Frequently Asked Questions

Is Not-a-School a preschool?

No. Not-A-School is a creative enrichment program for young children. Although your child will learn and grow in the program, it is not explicitly designed to prepare your child for entering kindergarten.

Will children learn academic skills at Not-A-School?

We believe that children learn life skills through a variety of opportunities. We do not plan to use formal education strategies to ensure children are “kindergarten ready.” We can guarantee that children will have a wide array of choices that will nurture their creativity, social skills, and confidence.

Is your emphasis on creativity exclusively focused on art?

No. The Museum has developed a unique approach to nurturing creativity in the arts, the sciences and the environment. Learn more about our brand of creativity.

Why won’t you accept children in diapers or pull-ups?

Due to our child to staff ratios we are not able to change diapers or pull-ups. Our staff focuses on spending time facilitating activities with children..

Why are you only able to accept 12 children per day?

In order to provide the most high quality experience, we have committed to maintain a staff to child ratio of 1:6. We hope to be able to enroll more children in the future.

Why does the program only run from 9 a.m. – noon? Why are there 10-week sessions?

This first year will serve as a pilot in order to test the sustainability of the program. This year we have the resources to run programming in these increments; Not-A-School staff run our Family Classes and Discovery Camps programs. Children enrolled in Not-A-School are welcome to enroll in these programs, as well.

Do you serve snack? What about lunch?

We will provide a simple nutritious snack of at least two food groups each morning. Children will not be able to stay for lunch.

Do you offer scholarships?

At this time we are not able to offer scholarships.

How will the participants be selected?

Once we have received applications, we will determine which families have the best match in terms of: scheduling, gender balance, ages of children, and philosophical harmony. Priority enrollment is given to members of the Bay Area Discovery Museum Board of Trustees, Museum staff, and then the general public. In addition, applications for 4-days per week will be considered first.

Can children drop-in to Not-A-School?

No. This program requires pre-registration for specific days. We are required to maintain a specific staff to child ratio at all times.