Group Tour Information
Friday, October 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Monday, December 2, 11:00-noon
Friday, January 10, 11:00-noon
Tuesday, January 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Schedule
The program year runs alongside the typical school-year, from mid-September through early June. Schedule options are either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Participants 4 or older in either group may additionally join Fridays as space allows. We also have a Kindergarten that runs Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Each day, we will provide a farm-prepared healthy and hearty snack, using Wright-Locke Farm produce when possible. Holidays will follow the Winchester Public Schools schedule. Closings will depend on travel and farm conditions. Twelve students/class; co-taught by 2 teachers.
Student Eligibility (2024-2025)
- M/W;T/Th: Children must be 3-5 years old, (between 36 and 6o months by June 1, 2024) for two days per week.
- Friday: Children must be 4 or 5 as of June 1, 2024.
- Monday-Friday Kindergarten: Children must be 5 as of September 1, 2024.
- It is helpful for children to be able to use the bathroom independently.
Please note: Forest Friends differs from traditional preschool programs and may not be suitable for all students. To ensure that students will flourish in our program, we meet with parents/guardians and the student(s) on the farm prior to the application process.
Licensing
Forest Friends is licensed as a large group program by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Application Information
2024-2025
Monday – Thursday: We are full! (Waitlist only)
Fridays: We are full! (Waitlist only)
Forest Kindergarten: We are full! (Waitlist only)
2025-2026
The 2025-2026 application season is upon us! To receive an application, you and your child must attend a Group Tour. Once you have taken the tour, you will receive an application.
There is no application fee. Applications will be due Monday, February 3rd by 9:00 a.m. We will hold lotteries until the classes are full.
For more information, please reach out to ForestFriends@wlfarm.org
Preschool & Kindergarten
Group Tour Schedule for 2025-2026 Applicants
Participation in a Group Tour is mandatory for all new families. (Returning families are not required to participate in a Group Tour.)
Please RSVP ForestFriends@wlfarm.org so we can send you more information. Please plan to have an adult and your child on the tour.
Friday, October 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Monday, December 2, 11:00-noon
Friday, January 10, 11:00-noon
Tuesday, January 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
2024-2025 Tuition
- One-Day session (Fridays): $3,200
- Two-day sessions (M/W or T/Th): $6,400
- Three-day session (M/W/F or T/Th/F): $9,600
- Forest Kindergarten (M-F): $15,000
For any questions, please inquire at ForestFriends@WLFarm.org.
Financial Assistance
The Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy believes that all students deserve high-quality early education. For this reason, we have need-based scholarships available for our participants. A financial aid form will be attached to each application. If you have any questions, please contact ForestFriends@WLFarm.org.
Payment Schedule
Program Deposit: A deposit is due upon enrollment in the Forest Friends program. This deposit is non-refundable and will count as your June 2024 payment. ($320 for one-day; $640 for two-days; $960 for three-days)
Tuition Payments: Tuition payments are due on the 15th of each month for the upcoming month, August-May. ($320 for one-day; $640 for two-days; $960 for three-days)
We recognize that this payment plan may not work for everyone, so if you would like to request an alternative payment plan, please email ForestFriends@WLFarm.org.