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 are economically disadvantaged, according to https://data.nysed.gov/ qualify. Each teacher at qualifying schools can use these grants for two programs per academic year.

We will cover the cost of 1 adult for every 10 students registered. If you bring additional adults, it is $14/adult.  These adults can pay upon arrival at the admissions tunnel, or can pay using the link you are sent in your confirmation email. If you bring your EBT card and ID you are eligible for $3 admission.

We recommend a 1:10 staff/chaperone to student ratio. 

If you are a free public school in Rochester, you qualify for free transportation through First Student. 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. 

Retail locations are open Wednesday – Sunday. The Museum Store may be open on select days throughout the off season. 

Enrichments are ½ hour activities that cost an additional $4 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. If you are arriving for a Nature Center field trip you MUST still pull up to the Admission Building loop and check in at the Admissions Tunnel. 

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.

Yes, any group of 10+ may sign up as a school groups. They will receive the school pricing. We also 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. However, if you are a member, and attending the field trip as a chaperone, you can use your membership to get in for free.