BOPN Waitlist Hub
We're thrilled to welcome your family to the BOPN community.
Check here first for information about enrollment, tours, gear, meet ups, calendars, managing separation anxiety, BOPN's equity outreach & more!
The Priority Waitlist enrollment period has closed.
Open Enrollment began March 1, 2025 and seats are still available in several programs. Families looking to enroll for School Year 2025 - 26 should review the information below and send questions to enrollment@bopn.org.
Please noteβ¦
As BOPN continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming more new families across our sites in 2025 and beyond! We aim to provide a simple, fair, and straight-forward enrollment process for all, and welcome your comments or questions at any time.
Admissions Applications will be processed in the following order:
Group One β Current and Alumni Families
Current Families: children enrolled in a current school year program, and their siblings
Alumni Families: children/families previously enrolled in school year programs
Summer Alumni Families: children/families previously enrolled in summer programs, now seeking admission to SY 2025 - 26 or Full Day Summer 2025.
Toddler Connections Families: children/families currently or previously enrolled in Toddler Connections only (Please note this is separate from groups A - C above.)
Group Two β Waitlisted Families
Families who previously applied to School Year or Full Day Summer programs, but were not admitted due to capacity - OR - families who specifically applied to a future yearβs Waitlist.
Group Three β New Families
Families who have never participated in BOPN programs, nor joined a priority waitlist.
Group Two Enrollment Details for
School Year 2025 - 26 and Summer 2025
1 - Program Options for your Child
Is the program you joined the Waitlist for still the best option for your child? While we cannot guarantee availability for specific dates or programs, we welcome you to explore the options for each age group and note the following changes:
Natick
In July 2025, the Natick program will merge with the Sherborn program at Unity Farm Sanctuaryβproviding more program options for families, and more space for children to explore!
MiltonβSummer 2025
NEW Half Day Toddler option!
The Forbes House Museum will host a Half Day Toddler program, for ages 2.0 - 2.8.
Eustis Estate will host our Half Day Mixed Age program, for ages 2.9 - 8 years.
Sudbury
Beginning School Year 2025 - 26, our Sudbury program at Wolbach Farm will admit children ages 2.9 - 6 years. (Note this was previously a 2.0 - 5yo program.)
2 - Review the BOPN Family Handbook
Enrollment terms and conditionsβincluding our refund policyβare updated annually. The School Year 2025 - 26 Handbook will be sent out with enrollment materials, pending admission. (The current yearβs handbook is available online for reference, but subject to updates. Please email us with any specific policy questions.) As in past years, a tuition deposit is due with your completed enrollment packet in February. The non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is equal to two months tuition, unless a financial aid award is granted.
3 - Note the Deadlines and APPLY!
Admissions Applications will be available beginning November 1, 2024.
While you may submit one early, applications from Group Two (Waitlist) families will not be reviewed until the Group One enrollment period ends on December 20, 2024. The deadline for Waitlist families to submit an Admissions Application is December 31, 2024. If we do not receive an application by this date, your child will be removed from the Waitlist. Should your needs change in the future, you may reapply at any time!
Note on Half Day Summer Program Enrollment: Online registration for Summer 2025 Half Day programs will open January 1, 2025 for all families. Those interested in the Summer 2025 Half Day program only may signup online at that time.
ENROLL in SUMMER HALF DAY NOW!
Families hoping to enroll in both Summer 2025 Half Day AND a School Year 2025-26 program must submit an Admissions Application in accordance with the process outlined here.
Note on Financial Aid: Families needing financial assistance for Summer 2025 or SY 25-26 must apply for it via the Admissions Application. Aid requests will be reviewed in order of receipt, and offers will be sent out with enrollment invitations. Reasonable time will be given to ask questions and return completed aid agreements, as outlined in your offer. Missing the provided deadline will forfeit your childβs placement in their desired program.
4 - Complete Enrollment Paperwork and Submit Deposit
Accepted families who submit Admissions Applications by December 31, 2024 will receive enrollment invitations (with forms, contract, and deposit request) on/near February 7, 2025. Completed enrollment materials and tuition deposits must be returned by February 21, 2025 to secure your childβs spot. If we are unable to place your child at that time, our team will share and discuss future options.
Receipt of your completed enrollment packet and a deposit equaling two months tuition will secure your spot for the school year. Summer programs must be paid-in-full at the time of enrollment. If you need to make alternate payment arrangements or have further questions, please email enrollment@bopn.org.
βWhen Can I Expect an Admissions Decision?
βOur currently enrolled families and alumni families are offered the first opportunity to return for another year of outdoor adventure. After they have been placed, we will assess availability for the upcoming summer and school year, and notify waitlisted families of placement options.
Waitlisted families applying for School Year 2025 - 26 or Full Day Summer 2025 programs can expect to hear from us on near February 7, 2025.
We look forward to your family joining the BOPN community, and will make every effort to keep you informed throughout the enrollment season. As you prepare for the outdoor adventures ahead, we encourage you to review our handbook, attend a playground meet up to make new friends, and stay up to date by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Calendars
2024 - 2025
September 5: First day of Full Day and Half Day preschool
September 12: First day of Full Day and Half Day Toddler programs
October 14: Indigenous Peoples Day
November 11: Veterans Day
November 27 - 29: Thanksgiving Break
December 23 - January 3: Winter Break
(Please note this is a two-week break.)
January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 27: Parent-teacher conference/ professional development day
February 17 - 21: February Break
April 21 - 25: April Break
May 26: Memorial Day
June 13: Last day of school
2025 - 2026
September 4: First day of Full Day and Half Day preschool
September 11: First day of Toddler programs
October 13: Indigenous Peoples Day
November 11: Veterans Day
November 26 - 28: Thanksgiving Break
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
(Please note this is a two-week break.)
January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 27: Parent-teacher conference/ professional development day
February 16 - 20: February Break
April 20 - 24: April Break
May 25: Memorial Day
June 12: Last day of school
Our Administrators
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Sarah Besse, Executive Director
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Shela Sinelien, Wellesley Site Director, Co-Founder
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Chris Cahill, Director of Program Operations
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Jessica Low, Admnistrative Director
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Nicole Chan
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Danita Burns, Marketing and Engagement Manager
Dress for Success!
We always have fun at BOPN, because weβre ready for anything!
How to dress for outdoor school might be our most frequently asked question.
The TWO key ingredients for guaranteed good times are layers, and a positive outlook!
At BOPN we embrace all types of weather, and help kids learn to do the same. Set them up for success by planning ahead, and being prepared. After all, you know what they say about the weather in New Englandβ¦
Worried About Separation Anxiety?
Our experienced class leaders are prepared to support your child and family through parting ways! Please reach out before Day One to ask questions, or share any information that will help make the transition easier.
Prepare your child (and yourself!) with these tips on managing daytime separation, from Dr. Deborah MacNamara.
Explore Equity Initiatives at BOPN
Our primary goal is ensuring that all local families, regardless of income or life circumstance, have access BOPN programming.
We invite you to learn more about our equity programs including public school partnerships & Universal PreK.
Follow the FUN!
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Follow the FUN! * * *
