Our Programs
BOPN offers a variety of school year and seasonal programs across our locations in JP/Roslindale, Malden, Milton, and Sudbury.
*Age restrictions vary, in accordance with EEC and local guidelines. Please see individual programs and sites for details.
We provide mixed age, nature-immersive programs designed to teach resilience, persistence, and problem solving.
Play-based learning in nature builds connection, boosts social-emotional wellbeing, and develops habits of mind for future growth.
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Full Day School Year
Ages 2.9 - 6 yrsHalf Day School Year
Ages 2.9 - 6 yrs
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Half Day School Year
Ages 2.9 - 6 yrs
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Half Day School Year
Ages 2.9 - 6 yrs
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Half Day School Year
Ages 2.0 - 5 yrs
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Mixed Age Half Day School Year
Ages 2.0 through 5 yrs
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Half Day School Year
Ages 2.5 - 2.8Seasonal Toddler Connections playgroups
Ages 15 mos - 2.9 yrs
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Half Day School Year
Ages 2.0 - 2.11
*This group may also include some younger 3-yos.Seasonal Toddler Connections playgroups
Ages 15 mos - 2.9 yrs
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Seasonal Toddler Connections playgroups
Ages 15 mos - 2.9 yrs
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Half Day Mixed-Age School Year
Ages 2.0 - 5 yrsHalf Day Summer
Ages 2.0 - 2.8
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Half Day Mixed-Age School Year
Ages 2.0 through 5 yrsSeasonal Toddler Connections playgroups
Ages 15 mos - 2.9 yrs
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Half Day Summer
Ages 2.9 through 7 yrsFull Day Summer
Ages 2.9 through 8 yrsApril Break
Ages 2.9 through 7 yrs
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Half Day Summer
Ages 2.9 through 6 yrs
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Half Day Summer
Ages 2.9 through 7 yrs
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Half Day TODDLER only
Ages 2.0 - 2.8
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Half Day Summer
Ages 2.9 through 5 yrs
Options and schedules vary by site. See individual location pages for details.
“I feel like BOPN has brought out the best in my sons and met any challenges they’ve had with patience and understanding. It is amazing to see how strong and resilient kids can be!”
- Allison I.
“They have so much physical space outside and so many staff to support, so they really can meet each kid where they are at rather than having no choice but to fit each kid into a box. The way they all play in nature builds so much awareness and respect...for each other as well as animals and the earth. I really can’t imagine a better preschool setting for my son.”
- Annie C.
Curriculum at BOPN
Lessons develop organically from the opportunities presented each day. BOPN teachers support learning by asking questions such as:
“What is different today?”
“How do you think it got that way?”
“What do you notice?”
“What do you think it is?”
“What else could it be?”
BOPN’s Beginnings
BOPN arose from our founders’ shared desire to offer young learners a joyfully muddy childhood—fostering curiosity, movement, music, art, science, and connection with nature and one another.
As public school educators, they saw that preschool children felt most alive when engaging with the natural world and their local community. And so began the mission of expanding opportunities for nature-based education, and creating equitable access to those programs.
BOPN welcomed our first class of 12 children to the Arnold Arboretum in September 2019.
Since that time, we have expanded throughout eastern MA, launched Forest Days in partnership with local public schools, and opened Boston’s first nature-based Universal PreK at the Franklin Park Zoo.
During the 2024 - 25 school year, BOPN served 612 children and their families.
The BOPN community welcomes children and families of all backgrounds, and their support fuels our continued growth. We are grateful, and recognize that YOU are what makes BOPN special.
What’s Next?
Inquire:
Submitting an inquiry form tells us you’d like to learn more about BOPN. We will provide brief introductory information, and help you arrange a tour.
Visit:
Touring allows you to see our philosophy in practice, chat with our experienced nature educators, and enjoy the forests, gardens, and landscapes that BOPN children explore each day. Dress for the weather, and bring the kids!
Apply:
Submit your Admissions Application and fee. Financial assistance is available, and we encourage anyone with need to request aid during the application process. Learn more about our admissions process, tuition and fees, and financial aid here.
Enroll:
Pending availability and admission, you will receive an invitation to enroll your child at BOPN. We will provide everything needed to complete the enrollment process online.
Take the first step.
Follow the FUN!
@BostonOutdoorPreschoolNetwork
