Group Tours
Interested in learning more about Forest Friends? An essential part of the application process is participation in a group tour. We invite you and your child to attend a group tour that works with your schedule. If you plan to attend, email ForestFriends@wlfarm.org so you can get the most up-to-date information.
2022-2023 Group Tour Fall Schedule:
Thursday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, January 13th at 10:30 a.m.
Once you have completed your tour, you will be invited to apply for the 2023-2024 school year (or the 2022-2023 wait list).
Schedule
The program year runs 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. 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.
Student Eligibility
- Children must be 3-5 years old, (between 36 and 6o months by June 1 of the school year) for two days per week. Children must be 4+ to attend Friday Forest Friends.
- 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 enrollment in the program.
Licensing
Forest Friends is licensed as a small group program by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Application Information
We are currently full for the 2022-2023 school year! If you are interested in being added to the wait list for any of the sessions, please reach out to ForestFriends@wlfarm.org.
2023-2024 Applications
Lottery Time Line: The first round of lottery picks will be on February 1, 2022 for any available openings. If your child’s name is chosen, you will receive an invitation for the 2023-2024 school year by February 10, 2022. (If you do not receive an invitation, your application will automatically be entered into the second round of lottery picks.) In order to hold your spot for the 2023-2024 school year, you will be asked to make a non-refundable deposit by March 1, 2022.
The second round of lottery picks will be held on March 3, 2022 for any available spots. If your child’s name is chosen, you will receive an invitation for the 2023-2024 school year by March 10, 2022. In order to hold your spot for the 2023-2024 school year, you will be asked to make a non-refundable deposit by March 20, 2022.
2022-2023 Tuition
- Two sessions per week (either Mon./Wed. or Tues./Thurs.): $5,600 for the school year.
- Friday Forest Friends (Fridays): $2,800 for the school year.
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 2023 payment. ($560 for two-day programs, $280 for Forest Friends Fridays).
Tuition Payments: Tuition payments are due monthly for the upcoming month.
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.