2nd Nature Academy is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
Welcome to Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy, where we provide a warm, nurturing environment for children from 8 weeks through interim-kindergarten. Our child-centered approach honors the uniqueness of every learner, replacing one-size-fits-all instruction with a multi-sensory, integrated curriculum that values inquiry and exploration. By utilizing a developmentally-appropriate Emergent Curriculum—a model highly recommended by NAEYC—our educators intentionally design learning experiences around student interests and real-world challenges. Through reflective practice and mixed-age classrooms, we foster essential life skills like critical thinking, compassion, and positive conflict resolution, building a strong foundation for a lifetime of placed-based learning.
NATURE'S PATHWAYS PHILOSOPHY
respect
the natural curiosity
of each child
encourage
exploration in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment
value
personal interest
foster
skill development
understand
and meet the needs of all children in our care
STAGES OF DISCOVERY
AGE GROUP ELIGIBILITY
We believe there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to child growth and development. As such, our early childhood classrooms enroll a range of ages. This allows us to move children based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: birth date, social and emotional skills, gross motor and fine motor development, ease of transitions, and communication skills. The age ranges outlined below are used for initial enrollment projections and tuition rates; final placement in a group may be determined by any of the aforementioned factors.
Age of Child | Timeline | Group Option A | Group Option B | Group Option C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2-11 months | on requested start date | Infants ↦ | -- | -- |
12-17 months | on requested start date | Toddler A ↦ | -- | -- |
18-23 months | on requested start date | Toddler B ↦ | -- | -- |
24-35 months | on requested start date | Toddler C ↦ | -- | -- |
3 years | by September 30th | Preschool ↦ | -- | -- |
4 years | by September 30th | Prekindergarten ↦ | Emergent Kindergarten ↦ | -- |
5 years | by January 1st | Interim-kindergarten ↦ | Emergent Kindergarten ↦ | -- |
5 years | by September 30th | Interim-kindergarten ↦ | Emergent Kindergarten ↦ | SNA Kindergarten ↦ |
APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Admissions is based on availability and compatibility with our program(s), and confirmed enrollment is based on the completion of all steps listed below.
We recommend beginning the application process at least several months prior to your desired start date. Submitting an online inquiry is the swiftest way to learn if there is a waitlist and/or gauge predicted availability in your child's age group.
01
Learn about our program
Prior to submitting an inquiry, we encourage prospective families to learn about our program to determine if we are a great fit for your child.
02
Submit an initial inquiry
Submit an inquiry online. Once reviewed, a representative from our Admissions Department will reach out via the email provided with materials (if applicable) and to schedule a tour.
03
Tour the center
Join the Director of Early Childhood Education on a tour of our facilities.
04
Admissions decision
The enrollment process will begin if/when admittance is approved by the Director of Early Childhood Education. An application visit day for your child with their prospective group may be required prior to an admissions decision being made.
05
Finalize schedule
Once accepted into the program, the Director will work with you to confirm days of care, schedule your child's onboarding visit days, and establish your child's official start date (pending receipt of all registration materials).
06
Submit registration materials
When a child is granted admissions, they will be provided a complete list of registration steps. No registration is finalized without submission of all required elements and deposit payment (registration fee + first month's tuition). Deposits for infants who are yet to be born may not be submitted more than 6 months prior to the projected due date.
2nd Nature Academy is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").