Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Planning for Your Visit
Reservations

General Information

What age groups do you offer each program to?
Each program is offered to all grades; accommodations are made according to grade bands of K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

How many different programs are there?
Programs are offered in 5 major subject areas: Art & Humanities, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Technology, and Social Studies. Each program is offered for grades K-12. Specific programs do vary to be developmentally appropriate.

How long are the programs?
Programs are approximately 90 minutes. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your start time. All teachers are encouraged to plan for extra time in the garden for their students as this is not a tour of the Gardens. There are many different areas to explore, including our new Indoor Children’s Garden.

Where do the programs take place?
Program locations vary depending on your program choice and the weather. All programs can be moved indoors to our Conservatory in the event of inclement weather.

When are programs offered?
Programs are offered every T, W, Th, F except during our Christmas Season (beginning the week prior to Thanksgiving through the second week in January).
Morning programs begin at 9:30 and afternoon programs begin at 12:00. Some flexibility can be offered if these times cannot be met due to school start and end times and busing. Please call the School & Youth Group Reservations office at 610-388-5210 for more information.

Planning for Your Visit

Where should the bus park?
Just outside the Group Sales office is free parking for buses, as well as a bus driver's lounge for resting. The Group Sales office, located in the Visitor Center, provides a separate reception area, ticketing window and restroom facility for group guests to gather comfortably before beginning their visit. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your program start time.

How much does the program cost per student?
Guided programs require a minimum of 15 students to receive the group rate of  $5 per student. Chaperones and teachers accompanying groups within the required 1:10 ratio are FREE. Any additional chaperones and teachers will be charged at the student rate. Prices are subject to change without notice.

School groups choosing a self-guided visit will be charged $3 per student. Online Seasonal Curriculum is available to download, print and bring with you at www.nurturingcuriosity.com .

Do you provide scholarship or grant money for students?
Nurturing Curiosity School Grants are available to schools groups participating in the Nurturing Curiosity curriculum-based program at Longwood Gardens. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those groups that have 30% or more of the student population qualifying for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program.
 
Aid can cover:
Student’s admission fees of $5.00 per student
Transportation reimbursement costs up to $100.00 per bus, per school, per day

Since funds are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, you are encouraged to request aid as soon as possible after making you reservation.

How many chaperones do I need to bring?
Longwood requires one adult chaperone to every 10 students. Chaperones are a key component to a successful school field trip.  It is important to be informed about the day’s events, lunch plans, meeting locations, and departure time. Any additional chaperones and teachers will be charged $5.00.

How should I divide my students into groups?
We have a guide to student ratio of 1:15. You will be contacted prior to your program to let you know how many guides have been assigned to your group. Please plan to split up your group accordingly.

How do I pay for the program?
Full payment is due by cash, check, or charge on the day of your visit. Please consolidate all monies into one payment. All guided programs require a minimum of 15 guests. Programs can be arranged for fewer than 15 guests, but the full fee for 15 will be charged.

Do you have a lunch facility for students?
Below are several lunch options. If you have any questions, please contact School & Youth Group Reservations office at 610-388-5210 or email k12@longwoodgardens.org .

Student Boxed Lunches are available through Longwood’s Terrace Restaurant for $5.00 per student - includes choice of sandwich, snack and beverage. Please reserve your boxed lunches through the Group Sales office.
Brown Bagged Lunches should be clearly marked with the students name, class, and school.  All lunches should be consolidated into large boxes or bags.  Longwood staff will transport lunches to the designated location within the gardens.
Picnic Area featuring 70 picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities and ample parking in the shade of tall trees is available mid- April through the Christmas season (weather permitting). Although the picnic area is adjacent to the Gardens, it is outside of the main entrance. School groups utilizing this area will need to drive a short distance and are encouraged to plan accordingly. Longwood can not guarantee an alternative location in case of inclement weather.

Reservations

How far ahead should I make my reservation?
Reservations are required for all guided school visits at least 3 weeks in advance. Download the registration form here.
Please note: registrations will be made on a first come, first served basis.  In the event that we cannot accommodate your group, a Group Sales Representative will contact you between the hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
After processing your reservation, a confirmation will be mailed to you. As soon as you receive it, PLEASE READ CONFIRMATION TO BE SURE IT IS CORRECT. If there are any changes, please contact us as soon as possible.

How do I make a reservation?
Please call 610-388-5210 to speak with School & Youth Group Reservations or email k12@longwoodgardens.org

Changes to your reservation should be communicated as soon as possible if you need to increase or decrease the size of your group, or to cancel for any reason.