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Join us for an informational meeting on Monday, September 30 from 3:45-4:30 pm. $50 Materials Fee may be paid in cash or check made payable to "2nd Nature Academy" with "Drama Club" in memo line.

Bring your lunches! Please remember no food containing nuts allowed in The Academy classrooms. “Genders & Sexualities Alliances, or GSAs for short, are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. GSAs have evolved beyond their traditional role to serve as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in middle schools and high schools, and have emerged as vehicles for deep social change related to racial, gender, and educational justice.” - GSA Network

Young thespians are invited to express their creativity, build new skills, and gain confidence through drama exercises, activities, games, and performances. Participants will be expected to fully engage in club activities and learn lines from a script. They must also be willing to participate in a performance before an audience. $50 Materials Fee may be paid in cash or check made payable to "2nd Nature Academy" with "Intro to Drama" in memo line.

At SNA, we understand that selecting the right educational environment for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make. Join us for one of our upcoming Admissions Events to meet with current SNA students, explore classrooms, and learn about what SNA has to offer! ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS EVENTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE DROP in! Sunday, March 16 12:00 – 2:00 pm TIME EVENT 12:00 pm Welcome 12:15 pm Student-led campus tours begin (ongoing) 1:00-1:45 pm Alumni Panel and Q&A Session REGISTER MEET OUR ALUMNI PANEL Join us for a Q&A session with SNA High School alumni as they share their experiences and insights on how SNA prepared them for success in college and beyond. Jackson McDonald, SNA High School ‘22: Associate degree in Computer Science from Nashua Community College (NCC), expected May 2025 Bachelor's in Computer Science from University of New Hampshire (UNH), expected 2027 Considering a minor in Mathematics Joey Hanlon, SNA High School ‘23: Bachelor's in Computer Science with a Data Science minor from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), expected 2027 Ronan Gleeson, SNA High School ‘23: Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), expected 2027 Shane Gleeson, SNA High School ‘23: Bachelor's in Analytical Economics from University of New Hampshire (UNH), expected 2027 Bachelor's in Sustainability from U niversity of New Hampshire (UNH), expected 2027 Plans to add a minor in Accounting and Finance SPRING INFO NIGHT Meet with current students & FACULTY, explore classrooms & learn about what SNA has to offer! Thursday, MArch 27 5:45 - 7:00 pm At SNA, we understand that selecting the right educational environment for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make. SNA is a student-centered educational community that fosters inquiry, exploration, experience, and achievement. Our unique and original educational model combines elements of skills-based curricula, Problem Based Learning, Place-Based Learning, transdisciplinary studies, and whole child philosophy. We develop well-rounded and independent critical thinkers who are able to create, communicate, collaborate, and conquer challenges, in order to contribute fully to society. We are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We hope you join us to learn about all we have to offer to your student! REGISTER QUICK LINKS An Introduction Our Faculty High School Highlights Submit an Inquiry

Rethink education, redefine success, and reimagine your future at 2nd Nature Academy (SNA): Elementary School | Middle School | High School | Early Childhood Education | Outdoor Summer Camps FACTS Login Menu Close HOME ABOUT An Introduction Mission & Philosophy Campus & Facilities A Message from the Founder Accreditation Testimonials ACADEMY Lower School (K-5) Upper School (6-12) High School Highlights Curriculum Extracurriculars Faculty Newtonian Spirit Student Achievements DEIB Phone-Free School Policy Immunization Policy ADMISSIONS Upcoming Events The Ideal Candidate Admissions Process Tuition & Affordability EARLY CHILDHOOD Welcome to Nature's Pathways Emergent Curriculum Infants & Toddlers Pre-Elementary Our Educators Tuition Apply Now COMMUNITY Calendar (Newtonian News) Service Learning Projects SNACC (SNA Community Committee) FACTS Family Portal Lunch School Swag Shop Art Portfolio (2023-2024) Supply Lists SUMMER CAMPS Camp Lovewell Brainwave Camps Jobs CAREERS Employment Opportunities Join Our Flex Team CONTACT Hours Upcoming Admissions Events Learn More We are hiring! Apply Now High School Early Childhood LIFELONG SUCCESS AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT Middle School Elementary Upcoming Admissions Events Learn More WELCOME 2nd Nature Academy (SNA) Elementary, Middle, & High School is a student-centered educational community that fosters inquiry, exploration, experience, and achievement. Our unique and original educational model combines elements of skills-based curricula, Problem Based Learning, Place-Based Learning, transdisciplinary studies, and whole child philosophy. We strive to develop well-rounded and independent critical thinkers who are able to create, communicate, collaborate, and conquer challenges, in order to contribute fully to society. We are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) . PBL & IBL Explore the 5Cs What is Project-Based Learning? Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. The 5 Steps of Project-Based Learning 1 Identify a unique challenge or problem (i.e. driving question). 2 Investigate the challenge using the inquiry process and apply ideas in the discipline. 3 Explore the ideas and challenge them through collaborative activities. 4 Utilize the inquiry process to refine products. 5 Develop the summative product that addresses the challenge or problem and publicly share it. What is Inquiry-Based Learning? Inquiry-based learning is an approach to learning that emphasizes the student's role in the learning process. Rather than the teacher telling students what they need to know, students are encouraged to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas. Inquiry-based learning uses different approaches to learning, including small-group discussion and guided learning. Instead of memorizing facts and material, students learn by doing. This allows them to build knowledge through exploration, experience, and discussion. The 4 Steps of Inquiry-Based Learning 1 Question: Students develop questions that they are hungry to answer. 2 Research: Investigate the topic using time in class. 3 Present: Have students present what they've learned. 4 Reflect: Ask students to reflect on what worked about the process and what didn't. INTRODUCING THE 5CS Embedded in our school mission are the "5Cs." These five themes lay the foundation upon which a 2nd Nature Academy education is built. By prioritizing critical thinking, collaboration, community connections, creativity, and communication in our pedagogy, 2nd Nature Academy creates well-rounded students who are better able to grow into positively contributing members of society, whether that be in college, career, or life. Critical Thinking Teaching the ability to think rationally and clearly Collaboration Teaching the ability to work well with others Community Connections Teaching the ability to feel, show, and act on sympathy and empathy, and to be an active part of a larger community Creativity Teaching the ability to think outside the box and innovate Communication Teaching the ability to connect with others, to present oneself and one's ideas, and to listen well PBL 5Cs

2nd Nature Academy (SNA) Elementary, Middle, & High School is a student-centered educational community that fosters inquiry, exploration, experience, and achievement.  Our unique and original educational model combines elements of skills-based curricula, Problem Based Learning,  Place-Based Learning, transdisciplinary studies, and whole child philosophy. We strive to develop well-rounded and independent critical thinkers who are able to create, communicate, collaborate, and conquer challenges. A Message From the Founder Deborah Gleeson, M.Ed. Welcome to 2nd Nature Academy. We are a community that values individuality and diversity, and a collaborative learning environment that fosters student engagement and meaningful collaboration. A lifelong New Englander, I grew up with parents and teachers who nurtured my curiosity and creativity. While I thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in school, the traditional classroom is not where I flourished. Rather, I thrived by exploring the outdoors and engaging in creative activities. When we began raising our own young family, my husband and I provided similar experiences for our three daughters. We quickly recognized that our girls learned best through hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities as well as outdoor adventures. While they too did well in school, they were most engaged and at their happiest when they were given opportunities to explore, inquire, create, and make meaningful, real world connections in an environment that made them feel safe and nurtured. I know that my family is not unique in this and that is probably why you find yourself here. Nestled in our quiet, little corner of Nashua, NH, 2nd Nature Academy has found a unique way to nurture curious minds and foster critical thinking and problem solving. Diverse experiences for developing intelligence, potential, and ability are at the heart of 2nd Nature Academy, where passion and resilience drive achievement. Creativity, imagination, curiosity, and social-emotional well-being are valued as much as math and literacy for educational success. What started out as a small prekindergarten program has grown into a well-established educational community for children of all ages. I am immensely proud of 2nd Nature Academy and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for the future. Founder The Foundation of SNA 2nd Nature Academy (formerly The Nature of Things) was founded in 1997 by Debbie Gleeson (M.Ed., Antioch New England University). Disheartened by the state of education, she enrolled in graduate school. With the encouragement of her husband and soon to be business partner, Denis Gleeson (MBA, Boston University), as well that of the Antioch staff, Debbie began work on a novel concept for her Master’s thesis project: Establishing a school. Nearly twenty-five years later, that inaugural prekindergarten class has grown into a full-fledged "farm, field, and forest" campus. Today, 2nd Nature Academy is situated on an idyllic, sprawling campus in south Nashua, NH, which is also home to: Nature's Pathways (early childhood education) Camp Lovewell (outdoor summer day camp) The Enrichment Center (STEAM education) Athlete's Competitive Edge (ACE) (youth athletics) These businesses all exist to support a collective mission to serve as an educational community committed to lifelong learning and whole living. With the help of many dedicated education professionals, administrators, and support staff, the programs continue to expand. From the start, it was Debbie's mission to instill a love for learning in her students from an early age, drawing from 21st Century Learning and Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory and building a highly integrated curriculum focused on the power of nature-based outdoor education, environmental sciences, developmentally appropriate practices, humane education, and a literature-based approach to learning. 1997 The Nature of Things, LLC founded as a small prekindergarten program (now known as Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy) 2000 2nd Nature Academy Elementary School founded 2013 2nd Nature Academy Middle School founded 2015 The Nature of Things, LLC awarded "Women Owned Business of the Year" for New Hampshire and New England Categories by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2016 The Nature of Things, LLC nominated for Enterprise Bank "Business of the Year" 2018 2nd Nature Academy High School founded 2022 2nd Nature Academy's 25th anniversary history