What ages does the program serve? We accept children from ages 33 months through 5 years. All children enrolled will be in one multi-age grouping.
Does the preschool operate year-round? Fenner Nature Preschool operates year-round on a three-semester schedule: fall, spring, and summer. During the school year, our academic calendar closely aligns with the local school district’s calendar, including observed holidays and school breaks. The summer semester offers additional programming to support year-round care and learning.
What is tuition? Please see our program and tuition page for information on tuition and fees.
How do I enroll my child? Each spring, we will open an enrollment request period for the following fall. Go to https://mynaturecenter.org/programs-preschool/fennernaturepreschool/ for more information about our enrollment process guidelines.
How do I join the waitlist? You must apply during our enrollment request period if you are interested in enrollment for the upcoming year. If you are not placed, you will be added to the waitlist for the remainder of the year. If you are not placed within the year, you will have to reapply during our next enrollment request period.
Does my child have to be toilet trained? Toilet training status is not an eligibility requirement for enrollment. All children enrolled who are not fully self-sufficient in toileting will use a positive toilet training approach at school. We ask that families partner with teachers on strategies in order to complete the process as soon as possible.
How much time will be spent outside? Rain or shine, we embrace the opportunities nature provides, adapting our schedule to meet the needs of the children and the day’s conditions. On average, we typically spend 40-50% of the day outdoors, but this can increase on days when children are especially engaged or decrease slightly during extreme weather conditions.
Are snacks and meals included? Families are responsible for sending their child with a nutritious lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle. All items must be labeled with their name.
What if my child has disabilities, allergies or special instructions? We welcome all children (ages 3-5) into our program. Please communicate any special instructions regarding your child with the Preschool Director or Lead Teacher. We will do everything possible to support and include children with disabilities.
What is the teacher to student ratio? Our teacher-to-student ratio is 1 teacher to every 10 children, though there will be times when we operate at a lower ratio for more individualized activities.
What if the weather is bad? As a nature-based program, we will be outside and celebrating all of the beautiful seasons that Michigan has to offer, including rain and snow. Teachers and administrators monitor weather regularly and if it is unsafe to be outside (high winds, extreme cold, lightning, ice storms), we will stay in the indoor Dart Foundation Discovery Classroom until unsafe conditions have passed.
How will your program prepare my child for Kindergarten? At Fenner Nature Preschool, we focus on learning and developmental domains that contribute to a well-rounded early childhood education. Children inspire the lessons through their own interests, while teachers naturally introduce mathematics, engineering, literacy, writing, music, art, and many other topics through the use of play, outdoor exploration, and provocations based on those interests.