A child wearing a bird costume, passing yellow flowers to another child

Apply to Wilderkin Forest Learning

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in participating in Forest Learning at Wilderkin. Our school is a school-year adjacent program rooted in the rhythms and offerings of nature. 

2026 - 2027 Forest Learning Schedule

Monday - Thursday | 9 am - 3 pm*

Anticipated October opening, with fees prorated for each child’s start date

*Early drop-off is available starting at 8am; late pickup is available until 4pm. Both incur a $10 fee.

Families enroll for the whole school year to develop a well-rounded and all-season approach to learning and growing. Discounts on fees are provided according to the payment schedule (link) below. 

A child wearing a red waterproof suit, carrying a trowel into the woods

Here’s an outline of how to apply:

Contact us to set up a tour

We believe that seeing the space where your child will be spending their days is essential. Come by for a tour of the cabin, the surrounding woods, and to meet Miss Fitz.

Tours can be scheduled most days during the summer months. During the school year, appointments are only available on Fridays.

Schedule a Tour

Fill out an application

If Wilderkin seems like a good fit for your child, fill out an application with a non-refundable application fee of $75. If your child is accepted, you’ll be asked to complete enrollment paperwork and submit payment through the website payment system.

Fee Policy & Schedule

Tuition is $10,500, or $75 per day. We are in session 140 days each school year, and offer several payment structures to accommodate your financial situation:

Pay in Full

Save $500

$10,000 due before first day of attendance, prorated for start date.

Two Payments

Save $400

$5,050 due before first day of attendance, and $5050 after 65 days of attendance, prorated for start date.

Monthly payments

Save $300

$1,133 due before first day of attendance and first of the month thereafter, prorated for start date.

Biweekly payments

20 payments total

$525 due every other Friday, due before start date and prorated for start date.

scholarships available

Up to full tuition ($10,500)

Wilderkin is committed to offering preschool scholarships each school year. These scholarships are presented as a reduction of fees to families who demonstrate need. The scholarships are provided by various private donations and are available on an inquiry basis. If you’re interested in funding a student’s tuition, you can donate via Venmo, CashApp, cash, or check.

barter economy

Up to full tuition ($10,500)

Wilderkin is also very willing to consider a barter economy for child care services, where we discuss a mutually beneficial exchange of goods or services for allowing your child to explore the woods with us. Tax information for this arrangement can be found here. Please email with an open mind to inquire.

A child playing with wooden toys on a colorful rug
Several children playing in a mud river that's running through grass

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, Wilderkin is open rain or shine. If the weather is too severe for outdoor exploration, such as temperatures over 100ºF or below 0ºF, wind speed over 30MPH, high relative humidity, smoke/other air pollutants etc, we will have indoor experiences rooted in nature using natural materials and movement until it is safe to explore outside.

    All determinations for outside play are made using the Great Start to Quality guidelines, and our forecast can be found at the National Weather Service using the KTVC weather station.

    If Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) calls a snow day, Wilderkin will start at 11am with a normal dismissal time. No refunds will be given for absences.

  • Wilderkin believes that most problems can be solved through conversation. Please contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs and we will do our best to discuss accommodations.

  • Parents are required to provide lunch for their child and a weekly rotation of snacks for all students. We will have family-style snacks each day, usually one prepared “trail snack” designed to eat on the go or from a backpack. Lunch may be served picnic style or at a table indoors.

  • Our school requires payment for all four days of the week, regardless of attendance. Nature learning builds as the season progresses and we venture further into spaces and experiences. Our tuition is based on four days of exploring each week. No refunds will be given for missed days.

  • For the 2026-2027 school year, our class will be capped at 10 students.

Ready to Sign Up?

Contact us to schedule your tour of the school!

Schedule Your Tour