Stony Brook Nature Preschool

What could be more magical than a preschool where each child's innate connection to nature is celebrated? 

Through hands-on activities, exploration, movement, and play, Mass Audubon's nature preschools support children's curiosity and wonder by using our wildlife sanctuaries as outdoor classrooms. Give your child a fun, unique, and adventurous learning experience that will last a lifetime. 

Program Options

We offer 5-day (Monday–Friday), 3-day (Monday/Wednesday/Friday), and 2-day (Tuesday/Thursday) options for students. If finances are getting in the way of your child attending Stony Brook Nature Preschool, assistance is available; please contact the preschool director to request a financial aid application.

All families are required to have a current Mass Audubon membership at the family level or higher by the start of the school year. If finances are getting in the way of your child attending Stony Brook Nature Preschool, assistance is available; please contact the preschool director to request a financial aid application.

Our Curriculum

At Stony Brook Nature Preschool, we create a wide variety of nature-based curriculum that reflects the needs of all our students. We have the flexibility to let children and nature guide our daily activities, all while following guidelines set by Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

We provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor play—both structured and unstructured—in order to develop cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Children learn foundational skills in math, science, and literacy as they explore natural history through art, books, music, hands-on experiments, and play. 

The combination of outdoor adventures and shared learning experiences creates a strong sense of self, sense of place, and sense of community for each child.

To Register

Enrollment is open for the 2023-2024 school year. Complete an application form and learn how to secure a seat for your child for September.

Application Form

If you have any questions, please email or call us 508-528-3140.

Stony Brook Preschool Director

Hilary Johansen-Silve (she/her) is Stony Brook's Preschool Director. She grew up right down the road in Walpole, MA, where she spent her childhood exploring the Neponset River collecting worms, tadpoles, frogs, water striders, and other creatures. 

Her family made frequent visits to Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries, as she had relatives working at various locations. Her love of nature has been steady throughout her life, yet she discovered a passion for environmental education during her college years. Studying the ecosystem of the Muddy River in Boston inspired her love of birds, especially ducks.

Hilary has been working for Mass Audubon since 2014, beginning her career at the Boston Nature Center’s Pathways to Nature Preschool. There, she finely honed her skills in early childhood education and was elevated to an administrative role. 

Mass Audubon Nature Preschools have given her an opportunity to pass on her love for the natural world to the next generation of environmental stewards. She is looking forward to creating a unique and awe-inspiring learning environment for the inaugural preschool class at Stony Brook Nature Preschool.