Vision
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is an entirely outdoor early childhood program. We are committed to nature immersion, interest-led learning, inquiry-based teaching, and authentic play.
The ever-changing landscape of the Arnold Arboretum provides endless opportunities to spark children's curiosity, discovery, and learning.
At BOPN we build community while valuing each child’s unique experiences and needs.
Mission
To educate and inspire the whole child.
To prepare each child for a life of discovery by cultivating a strong sense of community and a deep connection with the natural world
Why Outdoors?
Started in Europe, nature-immersive preschools have been shown to support physical and mental health, creativity, problem-solving, cooperation, academic performance, social skills, and executive function. BOPN is inspired by forest kindergartens in Germany, Scandinavia, and the United States.
Our goals extend far beyond the preschool years. Children who experience the joy and wonder of nature during their early years become adults who care about protecting our environment locally and globally.
Our Story
Sarah Besse and Shela Sinelien met in 2016 while in graduate school for Early Childhood Education at Wheelock College. As educators in the public schools, they noticed that their preschool children felt most alive when engaging with the natural world. They began to dream about expanding opportunities for nature-immersive preschool education in Boston. Around the same time, Sara Murray began taking her students outside to learn and play. As a first grade teacher at a Boston-area independent school, she started the Forest Explorers after-school club; during summers, she taught at nature-based camps. Happily, we found each other and joined forces. BOPN arose out of our mutual desire to provide a joyfully muddy childhood filled with wonder, investigation, science, art, movement, and love of learning in the great outdoors.
Guiding principles
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We place equal value on the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of students.
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We believe that extended time in nature fosters an intimate, personal and deep connection to the natural world.
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We use an inquiry-based approach to combine early childhood and environmental education. We encourage problem-solving and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children’s ideas.
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We build community. Relationships are an important context through which children and communities develop and learn.
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