and Contemporary Art.

The Morgan Library & Museum

’s arts in education programs are available for virtual field trips for grades K-12, covering various themes including Mythical Creatures and It’s Alive!

Frankenstein

Queens Museum

’s online resources include a Stay-at-home Guide for Teens, as part of the museum’s Queens Teens program which offers local youth opportunities to gain exposure to a cultural institution and develop a creative interest and passion for the arts.

Attractions & Tours

Educator-guides from

Big Onion Walking Tours

offer virtual tours of neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with live, hourlong sessions featuring interactive narrations and discussion.

Those looking to learn more about the

Empire State Building

’s construction, technology, history, and more can visit the icon’s online Education Center.

Inside Out Tours

’ The Great Bridge: Brooklyn Bridge Tour is available virtually, with 360-degree video views of the famous landmark and Brooklyn’s waterfront neighborhood, DUMBO.

Created for educators and student tour group operators,

Levys' Unique New York!

’s Ultimate Guide to Brooklyn includes informative and engaging facts about the City’s most populous borough.

Study guides offered by

One World Observatory

cover topics including science, the history of Lower Manhattan and surrounding boroughs, and careers in construction and technology.

Top of the Rock

offers online education materials for both teachers and students, as well as a virtual tour of New York City’s skyline as seen from the observation deck.

Upcoming virtual programs from

Turnstile Tours

include A Brief History of NYC Street Vending and Bowne & Co.: Letterpress Printing in 19th-Century New York.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

offers interactive lesson plans online that address the 9/11 attacks, their ongoing repercussions, and the history of the World Trade Center, for grades 3-12.

New-York Historical Society

’s education offerings are online learning tools, virtual museum field trips, and a downloadable Social Narrative for visitors on the autism spectrum.

Museum of the City of New York

offers interdisciplinary and social studies lesson plans covering a range of topics related to both the history and future of New York City.

Museum at Eldridge Street

’s Learning from Home platform includes storytimes, learning guides, and a virtual tour of the Eldridge Street Synagogue and the Henry Street Settlement for grades 4-8.

National Museum of the American Indian

’s Native Knowledge 360° classroom resources provide new perspectives on Native American history and cultures, through educational materials and online lessons.

Tenement Museum

’s lesson plans for Upper Elementary and Middle School students tell the stories of immigrant families who called New York City home in the 1800-1900s.

NYC’s historic house museums offer a varied range of virtual educational programming, including

Alice Austen House

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

Historic Richmond Town

Merchant’s House Museum

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden

Louis Armstrong House Museum

Nature & Science

American Museum of Natural History

’s online curriculum collections include materials for educators and those who are interested in learning about science.

Through September the

is offering a Wildlife Camp Online catering to different age groups, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s animals and exhibits.

Virtual Homeschool Programs from the

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

offer children of all ages an opportunity to explore the topics of history, science, and innovation online with a museum curator.

Through online guides

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey

introduces families with children aged 10-14 to the conservation of our oceans and marine wildlife.

As part of its online programs this summer,

New York Botanical Garden

is offering a three-day Summer Mini-Camp for grades 3-5, exploring plants, nature and cooking.

Families can visit

New York Hall of Science

virtually through free at-home resources including

Amazing Brains

, NYSCI’s first-ever virtual exhibit.

Theater & Performing Arts

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

offers an online guide for educators, with suggested classroom activities, discussion topics, resources, and more.

Classic Broadway musicals including

The Lion King

The Phantom of the Opera

, as well as more recent debuts like

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

all have engaging education resources and study guides available online.

CO/LAB Theater Group

offers interactive mini-workshops by Teaching Artists via video, on topics including musical theater, physical theater, and improv.

Carnegie Hall

’s virtual offerings include resources for classrooms and professional development, as well as videos that spark musical learning.

Flushing Town Hall

at Home, the organization is offering Virtual World Dance Camps through August, exploring dance forms of New York’s diverse communities.

Individuals can learn about Off-Broadway shows such as

Blue Man Group

through virtual resources including educational and study booklets.

NYC & Company previously launched Virtual NYC , Dine in NYC , Shop in NYC and Virtual NYC Site Tours platforms to aid five-borough businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and to enable locals and the world to support and stay virtually connected with New York City.

Organizers interested in being featured in NYC Virtual Field Trips can submit their educational online resources here . About NYC & Company : NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com .

Media Assets: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/J4TfqaGCJu

By downloading these Media Assets , you are agreeing to the following terms:

NYC & Company is granting you permission for press use only. Any use of the provided Media Assets, in whole or in part, other than for PRESS purposes, is prohibited (including, but not limited to, copying, distribution or sale of these Media Assets). Please note that the Media Assets must not be used for commercial purposes or rebranded in any way without explicit permission from NYC & Company. NYC & Company is providing this to you without any representations as to rights and clearances with regard to third-party rights.

IMAGES

68 Best Virtual Field Trips For Kids 7FD
Virtual Field Trip to New York City
Virtual Field Trips
20 Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids
Deepen student learning with virtual field trips: Tips from the field
Going Global with Virtual Field Trips in the Classroom

VIDEO

On me persécute... xD
Chapter 3
Audio Up!! When Does Your #turkeyseason24 Start?? Our First Trips Will Be In Nebraska and Texas!
Chapter 4

COMMENTS

Take a Virtual Field Trip!
We hope you'll stay awhile and go on some virtual field trips to visit extraordinary people and places, remarkable events in history, and fascinating topics! From animals to aerospace, NYC's water supply to national parks, honeybees to hip-hop, presidential campaign ads to the Pacific garbage patch, explore the streets of New York and beyond.
Field_Trips
Login. Yellow bus service for field trips is provided to students in grades K-12th (school age) only. Schools requesting field trips for school age students mandated for car seats, must provide the car seat for the trip. Schools requesting field trips for Pre-K students under the age of 5 or weighing 50 pounds or less at the time of the trip ...
School Trips
Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- SpanishSpanish. Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- ChineseChinese. Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- BanglaBengali. Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- RussianRussian. Parent Notification-Consent Form Day Trip -- UrduUrdu.
Virtual Field Trips for NYC Kids: Fun and Educational
The Alley Pond Environmental Center is now bringing its activities and programs right to your screen. Especially for any kids who love science and nature, these programs make for a perfect virtual field trip. They range from the Sunny Bunnies StoryTime Series, to environmental exploration with Zach's Wild World, to fun little arts and crafts ...
Field Trips for School and Camp Groups: 2023-2024
Field Trip Planning Tool for Camp Groups. 3 - Call 212-769-5200 , 9 am-5 pm, to reserve. If you have questions about how to plan an upcoming field trip, please select a 15-minute time slot here to chat with our team. Please note: In order to actually book your trip, or modify your booking, you will still need to call 212-769-5200.
Virtual Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips | Museum of the City of New York. 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St., Open Sat & Sun 10-6, Mon, Thur, & Fri 10-5. Purchase Tickets Donate Now.
Field Trips
We offer both in-person and virtual field trips. Summer booking is now open! Our field trips will be offered from Tuesday, July 9 through Friday, August 23. We are also taking reservations for the remainder of the school year, through June 23, 2024. Please fill out the Field Trip Request Form to request a trip. Field Trip Request Form.
Register for Free LGBTQ+ Live Virtual Field Trips!
Opportunity at a Glance: In partnership with local cultural institutions, the NYC Department of Education is offering free, live virtual field trips on topics related to LGBTQ+ history, culture, and identity. K-12 NYC DOE teachers can register to visit one of four museums with their classes and will also receive pre- and post-lesson materials.
PDF FAQs Regarding School Trips
A. The trip organizer must submit a preliminary trip proposal to the principal which: 1. Describes in detail the purpose of the trip (i.e., how the trip is related to the students' curriculum, whether the trip is a celebratory trip, or whether the trip is sponsored by a club or group within the school); 2.
Class trips
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Registered school groups can visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for free. The Garden also offers 90-minute guided workshop programs for students in pre-K through 8th grade ($150 per class; a discount is available for Title I schools) to help students explore trees, plants and flowers.
K-12 School Programs
In the 2018-19 school year we taught almost 20,000 K-12 students in New York City schools. 2022-2023 School Programs. We also offer virtual programming and will deliver activity kits to you. ... To schedule a field trip, email [email protected] . Con Edison Stem Days Out. If you are a middle school in Staten Island, we invite you to contact ...
Virtual Field Trips
We created a virtual field trip to the GrowNYC Teaching Garden on Governors Island! Below are age appropriate videos that focus on plant parts (for grades k-5) and regenerative agriculture (for grades 6-12). Below each virtual field trip video we also have photos with links to videos where students can learn more. The GrowNYC Teaching Garden at ...
Field Trips
Our virtual field trip tours allow students to learn about the ship's history and the crew who served from wherever they are. All programs are adjusted per age group, are 45 minutes long and offered via Zoom—or another video platform of your choice. ... Self-guided visits for all schools and educator-led programs for NYC DOE schools are ...
FAQ
Yes, as long as trips comply with the following stipulations, as well as others listed on the DOE field trip site: Trips cannot be scheduled on dates which are half days for any grade. Trips are between October and June of the school year. Trips are within the five boroughs of New York City. All requests are received by OPT at least two weeks ...
Field Trips • New York City Children's Theater
Check back soon for more information regarding field trips for the upcoming 2023-24 school year! ... We now offer in person and virtual versions of our programs, depending on the needs of your school. ... Virtual programs can be synchronized or asynchronous. For more information and prices, please email the New York City Children's Theater ...
Virtual Field Trips For NYC Kids
Virtual Field Trips to NYC Museums and Cultural Institutions. Explore the Hall of Planet Earth at the American Museum of Natural History. Photo courtesy of AMNH. 1. American Museum of Natural History. A visit to the American Museum of Natural History is a rite of passage for NYC kids.
Transportation Resources for Schools
The first date to schedule a field trip is September 26. Schools can still charter coach buses for field trips. More information is available below. Students in grades K-12 (school age) can get yellow bus service for field trips. Schools requesting field trips for school age students mandated for car seats, must provide the car seat for the trip.
Field trips in NYC slowly return, championed by schools Chancellor
Field trips in NYC slowly return, championed by schools Chancellor Banks. By. Michael Elsen-Rooney. November 15, 2022, 2:12pm PST. Republish. Schools Chancellor David Banks accompanies students ...
Virtual Fieldtrips
During a Virtual Watershed Forestry Fieldtrip, WAC educators join your class live from the reservoirs, streams and forests of the NYC Watershed and lead your students in hands-on science activities related to watersheds, forest ecosystem services, and stream ecology. Timing: Timing is flexible - our virtual fieldtrips can run anywhere from 40 ...
PDF FYI: Updated 2021-2022 DOE Guidance for School-Based Events and Field Trips
• Use of DOE Space guidance now includes information on school-based events such as indoor and outdoor events, school photos, dances, and bake sales. • Field Trips guidance now includes examples of permitted trips, including tristate area trips and guidance regarding trips to indoor locations subject to vaccination mandates.
Nyc & Company Launches Nyc Virtual Field Trips
We encourage New Yorkers and the world to take advantage of our new NYC Virtual Field Trips resource and plan their five-borough virtual field trip now," said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company President and CEO. Consumers can browse NYC Virtual Field Trips by type of content, subject, borough, age range and more. Featured experiences include: Art ...

Virtual Field Trips: Take a Virtual Field Trip!

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