School Group Museum Tours and Art Lessons

PAFA offers interactive, skill-based tours and art lessons for Pre-K through 12th grade students, led by professional art educators. Grounded in our collection of American art from the 18th century to the present, each Museum Tour is centered on developing visual thinking skills and meets significant goals in National Common Core curriculum standards. Designed to complement and deepen the Museum Tour, Art Lessons offer hands on experience with different artistic media and include instruction and materials. Aligned with National Visual Arts Standards they enhance art-making vocabulary and skills and engage students in creative self-expression. Tours and lessons must be scheduled in advance.

Discounted admission and free buses are available for Philadelphia public and charter schools.

School and Community Partnerships

PAFA provides supplemental educational programming to support student learning, parental engagement, and visual literacy initiatives for predominantly bilingual audiences in the Feltonville and Kensington neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

Student Docent Program (Grades 7-12)

The Student Docent Program is a partnership between PAFA and select schools in which 7–12th grade students are trained to become tour guides for their classmates during a museum visit. Over the course of several weeks, Student Docents hone their observation, critical thinking, leadership, and presentations skills while learning inquiry-based tour strategies.

Teacher Education and Professional Development Programs

We offer professional development programs aligned with the themes of our lessons and your curriculum. Participating teachers receive 3 hours of Act 48 credit.