We look forward to welcoming your school group to Glenstone! Please review the following information prior to your group’s arrival.

To introduce Glenstone to parents or guardians, attach our Family Letter to your permission slip.

You will enter Glenstone at 12180 Glen Road in Potomac, Maryland, by 9 a.m., check in with the security guard, then park at the Environmental Center. A Glenstone associate will welcome the group on the bus and provide a brief introduction. The Environmental Center has restrooms and a water station if needed upon arrival.

The bus will park at the Environmental Center for the duration of the visit. Please instruct students to leave large bags, food, and coats (unless needed) on the bus.

Once off the bus, the students should be split into four groups of up to 10 students. We expect up to 40 students. Each small group will be accompanied by two Glenstone guides who will lead a discussion on the selected theme as students visit 4-5 artworks.

We require a minimum of four chaperones for each visit. Chaperones are expected to work with our guides to encourage student engagement and manage any disruptions throughout the visit.

Glenstone provides opportunities for middle and high school students to learn in an environment which encourages direct connection with art, architecture, and nature. All school visits will spend time inside our galleries and about 20-40 minutes exploring outdoor sculpture on Gallery Road. In extreme weather conditions, time outdoors will be limited.

Our program is led by our knowledgeable guides who are ready to answer all students’ questions and curiosities.

8:45–9 a.m.                
Bus arrives.

9–11:10 a.m.              
Guides lead guided engagement with students.

11:10 a.m.                    
Visit wraps up and groups are directed to Environmental Center for departure.

11:30 a.m.        
Group departs or stays on site to eat lunch at the Cart Barn.

If your group requires a lunch space, we can provide one. Please note lunches must be coordinated by the school. We are unable to provide lunch or accommodate dining at our Café and Patio, and do not carry to-go options.

Due to the fragile nature of the works on view, all visitors must be 12 or older and all minors (ages 12–17) must be always accompanied by an adult during their Glenstone visit. This extends to any 18-year-old on a school visit.

Chaperone responsibilities include:

• Chaperones must always be with their groups and are responsible for the safety of the students, the art, and nature they visit.

• Chaperones are expected to work with our guides to encourage student engagement and manage any disruptions throughout the visit.

• Chaperones must keep their group from merging with others on the paths and in the galleries.

To help us preserve and protect the art, galleries, natural environment, and the experience of other visitors, we ask that you respect the following guidelines:

• Due to the fragile nature of the works on view, all visitors must be 12 or older and all minors (ages 12–17) must be always accompanied by an adult.

• School groups must travel together in groups of up to 10 students with 1 school chaperone.

• Visitors should be prepared to spend considerable time on foot, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Please stay on marked trails and paths. Our growing plants thank you!

• Please don’t touch the art. Even outdoor sculptures that are exposed to the elements can be damaged by human contact.

• Photography is allowed any time a visitor is outdoors. Once inside the galleries, photography is not permitted.

• Glenstone visits take place rain or shine. If the heat index value is expected to exceed 105 degrees, the wind chill temperature falls below 0 degrees, or there are thunderstorms expected in the area, our Community Engagement team will reach out to the group’s primary contact to reschedule your visit.

Accessibility

If your group requires special accommodation, please reach out to the Community Engagement team at youth@glenstone.org or (240) 660 5155. We will work with you to accommodate the group as much as possible.

Please note accommodations must be requested at least one week before your visit.

Accessibility offerings:

• Guided engagements include visual and tactile resources to engage diverse learners.

• Our paths are designed to be firm and stable with accessible grades. Complimentary wheelchairs and gallery chairs are available upon request.

• ASL interpretation can be coordinated for any visit.

• We can provide auditory-sensible visitors noise-cancelling headphones as some of our spaces can get echo-y.

• Our team is equipped to work with non-English learners. Please note: Language interpreters must be requested at least two weeks before your visit.

We want to share our unique experience with as many students as possible. We ask for a minimum 14-day cancellation notice if you will not be able to participate in your Glenstone visit. An early cancellation will provide another school the opportunity to visit.

Please notify of us of your wish to cancel your visit via email at youth@glenstone.org or call 240-660-5155 and ask to speak with a member of our Community Engagement team.