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ADMISSIONS 2024-2025 Priority Admissions Cycle October 15, 2023 - December 15, 2023 2024-2025 Admissions Timeline SUBMIT INQUIRY 2ND NATURE ACADEMY KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 12 2nd Nature Academy seeks students whose strong desire to learn and ability to think creatively suggests they will thrive in the school’s challenging, integrated academic environment. We expect students to actively contribute to the school and to the community. 2nd Nature Academy students and their families are expected to embrace the school’s mission statement and philosophy . ​ Academic readiness or achievement, social and behavioral maturity, and motivation will be considered. Available openings in a given class also influence the decisions of individual student selection. Preference is given to siblings of current students. Prospective Students Prior to beginning the application process, we strongly encourage all applying families to familiarize themselves with: The Ideal Candidate DEI Statement Mission & Philosophy Kindergarten Age Requirement To be eligible to apply to SNA kindergarten program, students must turn 5 by September 30th of the corresponding academic year. For students who do not meet the minimum age requirement or could use an extra year for social-emotional or academic readiness, we recommend our interim-kindergarten program . Admissions Application Process 01 Submit an inquiry Submit an inquiry with our online form to request an introductory phone call with our Director of Admissions. 02 Complete and submit all application materials & fee After the introductory phone call, the Director of Admissions will provide the applying family with all required materials. All applicants must pay a $50.00 application fee at this stage. 03 Schedule a student shadow day If a completed application passes a preliminary review, we'll discuss options to schedule a student shadow day. 04 Admissions decision is delivered The Admissions Committee reviews all application materials and Shadow Day feedback from teachers before arriving at an admissions decision. Families are informed of decisions by mail. * Requirements No application will be considered complete and ready for review until all required steps are completed and all elements are submitted. Receipt of application/admissions materials must be confirmed by a representative of the Admissions Committee. NATURE'S PATHWAYS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Please note that all Application & Enrollment steps must be followed to ensure enrollment. Although there may be classroom availability for an immediate start date (i.e., within a couple of weeks), we typically recommend beginning the process at least several months prior to the desired start date. ​ Children may be granted admission to Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy upon completion of the following steps and review of the application materials. Admissions is based on availability and compatibility to the program. Prospective Families Prior to beginning the application process, we strongly encourage all applying families to familiarize themselves with: An Introduction Emergent Curriculum Application & Enrollment Process Submit an inquiry with our online form . A representative from our Admissions Department will reach out via the email provided in the inquiry form with additional application materials (if applicable) and to schedule an introductory phone call. 01 Submit an initial inquiry application Join the Director of Early Childhood Education on a tour of our facilities. 02 Tour the center Enrollment is not approved until admissions have been officially granted by the Director of Early Childhood Education and the registration process* has been completed. 03 Admissions decision No application will be considered complete and ready for review until all required steps are completed and all elements are submitted. Receipt of application/admissions materials must be confirmed by the Director of Early Childhood Education. ​ Requirements *Registration Process The registration process includes: scheduling and completing an introductory phone call followed by a facilities tour, submitting all registration materials after acceptance, remitting all necessary deposit payments, scheduling days of care with the Director, and scheduling an official start date with the Director. ​ An onboarding visit day with the group the child will be joining may also be required. ​ A registration deposit is necessary to ensure the child's spot. The deposit includes: Registration fee First month’s tuition payment ​ Deposits for infants who are yet to be born may not be submitted more than 6 months prior to the projected due date. ​ Finally, the Director of Early Childhood Education will work with you to confirm a schedule of care and determine an official 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"). 2024-2025 Admissions IMPORTANT DATES October 29, 2023 Register Fall Open House November 9, 2023 Register Fall Info Session December 15, 2023 Add to calendar Priority Application Deadline January 19, 2023 Add to calendar Priority Admissions Decisions Released February 22, 2023 Add to calendar Winter Info Session March 10, 2023 Add to calendar Spring Open House March 22, 2023 Add to calendar Spring Application Deadline April 26, 2023 Add to calendar Spring Admissions Decisions

ECE HOME PRE-ELEMENTARY OUR EDUCATORS INFANT & TODDLER PROGRAMS TODDLER PROGRAM ​ Toddlers are the busiest age group. They are just beginning to actively explore and interact with the world around them and are in constant motion. As such, the children need meaningful activities, engaged caregivers, and constant supervision. We provide a safe environment in which the children may explore and manipulate their surroundings without fear of failure or getting hurt. Caregivers provide a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum that is varied and engaging. ​ Transitioning from infant to toddler care also marks the transition from individual to group schedules. Our toddler classrooms feature group activities, set routines, and clear classroom boundaries. These are developed to best serve the children currently enrolled and remain flexible as new children join the classroom. A typical day in our toddler program follows an emergent curriculum and includes: ​ TODDLER PROGRAM ​structured and unstructured playtime inquiry-based, hands-on learning activities literacy-based activities hands-on science and math activities art music and movement school-provided morning and afternoon snacks school-provided lunch nap/rest time diapering/toilet training outdoor play walks and hikes barn animal visits ​ AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT ​ 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. Our infant and toddler programs center around developmentally appropriate practices and an emergent curriculum that foster and respect the natural curiosity of each child. ​ ​ AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT INFANT PROGRAM Early experiences have a profound effect on a child’s later development. The first twelve months in particular are the most developmentally critical. Great gains are made in a child’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, sensory, motor, and language development. ​ Our caregivers provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating, soothing, and loving environment for your infant. They provide guidance and set safe limits while respecting your baby’s curiosity. By allowing babies to safely explore, our caregivers help your child to develop the confidence needed to try new things and develop skills. ​ A typical day in our infant program includes time for holding and rocking, feeding, tummy time, motor skill development, verbal interactions, musical exposure, supervised floor play, outdoor walks, diapering, and napping. At this age, children are on individualized schedules for sleeping and feeding. INFANT PROGRAM OUR EDUCATORS... ​ provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. encourage exploration. value personal interests. respect individual needs and development. meet the daily needs of all children enrolled. ​ Meet our educators >> OUR EDUCATORS Emergent Curriculum is all about following student interest and inquiry. Activities, projects, and the overall learning environment are planned based on the specific group of children. Learn more >> WHAT IS EMERGENT CURRICULUM?

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AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT ​ 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. ​ Our pre-elementary programs are typically separated into three different age groups: AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT Preschool – Children who turn three by September 30 Prekindergarten – Children who turn four by September 30 Interim-kindergarten - Children who turn five by January 1 and meet social and emotional development requirements THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH LEARNER ​ At Nature's Pathways, we recognize children as individuals with unique personalities and learning styles. Children grow and learn through the process of exploration and discovery. Each child learns at a different pace and acquires knowledge in a different manner. Children actively form relationships in various ways and obtain understanding through different approaches. In order for all children to successfully attain cognitive, physical, social and emotional development, our degreed teachers provide enriching materials, a safe nurturing environment, clearly set boundaries and expectations, and plenty of opportunity for exploration. THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH LEARNER KINDERGARTEN All children must be toilet trained to be eligible for any of our pre-elementary programs. LIFELONG LEARNING: BEYOND KINDERGARTEN READINESS ​ The pre-elementary program seeks to set children up for future social, emotional, and academic success rather than implement specific academic curriculum before the children are developmentally ready. As children progress through the pre-elementary program, they will be introduced to a variety of academic concepts and skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Our pre-elementary program seeks to expose children to a variety of subjects, disciplines, and skills in an age-appropriate way. The program features (based on age and development): LIFELONG LEARNING: BEYOND KINDERGARTEN READINESS ​ Art instruction to introduce different media and visual arts techniques Literacy skills rooted in the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction Inquiry-based, hands-on science and math Music and movement activities Multi-sensory fine motor and pre-writing activities that encourage proper handwriting techniques Outdoor play in playground and surrounding fields and forest Hikes and nature exploration Visits to barn animals Social-emotional skills development to encourage future problem solving, collaboration, and leadership Nurturing care to encourage confidence and self-advocacy A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BUILT FOR CHILDREN ​ In our pre-elementary programs, we value cooperation, interaction, and willingness to accept challenges. We focus on individual strengths and value the uniqueness of each learner. While there are many curricular goals we set out to achieve, the process we use to accomplish these objectives varies from child to child. Our goal is to remain developmentally appropriate, and allow children to learn and explore in a way that is play-based and supportive. By providing diversified materials and numerous opportunities for observation, exploration, and inquiry, nearly all children will become true learners and problem solvers. A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BUILT FOR CHILDREN Emergent Curriculum is all about following student interest and inquiry. Activities, projects, and the overall learning environment are planned based on the specific group of children. Learn more >> WHAT IS EMERGENT CURRICULUM? ECE HOME INFANTS & TODDLERS OUR EDUCATORS PRE-ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS

2023-2024 Academic Calendar & Campus Closure Dates PDF CALENDAR FAMILY VOLUNTEERISM OPPORTUNITIES Read more The SNA Parent Action Committee (PAC) plans and organizes special events and activities that enhance the sense of community at our school. This committee is open to all clients of Nature's Pathways and 2nd Nature Academy. The Parent Action Committee has aided in preparation, organized, and hosted several community events for students and their families, including annual Fall Festivals and Winter Holiday Galas, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti suppers, bake sales, raffles, and a variety of school-based fundraisers to benefit our educational community. Additionally, PAC provides support for our school-wide service learning projects. Help us build this year's schedule! If you are interested in joining our Parent Action Committee as a volunteer, please email PAC@2ndnatureacademy.com. SCHOOL & COMMUNITY EVENTS Fall Open House K-12: 2024-2025 Admissions October 29, 2023 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Register SNA Fall Info Session K-12: 2024-2025 Admissions November 9, 2023 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Register SNA Winter Info Session K-12: 2024-2025 Admissions February 22, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm COMING SOON Spring Open House K-12: 2024-2025 Admissions March 10, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm COMING SOON

Top of Page Quick Facts Independent Study AP Courses AP Research Oral Defense PCCM Paths Senior Spotlights WHERE YOU'RE MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER (BUT HERE ARE SOME NUMBERS & OTHER FACTS) Graduation Rate: 100% 92% of college acceptances in 2023 included merit scholarship awards, totaling $640,000 1 of 5 schools in NH to offer AP Capstone program (Seminar & Research) Above average AP Seminar scores ( SNA: 3.4 | NH - 3.15 | Global - 3.19) Leadership roles on campus (Student Government, Service Learning Project design & implementation, school-wide community building) Personalized College & Career Mapping (PCCM) Program Early College Courses through Nashua Community College Community college courses offered for MA/out-of-state students 1st Place Winners of 2023 Community Changemaker Challenge (sponsored by UNH Sustainability Institute) Flexible class scheduling to allow differentiated student experiences ​ Despite minimal emphasis on standardized testing, our students scored in the 87th percentile on S.A.T. results Quick Facts GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES Our Guided Independent Study courses offer high school students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in conjunction with field study and internship experience. Additionally, students will work closely with an advisor each week to help strengthen certain skills, such as organization, time and project management, study skills, etc. This advisor will collaborate with the supervising teacher and cafe chef to ensure that students are meeting all internship expectations. All Independent Studies highlighted below were selected and designed by students, in cooperation with instructors and mentors. These opportunities are available at SNA, as well as that which you dream up! INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS This field study provides high school students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on work experience in the food service industry. Students participating in this internship opportunity will gain experience in the following areas: principles of nutrition, food safety and storage, menu planning, inventory and purchasing, portioning, presentation, and preparation. This course is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts. Independent Study ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. Students at SNA will be offered the option of taking the following courses for AP credit; grade point averages will be weighted accordingly. Course content will be delivered using a variety of methods that adhere to our SNA educational philosophy. 2023 AP RESEARCH PRESENTATION & ORAL DEFENSE In AP Research, year two of the AP Capstone Program, "students are required to design, plan, and implement a yearlong, in-depth study or investigation in an area of personal interest through a chosen or designed inquiry method and develop a well-reasoned argument based on the evidence collected in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words. As a culmination of their research, students deliver (using appropriate media) a presentation and orally defend their research design, approach, and findings (AP Research Course and Exam Description)." On Friday, April 28, 2023, AP Research students presented to a panel composed of members of our school community: Rocio Rosales, PhD, Jose Martinez, MS, and Michael Varraso, Esq. Students and panelists engaged in an oral defense session, as well as a more casual question and answer session following the performance tasks. We would like to say a special thank you to our panelists for their time and enthusiasm, as well to Rambling House Food & Gathering for their generosity in providing their space and refreshments for this student milestone. AP Courses PCCM Paths AP Research Oral Defense PCCM PERSONALIZED COLLEGE & CAREER MAPPING Each SNA high school student is on an educational track as unique as they are. We recognize that there are many paths our students can embark on after graduation, including college, university, career, or more. Our Personalized College & Career Mapping (PCCM) program is designed to set our students up for success. Senior Spotlights Class of 2023 College Acceptances University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Merit scholarships awarded: $640,000 University of New Hampshire University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Vermont t Worcester Polytechnic Insitute MAPPING YOUR PATH With the guidance of your teachers, advisors, and/or mentors, you will design and refer to your path plan throughout your high school career. Nothing in your PCCM path is set in stone. Rather, it is there to help you get where you want to go, even if it changes along the way! passions skills learning styles educational aspirations career aspirations hobbies SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS Success is defined as, "an accomplishment of an aim or purpose." Your PCCM path, and its many should be as unique as you! We've highlighted a few of our current and former seniors to give you an example of the many diverse PCCM tracks each student embarks on. Class of 2023 RONAN Creative & collaborative critical thinker Arrival at SNA: A Newtonian since preschool PCCM Path: College-focused PBL Impact: ​ Deftly c ollaborates and contributes to individual and group successes Part of a SNA team that won 3rd place in a statewide contest for design of New England Electric Bus System (NEEBS)​ Drafted proposed legislation (J.A.R.S. Act) with his peers to strengthen regulations of PFAS in local drinking water Beyond SNA: Attending UNH College of Engineering & Physical Sciences in fall 2023 Class of 2022 RYAN Inventive mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit Arrival at SNA: Transferred in the 10th grade in the search for an environment and community that would realize his full potential PCCM Path: Career-focused Guided Independent Study: Animal Husbandry with a Focus in Poultry , including fie ld work at Julie's Happy Hens at Trow Heritage Farm (Mont Vernon, NH)​ PBL Impact: ​ ​ Designed dual-purpose products to address the needs of underserved communities. Part of a SNA team that w on 3rd place in a statewide contest for design of New England Electric Bus System (NEEBS)​ Designed a rainwater collection system using biomimicry called Pinecone Water Collection System (T.P.W.C.S.) Beyond SNA: ​ Graduated into full-time job in desired field Class of 2020 KATHRYN Empathetic, inclusive, & dedicated Arrival at SNA: A former Newtonian who re-enrolled when SNA High School was founded for a return to a differentiated learning model PCCM Path: College-focused Guided Independent Study: Early Childhood Education in our sister program, Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy PBL Impact: ​Completed a group capstone project that involved the initial stages of an ECE-friendly obstacle course Beyond SNA: Accepted into Davis College and SNHU CLASS OF 2023 The journey continues for the !

VIRTUAL PARENT NIGHT November 2021 Play Video Play Video 06:36 Kindergarten (Swett) Welcome to the 2021-2022 kindergarten classroom! Join Mrs. Swett for an introduction into what your kindergartener is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 03:57 Grade 1 (Royal) Welcome to the 2021-2022 grade 1 classroom! Join Mrs. Royal for an introduction into what your lower elementary student is up to each day. Play Video Play Video 04:40 Grades 2/3 (Holmes) Welcome to the 2021-2022 grade 2/3 classroom! Join Ms. Holmes for an introduction into what your lower elementary student is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 05:30 Grades 3/4 (Chiccino) Welcome to the 2021-2022 grade 3/4 classroom! Join Mrs. Chiccino for an introduction into what your upper elementary student is up to each day. Play Video Play Video 05:51 Science: Elementary/Middle School (Mehurg) Welcome to the 2021-2022 science classroom! Join Mrs. Mehurg for an introduction into what your young scientist is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 10:16 Grades 5/6 (Pearson, Chiccino, Venman) Welcome to the 2021-2022 grade 5/6 classroom! Join Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Chiccino, and Mr. Venman for an introduction into what your lower middle school student is up to each day. Play Video Play Video 02:35 Grades 7/8 Humanities (Pearson) Welcome to the 2021-2022 grades 7/8 humanities classroom! Join Mrs. Pearson for an introduction into what your student is up to each day. Play Video Play Video 03:09 Grades 7-12 Math (Ayer) Welcome to the 2021-2022 upper middle and high school math classroom! Join Mrs. Ayer for an introduction into what your mathematician is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 03:29 High School Environmental Justice (Ayer, Quinn-Stearns) Welcome to the 2021-2022 high school science and social studies class: Environmental Justice! Join Mrs. Ayer and Mrs. Quinn-Stearns for an introduction into what your critically thinking student is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 02:13 High School Language Arts & AP Seminar (Quinn-Stearns) Welcome to the 2021-2022 high school language arts and AP Seminar classroom! Join Mrs. Quinn-Stearns for an introduction into what your student is up to each day. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 05:09 Español (Profe Mariona) ¡Bienvenido a la clase de español 2021-2022! Únase a la Profe Mariona para conocerla y saber más sobre qué hacemos en el colegio. Play Video Play Video 06:38 Visual Arts (Thompson) Welcome to the 2021-2022 art classroom! Join Ms. Thompson for an introduction into what your student is up to in visual arts. Credit: "Music: https://www.purple-planet.com" Play Video Play Video 05:18 Music (Venman) Welcome to the 2021-2022 music class! Join Mr. Venman for an introduction into what your student is up to in music this year. Play Video Play Video 00:29 Guess Who's Back? We've certainly missed her, in any language!

Accreditation Anchor NEASC Accreditation 2nd Nature Academy was granted Institutional Accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in July 2018. In an excerpt from the official accreditation letter from NEASC, it was stated that: ​ "The Commission particularly commends the entire school community for its commitment to and expression of the mission of the school and its learning model. The Visiting Committee noted that evidence of this was readily apparent in every aspect of school activity." Other commendations included the Commission being impressed by the "proactive succession plan in place at 2nd Nature Academy." The Visiting Committee also commended the school for implementing its experiential learning model and humane education curriculum, as well as providing opportunities for inquiry and exploration. Recommendations put forth by NEASC include, "That the Academy continue to explore ways to reach more prospective students and make its program better understood to the outside community," and that, as the school grows through middle school and into high school, "That the Academy continue to refine and formalize its curriculum across all subject areas and grade levels." ​ Accreditation by NEASC is an ongoing process that requires commitment to constant school improvement. In March 2020, 2nd Nature Academy submitted its first Two-Year Interim Evaluation Report for review. A Five-Year Interim Evaluation Report in 2023 will be followed by our next regularly scheduled evaluation visit in 2028. To learn more about NEASC Accreditation, please visit www.neasc.org/about-accreditation . ​ Early Childhood ​ Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy is a license-exempt early childhood program that operates under 2nd Nature Academy. This program is overseen by the Department of Education and the Department of Health. We still follow all of the health and safety rules in the New Hampshire child care licensing guidelines, including child to teacher ratios, cleaning and sanitizing policies, and more. Our license-exempt status allows us to remain more flexible and up to date with current trends, and stay true to our mission while remaining above all else a center focused on safety and quality care.

Join our team! Camp Lovewell seeks patient, mature, responsible counselors with good leadership skills. Counselors must be at least 16 years of age and are expected to greet new campers, explain and model camp rules, supervise camp activities, display good moral character, and provide for the health and safety of the campers in their charge. Camp counselors should be prepared to work all summer. DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTIONS Apply Now If you prefer to submit an employment application via email or mail, please click here . Apply by Mail or E-Mail If you prefer to submit a PDF or paper application, please submit a completed application form to: camplovewell@2ndnatureacademy.com with the subject line, “Camp Lovewell Employment” ​ or ​ Camp Lovewell Attn: Camp Director 10 Groton Road Nashua, NH 03062 GET APPLICATION FORM PDF App

WELCOME TO SNA 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) . Our History PBL & IBL Explore the 5Cs 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 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

NATURE'S PATHWAYS NEEDS LISTS Select your child's group below to view their needs list, for which families are responsible for providing the items listed.

IMMUNIZATION POLICY Rationale The protection of the good health and safety of children in our care is among the top priorities of Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy’s and 2nd Nature Academy’s missions. We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives. 2nd Nature Academy campus is a school community that includes children as young as two months old, as well immuno-compromised staff and students. Therefore, we wish to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable among our community. ​ Policy Beginning January 1, 2020, new students (including siblings of current students) must have proof of up-to-date immunizations. For children “fully immunized” means, at a minimum, that the child has received the immunizations required by New Hampshire state law and regulation for attendance at public schools. In addition, Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy may add immunizations required for “full immunization” in consultation with physician advisors. Waivers Waivers for new students will be limited to approved medical exemption waivers from the student’s physician. Current students with waivers classified as religious or other will be grandfathered in and allowed to re-enroll. However, Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy reserve the right to discontinue this practice of grandfathering. Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy reserve the right to decline admission or re-enrollment to any child who is not fully immunized. Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy reserve the right, during outbreaks of illness, to exclude from the school any child who has not been fully immunized. In such cases there will be no refund or adjustment of tuition. Enrolled children are required to keep their immunizations up-to-date in order to remain at the school. In addition to the above, each child at Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy must be in compliance with the requirements of state law and regulation concerning immunizations. All employees of Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy are required to be fully immunized. For employees “fully immunized” means that the employee has been immunized against all diseases for which any child at Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy is required to be immunized, but excluding vaccinations which are not recommended for adults by the Center for Disease Control. Waivers for employees will be limited to approved medical exemption waivers. Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy and 2nd Nature Academy reserves the right to decline employment to, or terminate the employment of, any person who is not fully immunized.