BOPN arose from a shared vision of providing joyfully muddy childhoods–fostering curiosity, movement, art, science, and opportunities for kids to connect with nature and each other.

We are dedicated to advancing equity in access to early childhood outdoor education.

Nearly 40% of our enrolled families receive some form of financial assistance, funded in large part through our annual Scholarship Drive and other donations.

Our Forest Days program partners with several Boston public elementary schools, providing children in K0 and K1 time to learn through play in nature.

In September 2024, we opened Boston’s first free nature preschool, in collaboration with the city’s Universal PreK program and the Franklin Park Zoo.

Currently, 18% of all families BOPN serves participate in our free equity programs.

Our Story

In the fall of 2019 we welcomed 12 children to BOPN's very first nature preschool class--fully outdoors at Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum. Demand grew quickly, and we jumped to meet it. With more than 50 children now attending our flagship location daily, BOPN has expanded through Greater Boston, enrolling over 600 children across all programs last year.

While the world changes–locally, globally, environmentally, politically, economically, and socially–our children’s need for the known benefits of nature-based early childhood education multiplies.

Research shows that experiences in nature improve academic learning, personal development, and environmental stewardship–particularly in populations with historically low access to green spaces. Sadly, the cost of providing high-quality nature-based programs often builds greater barriers to their access, further preventing the development and creativity of underserved children, and limiting their emotional connection with nature and their communities.

Donating to BOPN’s scholarship fund helps overcome these barriers, expanding access to play-based outdoor education for children who can benefit from it most.

Learn about the importance and impact of Play-based Learning here.

Read more about our ongoing equity initiatives here.

Information on our programs is available here.

BOPN combines early childhood and environmental education. Our approach is inspired by multiple sources, including Lens on Outdoor Learning and the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence in Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs. Both of these sets of standards emphasize child-directed learning, authentic experiences, making connections to previous experience, and culturally appropriate practice. To learn more about our approach to education, please visit our website.

About Boston Outdoor Preschool Network