Various generous donors allow GCV&M to offer grant funding to schools that meet certain qualifications. All RCSD schools, including public charters, are eligible for free student admission and transportation. Any rural/suburban school district where 50% or more students qualify for free/reduced lunch is also eligible for free student admission. Each teacher at qualifying schools can use these grants for two programs per academic year.

The cost of chaperone admission is $12/individual. Chaperones will pay upon arrival at the admissions tunnel – do not collect their payment in advance. If you bring an EBT card and ID you are eligible for $3 admission.

• This varies depending on the type of program. On a regular, non-guided, field trip day we recommend a 1:10 staff/chaperone to student ratio. For guided field trips – there will be a set number of chaperone spots available.

You need to fill out the bus order form in your main office and put GCV&M down as the person to bill. Specific contact information for First Student is: William Simpson, Rochester First Student, 1-585-288-8080.

 It is important to dress for the weather, as all of our programs have outdoor portions that take place rain or shine.

Yes, we recommend bringing lunch for your students to enjoy while at the Museum. Upon arrival you will receive a lunch location where you can both store your lunches and eat. On busy days, lunch times will be assigned by the Museum.

Retail locations will be open Wednesday – Sunday from May 6^th until October 9^th. The Museum Store may be open on select days throughout the off season. Click here to learn more. 

Enrichments are ½ hour activities that cost an additional $3 per student. They allow students to engage in hands on historical activities. The extra cost of enrichments can not be covered by grant funding. Enrichments must be booked at the time of registration.

The Nature Center is located to the right of the Museum, just before the first two parking bays. You will see a turn-off to the right at this location; turn in there and pull up to the Nature Center Loop for student drop-off and check-in.

The lead teacher is responsible for collecting student payment, presenting a final headcount upon arrival, communicating with GCV&M about any changes to your confirmation, and receiving and distributing materials from the museum upon arrival (maps, schedules, etc.). We also recommend the lead teacher gives their cell phone number to all parent chaperones and bus drivers to facilitate communication.

All necessary teachers, aides, nurses, and bus drivers count as school staff and are admitted at no charge. Parent chaperones do not count as school staff.

Yes, homeschool groups may sign up, as school groups, for any regular, non-guided field trip day. In these instances, only the lead teacher is admitted for free and grant funding is not available. Other parents must pay the chaperone fee. Additionally, we offer specific homeschool theme days throughout the year. Click here to learn more about Homeschool Programs at GCV&M. 

Thank you for being a Museum Member! In the instance of school programs, all students must pay regardless of membership status.