Forest Preschool

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year for our preschool program is now open.

Our Educational Approach

We believe that children are inherently creative and curious and that they are naturally joyful, helpful, and kind. We strive to create a place where children can be mindful, test their limits and have experiences that help build strength, confidence, and independence. We feel that physical strength and sensory experiences are essential for brain development.

Our culture is one of kindness and connection to nature. Peaceful interactions are encouraged, and conflicts are met with empathy, inner peace, listening, and using language to find resolutions. Our program is designed to help children feel “at home” in nature find peace in the outdoors.

Program Information

Preschoolers who are at least 3.5 years old by the start of the program (born prior to March 11, 2022) may apply. Children will range in age from 3.5 through 5.5 in each class. All students must be toilet-trained (no pull-ups). Children who attend in the morning may not attend in the afternoon. An optional walking component is available for children attending Christ’s Church Nursery School or Rye Presbyterian Nursery School.

Our Curriculum

Nature is the teacher. We are mentors and facilitators helping children
connect with themselves, with nature, and with others. As mentors, we are part of the group and we engage their imaginations and incorporate sensory experiences to help make learning stick.

Most of what we do each day looks like play, but there is so much learning accomplished through each of our core routines.

Sensory Awareness

Exercising our senses sharpens them and attaching
sensory information to a learning experience makes it more memorable.
Group Singing and Storytelling

Songs and stories are used to inspire, teach, set a class mood, practice listening skills and bring a group together. For young children, talking about what they just did, or a previous experience is an opportunity to practice language skills and reflect.
Navigating and Mapping

As we wander, we sometimes use maps to improve cognitive development and sense of place. Natural landmarks are
identified and used to help us remember locations and certain trails.
Hazard Identification

What everyone needs to know to stay safe outdoors. This includes plant IDs, trail safety, our buddy systems, stick play,
and daily risk assessment.
Animal Forms

Through thinking and moving like animals, we can exercise our bodies and imaginations as well as understand characteristics of various species and adaptations over time.
Primitive Technology Skills

Shelter-building, fire-making, chopping vegetables, and using tools are hands-on activities that involve experiential problem-solving and creativity. Additionally, children become more self-sufficient and confident through their independence.
Games

Sometimes organized, oftentimes not. Most games and activities are the creations of our imaginative students.
Celebration

Inspires learning and builds community as we always have something to celebrate!

Morning Sessions

8:45AM - 11:45AM

5 Days (Mon - Fri)
2 Days ( Tues / Thurs)
1 Day (Wed)

Afternoon Sessions

11:30AM - 2:30PM

5 Days (Mon - Fri)
3 Days (Mon / Wed / Fri)
2 Days (Tues / Thurs)
2 Days (Wed / Fri)
1 Day (Tues)

2025-26 Tuition & Fees

You may request in writing to cancel your child's registration, less the non-refundable deposit prior to June 1, 2025. Refunds and credits are not available after June 1, 2025. If full tuition is not received by June 30, 2025, we reserve the right to cancel your enrollment. Memberships and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Payments made via credit card are subject to a 2.2% processing fee. Upon registration you are responsible for completing all payments per the fee schedule. If you have any concerns, please contact us directly.

Financial Assistance

Friends of Rye Nature Center offers need-based financial assistance for our programs through our Nature Access Fund. To request a scholarship application, contact Christine Siller, Executive Director, at christine@ryenaturecenter.org. To contribute to our Nature Access Fund, visit ryenaturecenter.org/nature-access-fund.

* All enrollments include a non-refundable deposit. For the three- and five-day programs the non-refundable deposit is $1,500. For one- and two-day programs, the non-refundable deposit is 20% of the total tuition fees. Membership at the $125 level or above, valid 1 year from date of registration, is also due at this time.
†An additional $800 is due with the final payment if your child is attending the five-day program AND using the optional walking component.