From 2017 through 2019, NMWA partnered with Brent Elementary School, Washington, D.C., to deliver arts-integrated programming to all second graders. Students visited the museum to explore the collection, and our educators visited Brent to facilitate discussions and artmaking. Collaborating with teachers to craft and co-teach lessons ensured that these experiences met English language arts and visual arts standards. NMWA offered transportation reimbursement and covered the cost of art supplies to make this partnership low-cost for the school and students.

In addition to local outreach, NMWA educators enjoy traveling to meet our audiences where they are. NMWA worked with educators and students at Title 1 public schools in Ohio from 2014 to 2015 and West Virginia in 2018. In 2023, NMWA educators conducted professional development for Cary, North Carolina’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources art instructors and area public school teachers. NMWA worked with each hosting institution to cost share these experiences.

Each year, NMWA partners with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative to offer Thinking Routine Thursday experiences as part of the “Arts and Humanities for Every Student” (AHFES) initiative. This collaboration has strengthened connections between NMWA and Washington, D.C., public and public charter school students, enabling the museum to serve thousands of elementary and secondary students.