Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

About this program

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to nature-based early childhood education in eastern Massachusetts. Founded in 2019 at the Arnold Arboretum, BOPN has grown to serve over 612 children and families across multiple locations including JP/Roslindale, Malden, Milton, and Sudbury. The organization was founded by a diverse team of Masters-level female educators who envisioned play-based, nature-immersive programming for young children. Their mission is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while fostering lifelong relationships with the natural world. Children learn outdoors every day, rain or shine, guided by trained educators in forests, gardens, and natural landscapes. BOPN is committed to expanding access to outdoor education through financial aid programs, public school partnerships (Forest Days), and Boston's first free nature preschool at the Franklin Park Zoo.