Forest Preschool 

registration for ALL preschool programs for the 2024-2025 school year IS UNDERWAY!

All sessions are full EXCEPT 5-day Mornings.

To register for 5-day Mornings, click the “registration link” below.

If you would like to be placed on the waitlist for a different session (1-day, 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day PM), please send an email request to: Lisa@ryenaturecenter.org

Thank you!

***Please note that we've merged all our preschool offerings into our Forest Preschool program. Registration is available for 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day sessions. We will not be holding a registration for Preschool Ecology.***

When the classroom has no walls,
learning has no limits.

About our program

A deep understanding of and connection to nature happens when we allow our environment to teach us. The 47-acre forest at the Rye Nature Center is so much more than a park. It is the place where we can allow the freedom of the outdoors to ignite our imaginations and intellects.

Program Information

Preschoolers who are at least 3.5 years old by the start of the program 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.

OPTIONAL FRNC STAFF PICK-UP AT LOCAL PRESCHOOLS: Parents whose children attend Christ’s Church Nursery School or Rye Presbyterian Nursery School may have our staff walk their child to or from their local preschool and the Nature Center. If your child is attending the five-day program AND using the optional walking component, you will pay an additional $700 with your final payment.

2024-2025 Program Offerings

Morning Sessions
(8:45 - 11:45)

5 Days
2 Days (Tues/Thurs)
1 Day (Wed)

For questions about this program, please email admin@ryenaturecenter.org.

Tuition and Fee Schedule

* All enrollments include a non-refundable deposit. For the three and five day programs, the non-refundable deposit is $1,500. For the one and two day program, the non-refundable deposit is 20% of the total tuition fee. Membership at the $125 level or above, valid 1 year from date of registration, is also due at this time. Memberships and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

† An additional $700 is due if your child is attending the five-day program AND using the optional walking component.

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. If you choose not to enroll in the program you must let FRNC know in writing by June 1, 2024 for a refund less the membership, application fee, and non-refundable deposit ($1,500 for three or five days and 20% of total tuition for one or two days). No refunds are available after June 1, 2024. If full tuition is not received by June 30, 2024, FRNC reserves the right to cancel your enrollment.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Friends of Rye Nature Center believes that the best way to foster a lifelong connection to nature is by engaging in meaningful outdoor activities as a child. Our curriculum is based on the Swiss concept of forest kindergartens.  This educational model utilizes experiential, place-based, student-led activities with nature as the primary setting to create a dynamic for children to grow and succeed.

• Place-based philosophy—We believe children’s immediate natural surroundings promote knowledge acquisition.  

• Nature is the primary teacher—We believe that the outdoors is the principle setting where childhood experiences and learning occurs, and this early connection and understanding will    shape our futures.

• Learn by doing—We believe that experiential education develops gross and fine motor skills and allows for the mastery of STEAM and literacy skills.

CURRICULUM DESIGN

Our staff creates a dynamic prioritizing the development of the whole child.  In addition to the best practices established by nature educators around the world, we use a variety of sources to inform each class, including New York State’s Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core.  We then develop a year-long curriculum which targets and refines the naturally inquisitive behaviors of three- to five-year-olds so that there is a cumulative acquisition of literacy, science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts.  Songs, dramatic play, and project work (e.g. fort-building, gardening) are also central to each class.  All activities are designed to help children develop:

• Early literacy skills,

• Math and science concepts,

• Fine and gross motor skills,

• Problem-solving skills,

• Eco-fearlessness and eco-carefulness,

• Empathy and friendship, and

• Resiliency and independence.

Please note: FRNC is not a licensed preschool and is not licensed as a New York State Childcare Provider. We are not legally affiliated with any school.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact our Education Director, Alli Rogers.