BNC Pathways to Nature Preschool

BNC preschoolers in snowy tree

Welcome!

Pathways to Nature (PTN) Preschool is a nature-based preschool program nestled in the heart of the city at the Boston Nature Center. We are so excited that you found us!

PTN recognizes the various needs of children of different ages, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, learning styles, and stages of development to create a safe, engaging atmosphere for young learners.

We encourage you to download the informational packet below to learn more about our teaching philosophy, curriculum, classes, and our commitment to anti-bias teaching.

More Information 

Our program is full for the 2020-21 school year.

Join the Waitlist >

PTN Calendar 2020-21 113.74 kB

Virtual Open Houses

To register for any of these dates, please email us.  Each event is limited to 12 families.

4:00-5:00 pm

April 13 • May 11 • June 15

6:30-7:30 pm

April 14 • May 12 • June 16


Contact Us

617-983-8500
Email Us
Location & Directions

Download

Program Overview & Info Packet 272.36 kB

Mission Statement

We serve a diverse community of students, ages 3-6, primarily from surrounding Boston neighborhoods. PTN provides age-appropriate, experiential, and inquiry-based activities, which adhere to the practices of Massachusetts standards, in a nurturing learning environment through a focus on structured and unstructured outdoor play. PTN encourages child-led inquiry and respect for our students as learners and their ability to construct their own knowledge.

Goals

Pathways to Nature offers an educational and nurturing program that is hands-on and inquiry-based. Our goals are to:

  1. Provide children with a safe environment to grow, learn, and respect people and nature.
  2. Connect children to nature to develop a lifelong passion for the environment and its stewardship.
  3. Help children recognize the natural world as part of the urban environment.

Children explore, discover, observe, and experience the natural world using all of their senses while developing an appreciation for nature. Structured and self-directed play nurtures children’s imagination, creativity, and self-esteem.

This program is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care, and we are following all the required EEC COVID-19 protocols for health and safety. The BNC is in compliance with the design standards for building accessibility in 521 CMR (Architectural Access Board).

BNC preschoolers playing in fall leaves

Preschool Classes & Schedules

PTN's classes run five days a week from 8:00 am–3:30 pm. Due to COVID restrictions, we do not currently offer an afterschool program; this is something we will revisit periodically as restrictions change.

Download

PTN Class Descriptions 78.11 kB

→ Please Note: Families provide lunch and snacks for all preschool options.

Busy Bees & Curious Crickets

Full-Day • 8:00 am–3:30 pm

The Busy Bees class is for children turning age 3 in September. The Curious Crickets class is for children turning age 4 in September.

  • The full-day school year runs from September – August.
  • Tuition for these programs is based on a sliding scale.

Magnificent Monarchs & Daring Dragonflies

Full-Day • 8:00 am–3:30 pm

The Magnificent Monarchs class is for children ages 4-5. The Daring Dragonflies class is for children ages 5-6.

  • The school year runs from September – June.
  • Tuition for these programs is based on a sliding scale.