Since 1953, the NIH Children’s School has provided educational support for pediatric patients participating in clinical research at the NIH Clinical Center.
The school is funded by the Federal government and is free for all pediatric patients in grades kindergarten through 12. The school is staffed by teachers from the Montgomery County Public School of Maryland. The primary goal is to maintain the continuity of education for each pediatric patient.
School contact information
- Hours: Instruction is provided 9 am - 3 pm, Monday - Friday, year round
- Location: Hatfield Clinical Research Center, Building 10/Room 1-1679, on the 1NW pediatric unit
- Telephone: 301-496-2077
- E-mail: school@nih.gov
Who may receive educational support?
Instruction is available to all inpatients and outpatients undergoing treatment at NIH, including patients living at The Children’s Inn, other sponsored residences, or in private accommodations. Patients in regular K-12 education programs, patients in special education programs, General Educational Development (GED) candidates, and patients preparing for college admission examinations can all use the school. The school also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support.
Where do patients receive instruction?
Teachers provide instruction in the school’s classroom located in Building 10/Room 1-1679 on the 1NW Pediatric Unit. When necessary, children may be taught in their rooms or in the Pediatric Clinic. Each patient on the 1NW Pediatric Unit receives up to two hours of instruction each weekday on a one-to-one basis with his or her teacher(s). Patients on the 1SW Behavioral Health Unit receive instruction in the classroom at 1SW, Room 1-3640, or on the unit. 1SW patients may receive up to four hours of instruction each weekday. Instruction will vary depending on students’ health and learning needs.
How do students participate in the NIH Children’s School?
Pediatric patients requesting educational support may visit the school or contact the school directly by phone, fax, or e-mail. Upon the patient’s arrival on the unit, the school will have a discussion with the patient and his or her caregiver(s) about educational needs.
Does the NIH Children’s School cover the same subjects as the patient’s home school?
For students currently enrolled in a home school, the primary goal of the school is to support each pediatric patient to maintain academic continuity and progress with her or his home school program. The teachers assigned to the patient will contact the home school for assignments and other information needed during the patient’s stay.
For students not currently enrolled in a home school or if materials are not provided by the patient’s home school, teachers will create an individualized age and cognitively appropriate curriculum for each child. Children who are at the hospital for a day or a week and who have not brought school assignments will be offered materials that reinforce skills at their functional level through stories, worksheets, internet resources or games.
How do patients get credit for school work completed during their hospital stays?
Students can receive credit from their home school by completing assignments and exams assigned by the home school. Arrangements can be made for exams to be administered by an NIH teacher. Upon discharge from the NIH Clinical Center, a qualitative assessment can be provided to the home school. The NIH Children’s School does not issue grades or create a transcript.
Issues or Concerns
Please contact Karin Tetzlaff, Director of the NIH Children’s School, or Bridget Moore for any issues or concerns regarding the services provided by the NIH Children’s School.
We look forward to working with you!