Forest Preschool
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year for our preschool programs begins online on:
Wednesday, October 30 at 10:00AM
Our Approach
Friends of Rye Nature Center’s Forest Preschool fosters a lifelong connection to nature in our students. With a curriculum based on the Swiss concept of forest kindergartens, our educators help children develop their own paths to experiential learning shaped by the beautiful forest around them.
Our preschool is unlike any other preschool program – children will be in an outdoor, natural setting over 90% of their class week, year-round.
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.
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)
1 Day (Thurs)
2025-26 Tuition & Fees
You may request in writing to cancel your child's registration, less the non-refundable deposit prior to June 1, 2024. 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.
