


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").
WHY PATHWAYS?
Whole-Child Growth
Focus on self-advocacy, emotional readiness, and problem-solving alongside foundational math and Orton-Gillingham inspired phonics.
Outdoor & Active Exploration
Daily hikes, forest exploration, and open-ended outdoor play.
Emergent Curriculum
Learning experiences built around real-world challenges and child interests—no one-size-fits-all instruction.

STAGES OF DISCOVERY
Early Childhood Education
INFANTS
Nurturing the Critical First Year
Schedule: Fully individualized based on your baby’s sleeping and feeding needs.
Focus: Sensory, motor, and language development through gentle interaction and floor play.
Daily Highlights: Tummy time, sensory exposure, and outdoor stroller walks.

PRE-ELEMENTARY
Inquiry & Foundation Building
Eligibility: Placement based on developmental readiness.
Focus: Social-emotional readiness, self-advocacy, and hands-on academic foundations.
Daily Highlights: Forest hikes, hands-on math/science, and developmentally-appropriate phonics, fine-motor work, and handwriting.

TODDLERS
Active Exploration & Group Routine
Schedule: Smooth transition from individual routines to structured group play.
Focus: Channeling active energy, navigating social boundaries, and building independence.
Daily Highlights: Play-based group activities, motor skill tasks, and supervised exploration.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS
Authentic & Scaffolded Growth
Approach: Personalized scaffolding that meets your child where they are to build a strong foundation for academic success.
Core Skills: Essential foundational skills over rushed products—phonemic awareness, handwriting basics, fine-motor strength, number sense, and critical thinking.
Essential Growth: Developing real-world self-help skills (self-advocacy, independent bathrooming, and organization), alongside emotional intelligence, collaboration, and self-confidence.


ALL-INCLUSIVE TUITION
Early Childhood Education
TUITION
Every enrollment includes:
-
Up to 10 hours of daily care
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Fresh and nutritious daily lunch & snacks
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Full access to outdoor, forest, and specialty programs
Final classroom placement considers developmental readiness, motor skills, and birth date.
AGE GROUP ELIGIBILITY
Early Childhood Education
Children grow at their own pace, so our classrooms bring together a range of ages. We base final classroom placement on overall development—including social skills, communication, and motor control—rather than birth date alone. The age ranges below are used for initial enrollment projections and tuition rates.
Infants
2-11 Months
on requested start
Toddler A
12-17 Months
on requested start
Toddler B
18-23 Months
on requested start
Toddler C
24-35 Months
on requested start
Preschool
3 Years
by September 30th
Prekindergarten
4 Years
by September 30th
Interim-Kindergarten
5 Years
by January 1st
Interim-Kindergarten or SNA Kindergarten
5 Years
by September 30th
SIMPLE 4-STEP ADMISSIONS
Early Childhood Education
02
Tour the Center
Visit our facility and meet our Early Childhood Director.
03
Application & Visit Day
Complete a quick group visit day (if applicable) for approval.
04
Finalize & Enroll
Confirm your schedule, submit registration materials, and set your start 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").
MEET OUR EDUCATORS
Early Childhood Education
Our team combines credentialed early childhood specialists and experienced parents. All of our educators are dedicated to safe, outdoor-rich, and child-led learning.


Jillian Towne
Director of Early Childhood Education
My favorite part of my job is...
"that, as they say, 'it takes a village,' and I get to be a part of that village for so many families. Now my own daughter gets to be a part of our village too!"


Joleen Brahaney
Assistant Director
Frogs (Pre-K) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that every day is different and we get frequent opportunities to explore the trails."


Amber Labrecque
Assistant Director
Calves (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching the children explore and grow into their little personalities. I love reading stories with them and singing silly songs!"


Jennifer Slate
Assistant Director
Interim-Kindergarten Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"inspiring children to believe in themselves. When I was a child, I had a teacher that made me feel like I mattered and that I could do anything. I love having the opportunity to do that for my students."


Laura Auger
Chicks (Infant) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that I get to care for such young children and knowing that I will have some part in shaping their future. It is a very rewarding experience. I love getting to know their parents and siblings and cherish the time each child spends in my classroom!"


Samantha Robarge
Chicks (Infant) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching the kids' personalities blossom as they grow into such unique individuals! I love seeing the world through their eyes."


Jennifer Rheaume
Lambs (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"the energy level of young children. I also really enjoy watching them explore, play, and learn about their world!"


Jennifer Andrews
Lambs (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
COMING SOON


Amanda Weiss
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting to introduce new and unique experiences to the children to create a lasting impression and spark new ideas and imagination. I love to make up songs, be silly, and help bring out the children's individuality in a fun way!"


Bryanna Poirier
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"how everyday is a new adventure! I love making an impact on the children's day to day experiences. Watching them grow and achieve new milestones brings me happiness."


Stephanie White
Calves (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching children play. It is so rewarding to see their imaginations at work, to see the wonder on their faces when they do something for the first time, and to watch them make new friends. Their joy and laughter is contagious."


Kristen Lavoie
Alpacas (Preschool) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the kids get excited when they implement something new they learned at school. Knowing I had a positive impact brings me joy as a teacher."


Ryan Slate
Alpacas (Preschool) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"witnessing the incredible growth of the children."


Chelsea Barbini
Frogs (Pre-K) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"being able to explore the outdoors with the children. I love watching their responses to new things and watching them become engaged with their surroundings."


Megan Sweeney
Music Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"building connections with my kids and watching them discover what they are passionate about."


Cathy Richardson Brown
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"sharing my music and farming background with the children."


Tracy Quinn
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the creativity and imagination spark in these kids because of my background in art. Their personalities are infectious and everyday they find a new way to make me laugh!"


Crystal Gould
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
COMING SOON


Stephanie Wunderlich
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting to greet families and make special connections with children of all ages!"


Sarah Thompson
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
"being part of a family-oriented community that nurtures a child’s life, as well as that point of contact that welcomes and cheers parents on during the PM shift homestretch!"


Desiree Enriquez
Manager of Administrative Services
My favorite part of my job is...
"the opportunity to make the kids smile and laugh, and how they make me smile and laugh in return."


Donagh McKean
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting to interact with the children in many different settings."

