BOPN at the Franklin Park Zoo

We opened Boston’s first free nature preschool in September 2024 at the Franklin Park Zoo, with support from grants, donations, and Boston Pre-K (formerly UPK/Universal PreK).

Admissions is through Boston Pre-K, and BOPN is unable to provide updates on placements.

Accepted families with questions about the program may email Morgan at upkzoo@bopn.org.

We follow Boston Public Schools’

Focus on Pre-K curriculum

while cultivating an appreciation for our interdependence with plants and animals.

We instill respect for the earth while building character. From the giraffes and tapirs of the savannah and rainforests, to our own familiar mud puddles, our preschool at the zoo empowers and inspires children to understand, appreciate, and protect the natural world.

Expanding Access

We are committed to expanding access to nature preschool. Natural Start Alliance reports:

“...despite their safety and effectiveness, nature preschools are not equally available to all children. White children are overrepresented in nature preschools, [while] dual language learners and children with disabilities are underrepresented. Disparities in access to high-quality education are widespread across the education system in the United States, and nature-based programs have not been the exception. In addition, children of color have less access to nature than white children, pointing to yet further injustice in bringing the benefits of nature to all children.”

We consider it a moral obligation to serve all children, with over 35% of BOPN families currently receiving full or partial scholarships. To further expand access, our preschool at the zoo is tuition-free through Boston Pre-K.