Medford
Capital Campaign
Check Out Our Progress:
Medford Expansion
We are excited to announce we have secured the historic Mail Tribune Building in downtown Medford! This new building will add over 30,000 square feet of space to the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon campus, more than doubling its current facility. This strategic expansion will provide:
9 Additional Preschool Classrooms
Increasing educational capacity by 40%.
Workforce Training
A dedicated facility for 250+ participants to engage in professional development.
Specialized Support Spaces
New therapy and sensory rooms designed to support diverse developmental needs.
Rooftop & Community Space
Flexible community areas, including a rooftop and communal spaces for regional programming.
Creative Resources
A production studio to develop educational content and support community partners.
Enhanced Accessibility
Dedicated parking and expanded outdoor play areas for families.
Completed Facilities in Medford
The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon
Total 15,700 Sqft of revitalized space within the Historic Carnegie Library:
The home of a lot of our drop-in programs, The Gathering Grove is a wonderfully cozy learning space, where children can read, dance, and explore!
A complete "dream-and-build" station, featuring a full suite of tinker tools for assembling and reassembling limitless creations.
Designed for our littlest of guests, this area is perfect for ages 0–3.
Our STEAM-powered Forest, as in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, is a groundbreaking exhibit that comprises 3 main exhibits and several smaller interactive experiences:
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The Water Lab
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The Wind Lab
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The Light Lab
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The Carrico Family Foundation Grand Hall at the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon offers a variety of interactive exhibits designed to encourage dramatic play and social-emotional development:
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Farm to Table Exhibit: Kids can follow the journey of food by harvesting, packing, and "preparing" meals in a play kitchen.
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Safe & Sound Medical Exhibit: A space for doctor role-play where children can explore health through X-rays and medical tools.
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Adventure Mountain Exhibit: An area focused on physical activity and explorative play.
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The Lookout Exhibit: An exhibit that teaches children about nature through wildlife identification and maps.
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The Lumber Yard Exhibit: A building-focused zone where kids can design structures using Magna-Tiles and operate a play crane.
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The Wildlife Rescue Exhibit: A collaborative space where children act as rescuers to assess and care for injured "animals."
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The Outdoor Adventure Grounds at the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon provide a dynamic open-air environment where children can engage in physical exploration and nature-based sensory play:
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Flowing Creek: An interactive water feature where children can explore the movement of water.
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Acorn Tree Fort: An elevated play structure designed for climbing and imaginative play.
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Outdoor Amphitheater: A space dedicated to performances, storytelling, and community gatherings.
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Musical Instruments: Oversized outdoor instruments that allow kids to experiment with sound and rhythm.
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Tricycle Track: A paved path for young riders to develop gross motor skills and practice "driving."
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Sand Play Area: A classic sensory zone for digging, building, and creative construction.
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Above ground, underground tunnel: A unique passageway that encourages kids to crawl and explore different perspectives.
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Natural Climbing: Features made from natural materials that challenge children’s balance and coordination.
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Outdoor Learning Pavilion: A shaded area used for facilitated educational programs and hands-on nature lessons.
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The Annex at the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon serves as a dedicated maker space where children can immerse themselves in specialized, hands-on creative arts and life skills:
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Clay Studio: A creative space where children can work with their hands to mold, sculpt, and design unique projects using real clay.
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Culinary Studio: An interactive kitchen environment designed to teach children about food preparation, nutrition, and the science of cooking through guided activities.
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The Ivy School operates as a specialized preschool and kindergarten program with locations across the region, providing high-quality early childhood education rooted in exploration and community:
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Medford Main Campus: Located at the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, this primary site gives students direct access to the museum's interactive exhibits and learning environments.
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Satellite Elementary Campuses: The school extends its reach through satellite locations hosted within local public schools.
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Our Impact Today. Your Legacy Tomorrow.
The joy and discovery you see here is just the beginning. While we have revitalized 15,700 square feet of Medford’s history, the demand for early childhood resources continues to grow. We are expanding our reach to ensure every child in Southern Oregon has a place to dream, learn, and belong.
Bridging the Gap: Our Solution
Join us in fueling the future of our community by increasing access to early childhood education and fostering the future success of our community and region. 90% of the cognitive development of a human is developed during the ages 0-6.
Together, we are the catalyst for change.
Educate today. Empower tomorrow.