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Mission: 2nd Nature Academy is a student-centered educational community that fosters inquiry , exploration , experience , and achievement . 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. Vision Statement: Authentic engagement and lifelong success Pedagogical Goals To provide a student-centered learning environment that focuses on the whole student To embrace eight intelligence strengths as indicated by Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University To provide the fundamentals of education using inquiry based learning and multi-sensory instruction To foster an attitude of cultural appreciation To support physical, social, emotional and cognitive well-being To promote values and life skills such as responsibility, punctuality, consideration, understanding, altruism, and compassion To encourage an appreciation of our natural environment To develop an enthusiasm for learning and acquiring new skills Philosophy At 2nd Nature Academy Elementary, Middle, & High School, we foster a rigorous and responsive learning environment where students thrive, not simply survive, in their formative academic years. We encourage students to explore, inquire, collaborate, create, analyze, and solve relevant problems. Our unique and original educational model combines elements of skills-based curricula, Project Based Learning, transdisciplinary studies, and whole child philosophy. We maintain a low student to teacher ratio to allow teachers the flexibility to implement strategies for differentiated, individualized instruction and build positive relationships with students. Teachers set expectations for high standards and academic achievement while also supporting social emotional health and wellness for all students. Project Based Learning allows students to engage in collaborative exploration and work on authentic projects to solve complex, real-world challenges. Transdisciplinary studies integrate the perspectives of multiple disciplines in the problem-solving process. Students learn through questioning, investigating, researching, reasoning, comparing, and reflecting. They demonstrate their skills and knowledge by creating genuine products and presentations for real audiences. Whole child educational philosophy ensures that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged in school. ​ We encourage students to work collaboratively in both small and large groups, thus promoting a balance between a sense of self and belonging to the group. By working together, they develop important interpersonal and communication skills such as dialogue, negotiation, compromise, empathy, self-control, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Each student has the opportunity for their voice to be heard. These practices have resulted in a tight-knit school community, further strengthened by participation in student facilitated service learning projects as well as events and activities on campus.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 2nd Nature Academy lunches are prepared on-site, fresh each day . Menus are posted monthly. Each lunch is served with milk and is carefully planned to provide a delicious, well-balanced meal option. Whenever possible, the menu features seasonally available fresh fruit and vegetables grown in our own pesticide-free gardens. MONTHLY MENUS MAY BE VIEWED & ORDERS PLACED ON THE FACTS FAMILY PORTAL

< Back Courtney Mehurg Science (Middle/High School) ​ Courtney Mehurg grew up in North Carolina and spent her childhood years exploring the outdoors and local wildlife, participating in sports, and playing the saxophone in various bands throughout middle and high school. Her love of animals, and reptiles in particular, led her to earn degrees in zoology at North Carolina State University. During her time there, she continued to be heavily involved in musical performance, while discovering her love of education as a teaching assistant in undergraduate and graduate school. Graduate courses took her to some unique locations around the world; including Namibia, South Africa, Australia (Heron Island along the Great Barrier Reef), the Galapagos Islands, and Puerto Rico. Upon finishing her degrees, she decided to take on her first teaching position as a middle school science teacher at Addlestone Hebrew Academy in Charleston, SC. From there she would go onto to teach for a total of 7 years in both private and public schools in South Carolina and Massachusetts. She then moved back to North Carolina, along the Southern Outer Banks, and took on the full-time position of mother to her young daughter and son, now eight and five. She also spent much of these years actively involved in the NC Sierra Club as secretary of the newly formed Croatan Group. She now lives in Bedford, NH, where she enjoys spending time with her family, getting outdoors at every chance, hiking, skiing, foraging, and engaging in environmental and political activism. Education Master of Science in Zoology with a Minor in Physiology from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) Work Experience 2022-Present: Science teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2010-2012: Middle school science teacher at Annie Sullivan Middle School (Franklin, MA) 2009-2010: Middle school science teacher at Remington Middle School (Franklin, MA) 2007-2009: 5th-8th grade science teacher at Ashley Hall (Charleston, SC) 2005-2007: 5th-8th grade science teacher at Addlestone Hebrew Academy (Charleston, SC) Graduate School: Teaching assistant for laboratory courses in Ecology, Herpetology, and Introduction to Zoology Undergraduate School: Teaching assistant for a laboratory course in Computer Science

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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION APPLICATION PROCESS SUBMIT INQUIRY 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 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 Join the Director of Early Childhood Education on a tour of our facilities. 02 Tour the center 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").

summercamps@2ndnatureacademy.com 2024 SEASON NEWT MEMORIES NEWT YEAR REGISTRATION PORTAL NOW HIRING DATES Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 June 24-28 July 1-5* July 8-12 July 15-19 July 22-26 July 29 - August 2 August 5-9 August 12-16 August 19-23 *closed Thu, July 4th RATES Age* 6-8 9-14 Price $420 $410 STANDARD CAMP DAY 9:00 am - 4:00 pm *by 9/30/24 $55/week 7:30 - 9:00 am BEFORE CARE $55/week 4:00 - 5:30 pm AFTER CARE REGISTRATION FEE $50 ACCREDITATION The American Camp Association (ACA) is the only national organization that establishes standards for reviewing camps. ACA accreditation assures you of the best quality control to ensure the welfare of your child. Sending your child to an ACA accredited camp such as Camp Lovewell means you know you’re providing your child with the best possible camp experience. ACTIVITIES Camp songs and spirit Team building & low ropes course Archery Arts and crafts Nature studies and orienteering Farm animal visits Swimming Kayaking Sports and field games Drama and skits Hiking and exploration FAQ Registration Process Location & Contact Refund/Reduction Policy Drop-off & Pick-up Protocols Dress Code Swimming & Kayaking Policies Daily Packing List

Middle School (5-8) $13,500

CONTACT (603) 881-4815 10 Groton Road Nashua, NH 03062 info@2ndnatureacademy.com summercamps@2ndnatureacademy.com HOURS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 8:30 am - 3:30 pm SNA - LOWER SCHOOL DAY 8:30 am - 3:15 pm SNA - UPPER SCHOOL DAY 6:30 am - 5:30 pm NATURE'S PATHWAYS CENTER Hours

TUITION Grades K-12 Early Childhood Tuition Assistance Family (2+ children) $310 ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES Single child $190 2ND NATURE ACADEMY Kindergarten-Grade 12 ANNUAL RATES & FEES Elementary School Kindergarten - Grade 5 $15,420 $21,450 $450 Tuition - Standard Tuition - Full Care Materials Fee Middle School Grades 6-8 $16,500 $21,960 $575 Tuition - Standard Tuition - Full Care Materials Fee High School Grades 9-12 $19,260 $700 Tuition Materials Fee NATURE'S PATHWAYS Early Childhood MONTHLY RATES Includes up to 10 hours of care per day, plus lunch and snacks Center Hours >> Infants (2-11 months) $1,920 $2, 120 4-day 5-day Toddler B (24+ months) $1,710 $1,945 4-day 5-day Prekindergarten 4 y/o by Sept. 30 $1,600 $1,810 4-day 5-day Toddler A (12-23 months) $1,820 $2,030 4-day 5-day Preschool 3 y/o by Sept. 30 $1,640 $1,850 4-day 5-day Interim-kindergarten 5 y/o by Jan. 1 $1,800 5-day only ​ ​A non-refundable registration fee AND non-refundable first month’s full tuition are due at the time of registration. Thereafter, tuition is due by the 15th of the month prior to the month of service. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR ABSENCES OR EARLY WITHDRAWALS. Spaces are limited and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Prices are subject to change. 2nd Nature Academy, LLC and Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy reserve the right to change policies. k-12 ece 2ND NATURE ACADEMY Kindergarten-Grade 12 TUITION ASSISTANCE & SCHOLARSHIPS It is the belief of 2nd Nature Academy to help families make an independent school education possible for their children. We also understand that not every family can afford the cost of an independent school education. Through our policies and practices, our goal is to try to enroll talented and motivated students regardless of their family’s ability to afford a 2nd Nature Academy education. An education from 2nd Nature Academy is an investment in a child’s future. As such, it is our expectation that each family will contribute to the extent they are able, and, if qualified, with the help of a financial aid grant from available funds, make 2nd Nature Academy a part of their child’s future. Nature's Pathways Early Childhood Education Please note there is currently no tuition assistance program available to our early childhood program. Presently, there are two avenues that families may pursue for tuition assistance to attend SNA. Both options are awarded based on both financial need and the availability of funds. All NH-resident families seeking tuition assistance must apply through both the Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF) for funds provided by the state and FACTS Grant & Aid Management for funds provided by SNA. All families who do not reside in NH must apply through FACTS Grant & Aid Management. tuition-assistance Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire There are two ways to apply for financial assistance for your child’s educational needs: ​ Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) Education Tax Credit (ETC) scholarships ​ Please note, if you are eligible it is possible to apply for and receive assistance through both programs. ​ Am I eligible? ​ You must be a New Hampshire resident. (EFA and ETC) Your child must be at least 5 years old and no older than 20 years old and entering K–12th grade. (EFA and ETC) Your family’s income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level guidelines (shown here ). (EFA and ETC) You must complete the application process and sign the EFA agreement, which includes agreeing to share academic accountability documents. (EFA only) State Scholarship Application CSF NEW HAMPSHIRE FAMILY ACCESS >> The application is available in many languages. Go to the Select Language dropdown list at the top right of the screen to find your language. Annual Deadline & Eligibility NH.SCHOLARSHIPFUND.ORG >> FACTS Grant & Aid Management The financial aid committee determines financial aid grants for admitted students based on a family’s demonstrated financial need. ​ Terms & Conditions ​ Need-based tuition assistance may be provided to aid families in need to offset the cost of 2nd Nature Academy (SNA) tuition and fees. Financial assistance is contingent on the availability of funds and must be renewed each academic year. Award of tuition assistance is dependent upon: the family’s continuing financial need, the student’s satisfactory academic progress, the student maintaining satisfactory behavior, and family cooperation and support. ​ The SNA admissions application process is separate from and distinct to the FACTS Grant & Aid Management tuition assistance application process. Admission to SNA does not guarantee tuition assistance will be granted. Likewise, applying for financial aid is no guarantee that the full amount for which a family qualifies will be granted. A family with an “estimated family contribution” less than the tuition charges for the year may be eligible to receive a financial aid grant. For Questions Regarding the Application Process EMAIL ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT >> csf facts

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?

CURRICULUM an integrated approach Our unique and original educational model combines elements of skills-based curricula, Project Based Learning, transdisciplinary studies, and whole child philosophy. Below, you will find an introduction to curricular areas of learning at SNA. Mathematics Foreign Languages The Arts Community Connections MATHEMATICS Mathematics 2ND NATURE ACADEMY MATH MANTRA + Math is meaningful + Mindset matters + All students can be successful in math + There can be multiple ways to solve a problem An Introduction While math can feel “big,” it should always be approachable. Math should be hands-on, collaborative, and explorative. After all, it is everywhere we look in the natural world and its real-world applications are far more innumerable and tangible than we often give the subject credit for. 2nd Nature Academy strives to break down the barriers that have been erected in the minds of too many learners, instead encouraging all students to approach math with open minds, teaching them how to think critically, and challenging them to make connections across disciplines, as well as the world at large. It is our goal to instill in all learners an enthusiasm for math, to develop growth mindsets , and establish positive math class norms. Moreover, we encourage all parents/guardians to consider the critical role they play in their child’s mindset and achievement in math . Elementary School Program: Think Math! Think Math! builds on children’s innate desire to make sense of the world through the implementation of puzzles, investigations, and games. Beyond skill development, learners are provided the tools to build strong mathematical habits of mind. With a basis in developmental psycholinguistics and child language, cognitive science, child development, and math teaching/learning research, this program was rigorously tested in classrooms and is supported by the National Science Foundation. Middle School Program: Core Curriculum by MidSchool Math Research has shown that this multidimensional, growth mindset curriculum provides a much more enriching math experience and results in deeper student engagement, excitement, and success. It teaches students to think like mathematicians through providing opportunities for developing confidence and solving rigorous challenges. A healthy dose of humor goes a long way in appealing to middle school audiences. Our middle school math teacher is trained in Stanford Math Professor and program co-designer Jo Boaler’s Mathematical Mindsets approach. Professor Boaler is an advocate for bringing about higher levels of student engagement and achievement in mathematics. To learn more about the program, we invite you to read this Letter to Parents and Guardians from MidSchoolMath . High School Disciplines taught: Algebra I & II Financial Literacy Geometry Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Calculus ​Through a PBL approach, students will organically embrace learning techniques that respond to their desire to explore the mathematical world around them. This, in turn, enables students to ask questions, engage in multidimensional activities, and explore real-world scenarios with authentic curiosity. Each lesson/unit follows a five phase process: Immersive Experience Student Discussion Teacher-Directed Lesson Skill Practice Ongoing Project The Arts THE ARTS VISUAL ARTS At 2nd Nature Academy, we believe in art’s power to provide students with an alternative language with which to communicate, create meaning, and express themselves in a safe space where open minds are free to wander. Visual arts education at 2nd Nature Academy encourages self-expression, inspires creativity, builds confidence, and helps develops a sense of individual identity in each student. By incorporating inspirational art stimuli, students are engaged by and exposed to the design, color, form, rhythm, texture, and pattern in the world around them. Through learning the essential skills to be successful in this new age, students are provided developmentally-appropriate instruction on art techniques, materials, and history. Exposure and experience with arts allows students to create, design, generate, and compose new ideas, further developing the creative thinking inherent in developing minds, which is at the core of a 2nd Nature Academy education. Moreover, creating meaning through art can help children develop vocabulary, complex thinking, and keen observation, as well as hone innovative problem-solving skills. STUDENT WORK GALLERY MUSIC EDUCATION Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together. It educates. And it is a catalyst for growth. Music, like all art, is essential to any education. Music education at 2nd Nature Academy promotes creativity, confidence, social skills, and artistic expression. Musical studies at SNA focus on learning a variety of modes of self-expression and identity exploration. As a community, we learn about a multitude of instruments, including hand percussion, drums, piano, ukuleles, and more. Musical education supports student development in the following areas, including but not limited to: critical thinking and listening, problem-solving, self and social confidence, artistic independence. SNA ROCK BAND The SNA Upper School Rock Band was founded in the fall of 2021 by a group of high school students. It has since grown to include students in both middle and high school. Band members practice weekly with the occasional appearance at school events, such as high school graduation. We are looking forward to expanding performance opportunities in the 2023-2024 school year. Foreign Languages FOREIGN LANGUAGES SPANISH & MANDARIN The 2nd Nature Academy foreign language curriculum includes both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, beginning in pre-kindergarten. Mandarin claims the top spot as the world’s most commonly spoken language, followed by Spanish and then English. By teaching both Mandarin and Spanish we are preparing our children for a global economy. We are training our students to become cross-culturally competent adults who will be successful in handling the challenges that globalization can present. Finally, students who are culturally and linguistically prepared to effectively communicate both abroad and in a pluralistic American society have greater changes for success. THE IMPACT Studies indicate that there are many cognitive benefits to learning a foreign language. In addition to impacting student’s linguistic abilities, second language learning has been shown to increase creative abilities as well. Furthermore, the younger children are when they begin to learn a foreign language, the greater the impact. If children begin learning a foreign language in early childhood, they will exhibit greater intellectual benefits over those children who do not learn a foreign language or begin learning later. Typically, American schools do not begin teaching foreign languages until middle school, when children have passed the critical period for language acquisition. ​ The National Standards for Foreign Language Education in the 21st Century encompass the five C’s of essential foreign language education:​ ​ Communication Culture Connections Comparisons Community ​ The foreign language curriculum at 2nd Nature Academy embraces a wide range of communication skills recommended by the American Council for Teaching Foreign Languages. These standards provide a vision of what students should know and be able to do with other languages. In order to attain these standards, we provide a foreign language program that provides rich curricular experiences in order to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning foreign languages. español Spanish 汉语 Mandarin STUDENT FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKERS IN ACTION Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Welcome, Ziyu Li! 02:02 Play Video Now Playing Por cuatro esquinitas de nada (Four Little Corners) by Jérôme Ruillier 02:43 Play Video COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Community HUMANE EDUCATION Our humane education curriculum is designed to instill respect and responsibility for fellow humans, animals, plants, and the environment. By nurturing compassion for living things, we develop conscientious, actively contributing members of society. Everything on our planet is interconnected and it is through our stewardship that we are able to be a part of that pattern. ​ Humans not only rely on one another, but also non-human animals and our natural environment for resources, food, service, and companionship. In return, it is our responsibility to care for each other, as well as providing the animals in our care with quality food and forage, access to clean water, medical care, shelter, room to roam, and companionship. It is likewise imperative that we understand the importance of caring for our environment, so that the next generations can enjoy it. ​ In addition, our humane education program encompasses: ​ Organic gardening Environmental science Sustainable farming & animal care Service learning Character education Peer mentoring Classroom jobs & school economy Social justice education Healthy, high-performance campus with green buildings Critical thinking & problem-solving Constructive classroom management SERVICE LEARNING As part of our curriculum at 2nd Nature Academy, our school community participates in regular service learning projects. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich learning experiences, engage children in civic involvement, promote responsibility, and strengthen communities. We encourage families to continue these valuable discussions at home. Over the course of a school year, family support is enlisted to assist us in preparing for these projects by purchasing items together with your child, donating to various charities, or contributing time to help coordinate and/or participating in service experiences. In order for the children to gain from these experiences, they must learn to recognize the community need and know the intended recipient of the service. Moreover, it is critical that they have active participation in service experiences and are provided time for meaningful reflection. Together, we can form truly meaningful experiences for your child and your family, our staff, and the community. ​ Each year, the student body guides decision making about causes, events, and learning goals. Examples of past and continuing service learning traditions include: ​ Ann M. Francke Memorial Ride benefiting Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center Student-run hot dog sale with proceeds being used to select livestock donations to rural communities worldwide via Heifer International Christmas gift drive for sponsored mothers and children at Marguerite's Place, Inc. Water Walk to support Thank You Project's mission of building wells in rural Nigeria Clothing and hygienic products drive to support Catie's Closet Canned food drives to support the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter Valentine cards for American troops with A Million Thanks Earth Day/Week spirit events coordinated by high school students to educate and encourage younger student population about environmental causes Student produced "Portraits of Courage" (interviews with and artistic portraits of local veterans) Student-driven "shoe cutting" party to produce denim shoes for SoleHope, which provides shoes for Ugandan people suffering from jiggers Fundraiser for and guest speaker event from Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community in Indian Himalayas

Kindergarten $12,700