Affordability
One tuition. The whole day, all year.
SEEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, and we work to keep this education within reach: financial aid for qualifying families, a sliding-scale application fee, and military fee assistance through MCCYN.
How Tuition Works
What tuition covers.
We discuss current tuition rates in person, on tours and by email, so we can walk you through exactly what is included and answer the questions specific to your family.
What we can say here: tuition covers a genuinely full day, every working day of the year. There are no add-on fees for extended hours, meals, or museum programming. One rate covers the whole experience.
Included in Tuition
- Full-day program, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, year-round
- Hot catered lunch and snacks every day
- Daily museum access, with the Smithsonian as an everyday classroom
Access
Built to lower the barriers.
A sliding-scale application fee
Applying to SEEC should not be a financial hurdle. Every application includes a sliding-scale application fee based on family income, so the cost of applying reflects your circumstances. The fee is nonrefundable and is explained when you apply.
Financial aid
Financial aid is available for qualifying families. To learn about eligibility and the application process, email our enrollment team at seecinfo@si.edu. We treat every conversation about aid with discretion and care.
Military Families
MCCYN, accepted here.
SEEC accepts Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN), a military fee assistance program that helps eligible families offset the cost of licensed community child care when on-installation care is not available.
That makes SEEC an approved option for eligible military families in the Washington DC area. If you are considering SEEC through MCCYN, email seecinfo@si.edu and we will help you understand how the process works with our program.
Federal Families
Built around federal work life.
SEEC has served Smithsonian and federal families since 1988, and our policies reflect the realities of federal employment.
Priority for Federal Employees
Applications are sorted into three priority lists by employment status: Smithsonian employees, then federal employees, then the general public. Learn how the lists and the annual lottery work on our Admissions page.
If the Government Shuts Down
In the event of a federal furlough lasting more than one week, families may suspend their tuition payment plan for the duration of the closure. If federal salaries are paid retroactively, tuition is owed in full and is due within two weeks of reopening.
Talk With Us
Tuition questions are best answered in person.
Bring them to a tour, or email our enrollment team and we will respond within two business days.