Fenner Nature Preschool is a nature-based preschool program for children age 33 months to 5 years located in the heart of Lansing at 1526 E. Mount Hope Avenue.

Fenner Nature Preschool is nestled along the Sycamore Creek, adjacent to the Red Cedar River. The property boasts 53 acres of rolling fields and established riparian wetlands, creating a unique and breathtaking vista for children to explore and learn in. The program, Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, combines provocation-based curriculum with nature based discovery to foster whole child development.

We are excited to partner with families across the region and look forward to welcoming you to Fenner Nature Preschool. Read on to learn more about our program.

ENROLLMENT OPENING SOON

Thank you for your interest in our program! We’re excited to share details about our enrollment process for the 2026–2027 school year. Please review the information below carefully, as enrollment follows a multi-step process with important dates and priorities.

Step 1: Attend an Open House (Before Enrollment Opens)
Attendance at an Open House is the first step in our enrollment process and must take place before the enrollment request period opens.

Open House Dates
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Please note that we do not offer private tours. These Open Houses are the only opportunities to view the space before applying for or accepting placement. We strongly encourage families to attend to become familiar with the program and ask questions before submitting an enrollment request application.

Step 2: Submit an Enrollment Request Application
Enrollment Request Period: March 1–7, 2026
Families who wish to be considered for enrollment must submit an enrollment request during this window. The link to the application will be publicly available on our website on March 1st, 2026.

Step 3: Placement & Acceptance Timeline
Placement Notifications Sent By: March 13, 2026
Enrollment Offers Must Be Accepted By: March 20, 2026
Deposit Deadline: April 1, 2026

Enrollment will be offered in the following priority waves:
1️⃣ Staff Children
2️⃣ Siblings of Current Students
3️⃣ Returning Students & Alumni Siblings – (20% of remaining spots)
4️⃣ General Public (80% of remaining spots)

Random Selection:
After the first two priority waves are completed, enrollment for the remaining two waves will be determined through a randomized selection process from the applicant pool. Families not offered placement during this process will be added to a waitlist in the order of their randomly assigned selection number. This ensures a fair and impartial opportunity for all families within these categories.

Sibling Applications Policy:
Families applying for multiple children will receive one shared randomized selection number. If that number is selected in their designated wave, all siblings will be offered enrollment, contingent on available openings. If space is not available for one or more siblings, those children will be placed at the top of the waitlist.

Deposit:
If your child is offered enrollment, you must submit a non-refundable $500 deposit by April 1st to secure the spot. This deposit will be applied to your first month’s tuition.

Scholarships & Child Development & Care (CDC) Payments:
Fenner Nature Preschool accepts State of Michigan CDC payments, which are applied directly to family accounts to reduce the balance owed. A limited number of need-based scholarships may also be available. Reach out to learn more.

Reapplying:
If your child is not placed within the year (Fall 2026-Summer 2027), you must submit a new enrollment request during the next enrollment request period to be considered for a future school year.

CONTACT US

BY PHONE: 517-580-8431

BY EMAIL: preschool@mynaturecenter.org

VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM: FENNER NATURE PRESCHOOL