Nestled in the nation’s capital, in the richest museum complex in the world, is the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC), an early childhood demonstration school that places children at the center of every experience. The vast collections of the Smithsonian are the foundation for the culturally diverse curriculum, which offers a rare opportunity for learning.
The children at SEEC learn about their world in an educational setting that is unparalleled. They are introduced to new ideas through personal conversations with scientists, artists, and cultural historians who share their passion for learning in concrete, engaging ways. SEEC children learn about the era of dinosaurs through personal encounters with paleontologists where they are able to see the tools used to examine the past. Kindergartners become ‘scientists’ in a visit to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center where they explore nature intimately, make observations, test hypotheses, and discuss ideas with an entomologist. Throughout the year, SEEC children become familiar with people and cultures from around the world through the wondrous collections of the Smithsonian Institution and the various places around the DC community.
Basic Facts
Age Range:
2 months - 6 years
Years Established: 1988
Tuition: $2058/trimester
Mission/Philosophy
At SEEC we invite children to be extraordinary, to wonder, and to explore the world around them. We teach children to search for knowledge rather than simply be fed information. We give children the time and space to see the effects of their curiosity and to think richly and deeply about things. Through a combination of hands-on exploration, learning through collections and exhibits, and play, children are able to experience the world in ways that are developmentally appropriate and engaging. Our work supports the latest neuroscience research on brain development in young children and invites children to share and explore their own ideas.
Capacity:
135
Available Hours:
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Contact Details
- Address: 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20560
- Zip Code: 20560
- Phone: (202) 633-1399
- Website: http://www.seec.si.edu
