School Programs
Offering curriculum-specific programs for grades JK – 12
Why study shoes? What people wear on their feet around the world is incredibly diverse. It is within this diversity that some of the most valuable and interesting aspects of history and humanity are revealed. Because of this, a school trip to the Bata Shoe Museum can enrich learning in almost any subject area, linking directly to the Ontario curriculum. We offer a variety of programs for students grades JK – 12, both guided and unguided. Guided programs are available from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Group size varies per program.
Learn more about our Step Ahead subsidized program here.
Workshop Options
Learn, question, and explore the 5 Ws of footwear in the community. Students will be encouraged to touch and examine several types of shoes from our hands-on collection and use their thinking skills to determine various characteristics of each. The workshop concludes with shoe-themed activity centres.
Explore shoes from cultures across the globe, thinking critically about function, design, and cultural significance. Through guided inquiry, students will make connections between place and tradition, inspiring them to create a personalized shoe passport reflecting their own heritage and new knowledge.
Step into the shoes of a designer while exploring the history of footwear, focusing on sneakers. Students will learn about various styles, motifs, materials, and technologies, inspiring them to design a shoe prototype of their own.
Students will explore how the footwear industry impacts climate change and how it’s making innovations toward more sustainable solutions. Transforming their learning into action, students will design their own prototype of an eco-friendly shoe using recycled fabrics.
All About Shoes (Any Grade)
Our classic program option: a guided tour of the Bata Shoe Museum’s All About Shoes exhibition, paired with an exciting limited-time special exhibition. Afterwards, groups may choose to enjoy a self-guided view of the rest of the museum’s exhibitions.
À La Carte Gallery Tours (Any Grade)
Groups can choose which BSM’s galleries they would like to see with a guide, including our main exhibit, All About Shoes and the other special exhibitions in our three rotating galleries. Afterwards, groups may choose to enjoy a self-guided view of the rest of the museum’s exhibitions.
**Guided tours include an option to have a Hands-On History presentation at no additional cost. A shoe decorating activity can be added to the tour at an additional cost.
Visit the Bata Shoe Museum on your own schedule! We offer discounted tickets to school groups who would just like to visit the museum at their own pace.
Indigenous Learning
We are pleased to offer extended learning about our Indigenous Collection. Please indicate this option on the Group Booking Request Form or contact us directly.
How to Book
Please review the available tour options and fill in the Group Booking Request Form. You will be asked to select your preferred times. A member of our Education Team will then contact you to confirm your requested time, or make alternative arrangements. If you have general questions, please contact tours@batashoemuseum.ca
Please note that there is a minimum booking rate of 12 people.
Download the BSM School Program Brochure.
Student Group Pricing
includes Tax
| Guided Group Tour + Workshop | ||
| Student (Grades JK – 12) | $16 | |
| Guided Group Tour | ||
| Student (Grades JK – 12) | $11 | |
| Student (18+) | $13 | |
| Unguided Group Visit | ||
| Student (Grades JK – 12) | $4.50 | |
| Student (18+) | $7.20 | |
| Step Ahead* | $0 | |
*For schools that qualify for specialized funding. Please contact our education department for more information.
NEW! Access transportation funding from our partners Daytrippers, a grassroots, Toronto-based charity providing equal access to educational and cultural institutions by funding trips for grades 1- 8 students in lower-income and far-reaching areas. Learn more and apply online.
Teachers and Chaperones:
The Bata Shoe Museum requires students to be accompanied by adult supervisors to ensure the safety and protection of all everyone. Admission is free for 1 chaperone for every five students.
Each additional chaperone will be charged $16.
Support workers for persons with disabilities may attend for free.
Required Chaperone Ratios:
- JK/SK – 1 adult per 5 students
- Grades 1-8 – 1 adult per 10 students
- Grades 9-12 – 1 adult per 15 students.
Field Trip Information
Once you have made your booking, we offer you one free admission to the museum to prepare for your field trip. Contact the education department for further information.
When You Arrive
Enter through the accessible door to the left of the revolving door located on Bloor Street. Educators are asked to proceed straight to the Admissions Desk for registration and payment, located across from the front entrance.
Please review the following guidelines with your group prior to your visit:
- Food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries
- Animals are not permitted in the Museum (service animals are excepted)
- Pencils only; no pens
- Visitors are asked to turn cell phones to vibrate or silent while in the Museum
- Children/Students should be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Adult chaperones accompanying school groups are expected to assume an active supervisory role
Lunchroom
School groups may also reserve the use of the lunchroom. The lunchroom allows seating for up to 48 people
Teacher Resources
Looking to prepare for your trip? Explore our online educational resources.
Class Projects
Do you have a shoe related lesson plan or examples of student work that you would like to share with us? We would love to see them. Email tours@batashoemuseum.ca.
