Enrollment and Applications

2027-28 Preschool Year

Thank you for your interest in Hartley Nature Preschool! We are honored that you are considering Hartley Nature Preschool for your child’s preschool experience. Watch this website for the application for the 2027-28 enrollment lottery to be available in mid-December. Applications will be due Jan. 31, 2027, to be considered in the enrollment lottery. Children must be three years old and potty trained to enroll at HNP. All families, including returning, alumni, and waiting list families, must submit a new application each preschool year.

2026-27 Wait List

All classes are currently full. Please submit a waiting list application to be added to the 2026-27 waiting list in case of an opening. Wait list applications are currently being accepted for all of our 2026-17 classes in case of openings.

• Follow these steps to be added to the 2026-27 waiting list or apply for any current openings:
  • Submit the 2026-27 Hartley Nature Preschool Waiting List Application
  • Pay the  non-refundable $25 wait list application fee on our online payment system or by check. Payment must be received to be added to the waiting list.
  • Apply for a preschool scholarship or inform us of CCAP or ELS use, if applicable, by clicking on this link
    • Please be sure to carefully read all instructions and submit proof of assistance or income

• Tips:
  • Mark as many options as possible on your application to make it more likely that there will be a spot for your child when your application is drawn in the lottery
  • Be sure to review age priorities listed on the application as you rank your class choices
• We encourage all new families to see the preschool in action during a preschool tour to make sure HNP feels like a good fit for your family. You can sign up for a tour here.
• Learn more about HNP on our preschool FAQ page and on our curriculum and learning FAQ page
• Interested in a scholarship? Learn about scholarships and apply here
• Questions? reach out to preschool director Kaitlin at preschool@hartleynature.org or 218-724-6735

Waiting List Details

• Submit the waiting list application and a $25 non-refundable waiting list fee to be on the waiting list in case of openings for the 2026-27 preschool year. You can also submit the waiting list application if you are interested in a mid-year start for a child who turns 3 after 9/1/26 or a child who is moving to Duluth mid-year.
• Please note that the 2026-27 waiting list application does not carry over to fall 2027 or any other future fall. Children who are on the 2026-27 waiting list do not receive waiting list status for any future fall, including fall 2026.
• Waiting list openings are offered in the following order 1) currently enrolled and returning children and staff children, 2) current/alumni siblings, 3) general public. Placements are also made in consideration of date of birth , potty training status, balance of age, gender, diversity, special needs, and group dynamics.

2026-27 School Year Offerings

Enrollment FAQs

Please review our extensive FAQ page for all of the program details, including ages that are eligible to enroll in preschool.

NEW CLASS! Monday–Thursday Morning Class

The Monday–Thursday morning class goes from 8:30-1:00. Children who are four by 9/1 or older are prioritized for enrollment to allow the class to go further afield and to focus more on skills appropriate for 4-5 year old kiddos as they prepare to transition to kindergarten. The older cohort will also allow for more turnover from year to year.  Enrollment for Mon-Thurs mornings is likely to be competitive. Please consider indicating other classes that would work for your family’s schedule on your child’s application so that we have the best possible chance of getting your child into our program.

M/W and T/Th Full Day Offerings

We offer M/W and T/TH full day classes for those who prefer 2 full days/week at Hartley. The full day goes from 8:30-4:30. Children who are three by 5/31 or older are prioritized for enrollment. Please know as you consider applying for the full day classes that returning children have priority for enrollment and many select full day classes, which can leave very few spots for new children. Please consider indicating other full and/or half day classes that would work for your family’s schedule on your child’s application so that we have the best possible chance of getting your child into our program. It is not possible to combine M/W and T/TH full day classes to make a Mon-Thurs schedule. The only Mon-Thurs enrollment options are the Mon-Thurs AM and PM half day classes.

T/TH AM Class Offering 

The T/TH AM class is designed for three year olds and young four year olds who have just had a birthday in June, July, or August. We’re happy to chat about your child’s specific situation if you would prefer the T/TH AM class even though your child is a bit older.

1/2 Day Morning and Afternoon Classes for 3-5 Year Olds

Our other half day classes are created for mixed-ages 3-5. They are a great chance to experience the benefits of nature preschool at a lower price point and balanced with time at home or at another care setting. Be sure to mark half day classes on your application if they are an option for your family, as half day classes are the most likely to still have space when we get to later waves of the enrollment lottery. We offer half day M/W/F AM and M/W, T/TH, and Mon-Thurs PM classes. Please note: It is not possible to combine AM and PM half day classes to make a full day schedule.

Forest Fridays 

Looking for more time at HNP? We have an add-on Friday morning class called Forest Fridays that runs from 8:30-12:30! Children bring a morning snack and lunch and will be picked up by 12:30 pm (before rest time). Forest Fridays are a chance for a good dose of outdoor play as well as extended learning opportunities beyond what is covered in the child’s regular class. Signing up for Forest Fridays is a school year commitment, just like our other classes, and enrollment is limited to 17 children. Forest Fridays are only offered in combination with other HNP classes; children cannot attend the Forest Friday class only. Priority for registration is in the following order: M/W full day, T/Th full day, Mon-Thurs AM, 1/2 day classes.

Sample Daily Schedules

Half Day Classes

Full Day Classes

Mon-Thurs AM Class