Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2024-25 enrollment lottery. We invite you to join the 2024-25 Hartley Nature Preschool waiting list if you missed the deadline for the enrollment lottery or if you are interested in a possible mid-year start for a child. To join the waiting list:

• Use this system to pay the $25 non-refundable waiting list fee
• Submit the waiting list application form

Did you know Hartley Nature Preschool accepts CCAP and state Early Learning Scholarships and offers Hartley Nature Center Scholarships to help your family pay for preschool? You can apply for a preschool scholarship online by clicking on this link.

Hartley Nature Preschool's mission is to inspire life-long connections with nature through education, play, and exploration while supporting the whole child’s development and preparing children for school.

Our vision: to help each child blossom. 

HNP is a preschool program that:

• Serves 3-5 year old children
• Emphasizes learning through playing outdoors
• Supports the development of the whole child
• Provides children with the chance to develop a lifelong connection with nature
• Helps children prepare for kindergarten
• Offers full and half day classes to meet the needs of each family
• Operates September-May
• Is licensed by the MN Department of Human Services as a child care center
• Offers scholarship funding to families and accepts state and county scholarship funds

To be placed on the 2024-25 Hartley Nature Preschool waiting list:

• PAY the $25 waiting list fee per child on this website. Click the red register button on the left or the grey button below to pay. 
• SUMBIT the waiting list application form to
  • preschool@hartleynature.org or
  • Hartley Nature Center 3001 Woodland Ave. Duluth, MN 55803 

You will be contacted via email if there is an opening for your child that meets your schedule preferences.

Questions about HNP?

• Sign up for a tour to see the preschool in action and make sure it is a good fit for your child and your family in the event that there is an opening for your child. Visit the HNC website for dates, times, and the sign up form. 
• Visit our FAQ page to learn more about HNP and find answers to many common questions including what gear a preschooler needs and what it means to be potty trained for preschool. You can also find lots of information about the benefits of nature-based programming like HNP on our curriculum and learning FAQ page.