Forest Preschool

NEW! Half-Year Forest Preschool Program

Starting January 2026 — Registration is now open. Give your child a season of nature, discovery, and adventure!

Is your child eager to explore the 47 acres of Rye Nature Center but just missed the age cut-off for our September 2025 Forest Preschool start?

Friends of Rye Nature Center is excited to announce a special half-year Forest Preschool program designed for curious, adventurous children who will be three and a half years old by January 2026 (born before July 8, 2022).

Wednesdays & Fridays | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

Children who are fully toilet-trained (no pull-ups) and at least 3.5 years old by the start of their program may apply.

For the full-year program starting September 2025, children must be born before March 11, 2022.
For the half-year program starting January 2026, children must be born before July 8, 2022.

Children may not be enrolled in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

We offer an optional walking pickup service from Christ’s Church Nursery School and Rye Presbyterian Nursery School for eligible students.

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)

Tuition & Payment Schedule

Half-Year Forest Preschool (Jan to May 2026)

Total Due: $3,585

First Payment (Due at Registration): $1,793
Final Payment (Due September 1, 2025): $1,792

Membership at the $125+ level (valid for one year) is due with the final payment and is non-refundable/non-transferable. All enrollments include a non-refundable, non-transferable 20% deposit.

Cancellations must be requested in writing before September 1, 2025. No refunds or credits after this date. Full tuition must be received by September 30, 2025 to hold your child’s spot.

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.