Field Trips
PAFA Offers interactive tours for Pre-K through 12th grade students. Grounded in our collection of American art from the 18th century to the present, each tour is led by museum-trained educators and is centered on developing visual thinking skills that meet significant goals in the National Common Core curriculum standards. Tours engage students in lively, inquiry-based conversations that strengthen curriculum connections and encourage critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning skills.
Experience the fun and excitement of visiting the first Art Museum and Art School in the United States.
Tour Options
- 90-minute tour | $6 per student
Free admission for 1 adult* per 10 students (required), $6 each additional
60-minute guided tour + 30 minutes for transitions 2-hour program | $15 per student
Free admission for 1 adult* per 10 students (required), $6 each additional
45-minute guided tour + 45-minute art activity + 30 minutes for transitions
*Adults must be 21 years or older and authorized to work with children under 18.
Availability: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 AM – 12 PM or 1 PM – 3 PM
For additional information or questions, email arteducation@pafa.org or call (215) 391-4377
Educational Standards
Works of art at PAFA are rich, primary-source texts. While every conversational tour is inherently unique, our guided visits align with a range of state and national learning standards, including the following Common Core Anchor Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
How to book a field trip (Please have ready):
- Preferred tour date and time (Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 10 AM or 1 PM start)
- Alternate dates or times in case your first choice is unavailable
- Number of students attending (10–50 students per group)
- Number of adults/chaperones attending
- School name and contact information
- Grade level(s) of participating students
- Any accessibility needs or accommodations
- Relevant classroom themes or learning goals (optional, to help us support your visit)
Know Before You Go
Before you go, please read the FAQs below. Included is an interactive guide to prepare your students for the visit. Teachers can have the students complete the activity before attending.
For additional information or questions, email arteducation@pafa.org or call our Community and Art Education Coordinator at (215) 391-4377.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations for student behavior during the tour?
Students are expected to follow museum rules, stay with their chaperones, and respect the artwork. Quiet, attentive behavior helps ensure a positive learning experience for the entire group. To help students prepare, we recommend introducing them to our Interactive Museum Etiquette Guide before their visit.
What does a school group tour cost?
School group tours are offered at reduced rates for student groups of 10–50 participants. A 90-minute tour is $6 per student, and a 2-hour program is $15 per student. One certified adult is required for every ten students and is admitted free of charge. Additional adults are $6 each, and paraprofessionals are admitted free of charge. Membership discounts do not apply to group visit pricing.
Payment can be made in advance over the phone, by mail with check, or in person on the day of your visit. We accept checks, credit cards, or cash. Your total will be confirmed when your tour is scheduled.
What is the minimum and maximum group size for a school tour?
School groups must include at least 10 students and no more than 50 students per tour. This ensures a safe and engaging experience for all participants.
How do I request accommodations or share special needs for my group?
Please use the field in the booking form to share any accessibility needs, accommodations, or information that will help us support your students. Our team will review your request and follow up if needed.
How do we book a school group tour?
To book a tour, fill out our online booking form with your preferred date, number of students, and number of adults. Be sure to include any special requests or learning goals. After submitting, a member of our team will contact you to confirm availability and finalize your reservation.
How do I reschedule or cancel my tour?
To reschedule or cancel your visit, please email arteducation@pafa.org at least 30 days in advance. We will do our best to accommodate schedule changes based on availability.
Can our group eat lunch at the museum?
If your group plans to bring lunch, please plan to eat offsite before or after your visit.
How many chaperones are required for a school group visit?
School groups must bring one (1) certified adult chaperone for every ten (10) students. Pennsylvania state law requires all chaperones to have background checks and clearances. PAFA recognizes that this may create a financial burden for some schools. If your group has difficulty meeting the chaperone ratio, please email arteducation@pafa.org or call (215) 391-4377.
Admission for Chaperones:
- Up to 5 chaperones are admitted free of charge.
- Additional chaperones are charged $6 each.
Where do buses and vehicles park?
Buses may use the loading and unloading zone in front of the museum. Parking is available in the lot at 15th and Race Streets. Parking can be validated for a discounted rate during your visit.
Can our group arrive early or stay after the tour to explore the museum?
Group visits are scheduled within specific time slots and unfortunately early arrival or extended visits cannot be accommodated.
Can I speak with the tour guides before our visit?
If you have questions, themes, or learning goals you would like our educators to consider, please include them in the booking form. This information helps our guides prepare for your visit.
Who should I contact with questions?
For questions about scheduling, changes, or logistics, please contact arteducation@pafa.org.
PAFA is a non-profit school accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
PAFA is licensed through the PA State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
PAFA, like any other college or university, cannot guarantee that credit earned will transfer to another institution. Transfer of credit is regulated by the criteria established by the receiving institution. It is the student's responsibility to confirm whether credits will be accepted by another institution of the student's choice. All PAFA officials are required to accurately represent the transferability of any courses, programs, and certificates offered by PAFA.