About Will Smith Zoo School

Founded in 2004, Will Smith Zoo School is a fully licensed, nature-based preschool. As one of the only programs of its kind in San Antonio, WSZS uses nature as the connecting thread that shapes our philosophy, teaching practices, classroom design, and outdoor learning spaces.

Program Details

Classes run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with Extended Care available.
Morning Extended Care: 8:00–9:00 AM
Afternoon Extended Care: 2:00–5:30 PM

Designed for children ages 3–5 who are confident in toileting and dressing independently.

Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:8

Enrollment options:

  • 5-day: Monday–Friday
  • 3-day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
  • 2-day: Tuesday, Thursday

Students will:

  • Spend at least 70% of each day outdoors.
  • Explore the zoo every day and participate in animal interactions and demonstrations.
  • Cultivate an appreciation for the codependence we have with plants and animals.
  • Investigate their own curiosity about their surroundings with compassion and care.
  • Recognize that learning can be as much of a serious hands-on experience as it is messy fun.
  • Engage in motor activities to develop spatial awareness and place value on daily exercise.
  • Foster a lifelong passion for habitat conservation and self-directed learning.
  • Play with natural materials, such as rocks, dirt, water, sand, twigs and leaves (expect your child to come home sweaty, dirty, and happy).
  • Enjoy even more time connecting with nature and friends with extended hours until 5:30 p.m.

Tuition & Fees

Please use the chart below to see rates for the 2025-2026 school year.

Note: This chart is for Preschool Tuition and Fees.

Enrollment Fees:  

There is a NON-REFUNDABLE $495.00 registration fee that is credited towards your first month’s tuition.  This non-refundable registration fee is due upon completion of the registration process.

5-day Program:$1,300/month* Monday through Friday

Extended care hours are 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday extended care cost is $200 a month

3-Day Program: $860/month* Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Extended care hours are 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday extended care cost is $120 a month.

2-Day Program: $640/month* Tuesday and Thursday

Extended care hours are 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday extended care cost is $80 a month.

Enroll Now

Tuition Assistance

We know that providing the best quality preschool education for your child represents a financial commitment. WSZS has full and partial scholarships available to assist with tuition. Due to limited funds, the exact percentage is determined by household size and annual income. Families who apply for tuition assistance are not guaranteed that the assistance will be awarded and are responsible for full tuition payments until notified otherwise. If you are interested in being considered for tuition assistance, please complete the application, after submitting your registration form. Award notifications will be communicated no later than the first Monday in August. 

To apply for tuition assistance for the 2024-2025 school year,
please click on the following link