School Group Programs: 3 – 5

Please note that special education programs are booked by age, not cognitive level.

Journey to the Past

General & Special Education: First – Third Grade

Learn about life, work, science, and transportation throughout New York City’s past and present. Explore the Museum’s vintage train collection to compare and contrast life in New York City through interactive storytelling. (75 minutes)

Lesson Plans

Miles of Tiles

General & Special Education: Kindergarten – Fifth Grade

Explore patterns and decorative art found throughout New York City’s Subways stations and learn how art underground reflects the diverse neighborhoods above. An immersive tour of the Museum’s exhibits and vintage train collection includes a hands-on mosaic art activity. (75 minutes)

Lesson Plans

Subway Stories

General & Special Education: Third – Twelfth Grade

Uncover the social stories of subway designers, builders, and riders that shaped transportation history and the evolution of New York City’s past and present. (75 minutes)

Electricity and Circuits

General & Special Education: Third – Fourth Grade

Explore the many ways electricity powers New York City’s subway system and get a first-hand look at electrical subway equipment that keeps the city moving. In small groups, students will construct circuits to power simple motors, light bulbs, and invent their own circuit creations. (75 minutes)

Moving the Millions

General & Special Education: Fourth – Twelfth Grade

Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, engineering, organization and impact over time in this introduction to transit history. (75 minutes)

Immigration and Transportation

General & Special Education: Fourth – Twelfth Grade

From the immigrant workforce that built the subway system, to transportation’s influence on neighborhood development, the rich history and diversity of New York City comes alive through discussion, photographs, and stories. (75 minutes)

Sustainability

General & Special Education: Fourth – Twelfth Grade

Investigate the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of transportation over time using the Museum’s vintage train cars, collections, and exhibits that tell the story of moving the masses. (75 minutes)

Please note that special education programs are booked by age, not cognitive level.

Dates and Times

School programs are offered Tuesdays through Fridays at the following times:

10:00am – 11:15am
11:00am-12:15pm
11:30am – 12:45pm
12:45pm – 2:00pm

Schools from Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island are strongly encouraged to schedule a later time slot.

Group Size & Payment

Group Size indicates, in all instances, students, parents, teachers, and chaperones.

General Education Programs: $200.00 per class of up to 36 participants (including children and chaperones) We can no longer accept groups larger than 36 people

Special Education Programs: $75.00 per class of up to 17 participants (including children and chaperones) We can no longer accept groups larger than 20 people

The number of children and adults reserved at booking is the maximum number of people you may bring the day of your visit.

Payment is due two weeks prior to your visit. Failure to pay will result in cancellation of your program. Refunds cannot be given less than two weeks before your visit. In the event of inclement weather, we can reschedule groups or offer refunds if yellow bus service is suspended.

Planning Your Visit

Reservations are required for all group visits. Due to space limitations, the Museum does not allow self-guided groups.

Unfortunately, the Museum does not have lunch facilities. We can store lunches during the tour, and encourage groups to eat in one of the many nearby outdoor areas including Columbus Park, Korean War Veterans Plaza, and Cadman Plaza or on the bus.

To book a school group visit, please click here!

The Museum does not have storage space for backpacks and coats. We recommend leaving backpacks and other personal items on your bus or at school.

Arrivals & Departures

Due to space limitations, the Museum cannot accommodate entry into the Museum more than five minutes before a scheduled tour. When possible, please have students remain on the school bus or outside the Museum while the teacher handles payment to streamline the check-in process.

Late arriving groups will receive an abbreviated program. If you anticipate a delayed arrival, please contact (718) 694-1848 or (718) 694-1700.

All groups must depart at their scheduled time. Groups may not self-guide before, during or after their program.

Accessibility

The Transit Museum is wheelchair accessible via a lift. Please share information about the needs of your group when making your reservation so we can best assist you. The lift is slow and allows one person at a time, so please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your program’s start time. For more information on accessibility options, including ASL interpreters and listening devices, please click here

Transportation

Traveling by Subway

Taking the train is a great way to begin your visit to the Transit Museum. We are located near:

Borough Hall Station: 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines

Jay Street MetroTech Station: A, C, F, and R

Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station: A, C, and G

Certificates for Free Transportation are provided by NYC Transit to travel to and from school trips.

Traveling by School Bus

Buses may drop off students on either Boerum Place or Schermerhorn Street. Parking is limited in Downtown Brooklyn. Bus drivers are encouraged to seek space on Schermerhorn Street or State Street.

Cancellations

All changes and cancellation requests must be made via email at least two weeks in advance. Deposits will be forfeited if changes are made less than two weeks in advance.

Additional Information

For any additional questions, please call (718) 694-1848 or email [email protected].