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- Mission & Philosophy | 2nd Nature Academy
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. 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.
- 2025-2026 Tuition
2025-2026 Tuition $16,950
- Registration Fee
Registration Fee $200
- High School Highlights | 2nd Nature Academy
At SNA High School, you're more than just a number. 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% Course offerings are structured to meet and exceed college admissions requirements. 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! EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Students participating in this internship opportunity will create and implementing classroom activities following emergent curriculum, participate in the daily activities in an early childhood/childcare setting, and receive both positive and constructive feedback from center teachers and directors. This course is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education. 2nd Nature Academy High School students who participate in this course are responsible for designing, creating and implementing a semester-long project related to a relevant issue they identify in the early childhood setting. 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 2025 JADEN Creative & inclusive with a social justice mindset COMING SOON Class of 2023 RONAN Innovative & 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 2023 The journey continues for the !
- Contact Us | 2nd Nature Academy
Call or email us today. 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
- A Message from the Founder | 2nd Nature Academy
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
- Newtonian Spirit | 2nd Nature Academy
The Newtonian represents our strong foundation in science- and nature-based curricula. Like our students, the red-spotted newt is highly adaptable, resilient, and quite colorful and vibrant in its early days. The name Newtonian represents Sir Isaac Newton, a key figure during the Age of Enlightenment (Age of Reason) who contributed immensely to the pursuit of knowledge with his theories and discoveries in math, physics, astronomy, and philosophy. NEWTONIAN SPIRIT The 2nd Nature Academy mascot is the Newtonian, which represents our strong foundation in science- and nature-based curricula. The school’s commitment to ecology is reflected in the incorporation of the New Hampshire state amphibian–the red-spotted newt. Don’t let its small size fool you! Like our students, the red-spotted newt is highly adaptable, resilient, and quite colorful and vibrant in its early days. The name Newtonian represents Sir Isaac Newton, a key figure during the Age of Enlightenment (Age of Reason) who contributed immensely to the pursuit of knowledge with his theories and discoveries in math, physics, astronomy, and philosophy. We are proud of our Newtonian name. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. ARMADA ACHIEVEMENTS The collective noun for a group of newts is an "armada." Here are some of the awesome achievements of our student body! Jaden Grade 12 Jaden participated in a session of the BioTrek Extended Learning Program over February vacation. This project based learning program immerses high school students in collaborative innovation. Competitors collaborated in teams to conceptualize a biofabricated solution to a real-world medical problem and culminates with a final pitch of their ideas to a panel of industry representatives. Jaden's team did an amazing job, winning FIRST PLACE and advancing to a next level round of presentations. We are so proud of her! Learn More Zia Grade 7 Zia's Times Square billboard debut came during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Zia was part of "The Rarest Stars Shine Brightest" ad campaign for Montefiore Einstein, a premier academic health system located in Bronx, NY. In addition to the billboard feature, Zia acted in the 3-minute ad that brought joy to many this holiday season with its uplifting storyline: "When a blackout threatens to cancel the holidays, a group of resilient kids with rare diseases hatch an outrageous plan to save the day." Click on the button to see Zia shine bright! Watch the Ad Share your achievement! Student name* Student grade* Submitting parent/guardian name* Submitting parent/guardian email* Description of achievement* Date of achievement Photo upload* Upload File Link to more information (optional) I grant permission for my student's image and name to be shared in Armada Achievements. * Submit SCHOOL CREEDS LOWER SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 5 Care about humanity. Care for the planet: Water, land, and atmosphere and everything that’s in it. Contributing, collaborating, working all together Conquering our challenges, supporting one another Be creative, be a thinker, take a risk, give it a try, Ask a question, wonder often, don’t give up, reach for the sky. Be thrifty, be resourceful, don’t be wasteful, don’t lose sight. Take a stance if you believe it; stand up for what is right. Care about humanity. Care for the planet: Water, land, and atmosphere and everything that’s in it. Contributing, collaborating, working all together Conquering our challenges, supporting one another Be respectful, be responsible, compassionate, and kind. Be honest and trustworthy. Please have an open mind. Be accepting and be tolerant of those who aren’t the same. Be impartial and be fair; play by the rules of every game. Care about humanity. Care for the planet: Water, land, and atmosphere and everything that’s in it. Contributing, collaborating, working all together Conquering our challenges, supporting one another UPPER SCHOOL GRADES 6-12 We are… N aturally unique and creative learners. E mpathetic and supportive peers. W illing and enthusiastic collaborators. T rustworthy and accountable individuals. O pen-minded, inclusive, and welcoming community members. N avigators of complex ideas and challenges. I nquisitive and imaginative innovators. A ctive participants in authentic real-world problem solving. N oble stewards of our environment. S uccessful and resilient contributors to our global community. We are second to none: 2nd Nature Academy NEWTONIANS ! NATURE'S PATHWAYS INFANTS-INTERIM KINDERGARTEN Respect the natural curiosity of each child Value personal interest Encourage exploration in a safe, supportive, & nurturing environment Understand & meet the needs of all children in our care Foster skill development
- Lilia Al Sarabi | Faculty
Lilia Al SarabiEarly Childhood Teacher < Back Lilia Al Sarabi Early Childhood Teacher Lilia is a dedicated educator with over 11 years of experience in international settings. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Moldova, a Teaching Degree, a Special Education degree, and a Master's degree in Education from Buffalo State University. As a Montessori-certified professional, Lilia effectively applies the Montessori philosophy across various educational levels, utilizing innovative strategies to engage students and foster a love of learning. Lilia comes from a multicultural background; she is originally from Eastern Europe, and her husband is from the Middle East. Together, they have raised their children in several countries, including Qatar, and most recently, they moved to the United States. The family is excited to explore their new surroundings and embrace the diverse experiences that come with living in a different culture. Lilia’s teaching approach emphasizes dynamic, inclusive lessons that meet the diverse learning styles of her students and encourage critical thinking. Committed to educational excellence, she continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that she stays current with best practices and empowers all students to reach their full potential. Education Post Graduate Micro Credential in Exceptionalities from SUNY Buffalo State University Post Graduate Micro Credential in Teaching from SUNY Buffalo State University Cambridge Educational Leadership Qualification from Cambridge University Multi-Disciplinary Masters with an Education Focus from SUNY Buffalo State University Montessori diploma, Montitute, Virginia Bachelor in Linguistics from Pedagogical University of Moldova Work Experience 2024-Present Early childhood teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2013-2024 EYFS and Montessori Kindergarten Teacher at The English Modern School (Qatar) 2007-2008 Kindergarten Teacher at Kindergarten Roya (Jordan)
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- The Ideal Candidate | 2nd Nature Academy
2nd Nature Academy welcomes creative learners who are inquisitive, explorative, and collaborative problem-solvers. Learn more about the ideal candidate for a 2nd Nature Academy education today! NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS WITH F-1 STUDENT VISAS WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE? The Academy (K-12) SNA welcomes creative learners who are inquisitive, explorative, and collaborative problem-solvers. We expect our students to strive for excellence and positively contribute to the school community, as well as their home communities, at large. An SNA student should be a well-rounded individual who is willing to take risks, learn from failures, and accept feedback. SNA seeks students who: are engaged, innovative, resilient, collaborative , compassionate, and mindful. possess a strong work ethic . understand the importance of community and actively participate as positive members. demonstrate engagement, effort, and achievement . come highly recommended by educators and community leaders. are committed to living and learning through social justice, as well as embracing ideals of DEIB . 2nd Nature Academy (SNA) is a diverse learning community built on a foundation of mutual respect, however it is not a special education or therapeutic school. Our educational team strives to make all reasonable accommodations for students with learning differences. Students with IEPs or 504 plans are welcome to apply. These plans will be carefully evaluated and discussed during the application process to determine if appropriate accommodations can be made to meet individual needs. Our goal is to create a positive learning environment which benefits all students enrolled. If you would like to discuss your child’s individual learning needs, please contact our admissions office. Disclaimer: SNA does not provide special education services including classroom aides, therapists, counseling, emotional support, or other specialist services. While we do our best to make all reasonable accommodations, we cannot modify the curriculum for students who are not able to meet curriculum expectations. Our current and newly admitted student body includes local residents of southern New Hampshire and the Merrimack Valley (NH/MA), as well as international students from Spain, India, China, and Qatar.
- Application Process | Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy
Learn about the Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy early childhood education application process. 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").