Farm-to-Forest Preschool

Farm-to-Forest Preschool cultivates community, confidence, curiosity, and connection with the natural world. Alongside experienced teachers, our small group of children aged 2.5 to 5 discover a love of learning and appreciation for the wonders of nature through child-led play and hands-on farm experiences. Drawing from Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Forest School approaches, our Little Farmers' observations in the farm and forest drive our curriculum. Song, art, stories, and movement are infused throughout our adventures, which provide ample opportunity for developing foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, early numeracy, social-emotional, and pre-writing skills.

Learn more about our nature-based curriculum here.

Schedule a Tour

Rhythm of the Day

Child-led Play
Little Farmers "cook" in the mud kitchen, dig in the sandbox, tend our garden, paint and create, all while nourishing their social skills, imaginations, and more in our outdoor classroom.

Opening Circle & Tea Ceremony
We gather to sing songs to welcome each other by name, count our friends, take some mindful breaths, and, when the weather inspires us, sip herbal tea.

Farm and Forest Explorations

We collect and count eggs, care for our animals, plant and harvest, or hike in the woods. Perhaps we will gather "nature treasures" to share.

Snack & Story Time

We eat together while discussing a story that the teacher reads aloud.

Project & Play

We return to our outdoor classroom to for guided play, where we explore invitations to create art, engage in making music and dramatic play, read stories, practice our math skills, and deepen our language learning.

Lunch

We reflect on our morning, share gratitude, and enjoy lunch. We sing our goodbye song as our grownups arrive.

Program Details - 2026-2027

Who: Children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. Children must turn 3 by March 15, 2027. Toilet proficiency is not required. Our teachers are experienced, professional nature school teachers.
Where: Most of our time together will be enjoyed exploring in our outdoor classroom, our garden, animal areas, forest, and, when weather requires, in our barn classroom.
When: September 1, 2026 - June 10, 2027 (see Parent Handbook for schoolyear calendar)
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- 9AM- 1PM with optional Enrichment Block 1PM-3PM
Tuition: $7,950 for 3 half days; $10,950 for 3 full days (paid in 10 monthly installments); -$250 discount for families participating in co-op responsibilities 1 hour per month

Parent Handbook

Farm-to-Forest Preschool Student Application

2026-2027

Parent first name

Parent last name

Phone

Address

Child's first name

Child's last name

Child's birthday

Month

Day

Year

Child's age on Sept. 1, 2026

Has your child participated in an activity at Apple Hart Farm?

Yes

If yes, in what program has your child participated in?

Has your child attended school in the past? If yes, please describe their experience.

What are your child's primary interests?

What do you wish your child to gain from participating in Farm-to-Forest Preschool at Apple Hart Farm?

How would you rate your child's current toilet proficiency?

Is confident using the bathroom on their own

Uses the toilet with help

Hasn't begun toilet training

Other

Does your child have any cognitive, behavioral, or physical conditions that may limit their full participation in Farm-to-Forest Preschool? If so, what accommodations do you think would need to be made for them to participate?

When would you like your child to attend Farm-to-Forest Preschool?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9AM-1PM

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9AM-3PM

Owing to our unique farm-based program and outdoor setting, we encourage all prospective students to visit the farm to get a true sense of daily life for our little farmers.

When would you like to schedule your tour? If so, please select a date and time. NOTE: Tours are available on Wednesdsay mornings (9AM-12PM) and Monday evenings (5:30PM) only. You willl be contacted by email to confirm your tour date.

Month

Day

Year

Time

HoursMinutes

Is there anything else you'd like us to know?

A $75 non-refundable application fee is required for processing.

Non-refundable application fee

$75

Enrollment for Fall 2025 is ongoing.