Forest Preschool

ONE CHILDHOOD. ONE CHANCE TO GROW OUTSIDE.

Registration Opens Soon

Registration for the 2026 - 2027 School Year opens on Nov 7, 2025. It’s not too late to apply for our half-year semester, starting in January 2026.

It’s not too late to apply for our half-year semester, starting in January 2026.

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.

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)

Program Information

Children must be at least 3.5 years old by the start of the program (born before March 2023) and fully toilet-trained (no pull-ups).

Ages typically range from 3.5 to 5.5 years. An optional walking component is available for students attending Christ’s Church Nursery School or Rye Presbyterian Nursery School.

Registration for the 2025 - 2026 school year is open and on-going based on availability. Registration for the 2026 - 2027 school year opens November 7, 2025.

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!

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.