Donations fund dreams.

The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is to provide programs that meet the developmental needs of the whole child, while fostering lifelong relationships with the natural world. A growing body of research confirms the myriad positive impacts of frequent play in natural settings that we see daily at BOPN. These cover the entire range of holistic child development: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, creative and spiritual. Yet research has also shown that many children, especially those in urban areas, don't get enough time to play in nature. Many schools no longer provide recess, physical education, or other outdoor activities, further increasing time spent with eyes on screens instead of skies.

At BOPN, we are committed to making the benefits of outdoor early education and play-based learning accessible to all children, maximizing time spent together outdoors. Since our start in September 2019, BOPN has grown from one preschool class of 12 in the Arnold Arboretum, to multiple sites and programs serving children ages 15 months through 7 years across Greater Boston year-round. We opened Boston's first nature-based Universal Pre-K program (now Boston PreK) in 2024; and now partner with 4 local Boston Public Schools to bring their students outdoors on Forest Days adventures.

In just six years, BOPN has awarded scholarships to hundreds of families--sparking curiosity, inspiring exploration, promoting growth through guided challenges, building self-confidence, and bringing dreams within reach for the children who receive them.

Your gift funds scholarships for BOPN children whose families could not otherwise afford the cost of nature-based preschool. Please partner with us in expanding access to outdoor early education!

Our Story

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 educators, they saw that young children felt most alive while engaging with the natural world and their local community...

And so began the mission of expanding opportunities for nature-based education, and equitable access to those programs.

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.

BOPN Scholarship Fund

Help us give happy, muddy memories to more children!