TRAILBLAZERS IN EDUCATION
The SNA Journey
In 1997, we founded our school on a simple but radical idea: that children learn best when they are active participants who are enthusiastically engaged in meaningful learning. Long before place-based and problem-based learning were trends, we were The Nature of Things—pioneers of authentic, experiential education in New England. Our name has changed, but not our purpose.
Today, that original vision has evolved into a comprehensive educational community located on a sprawling campus. From our nurturing early childhood classes through our academically challenging elementary, middle, and high school, we continue to bring learning to life. Though our campus has grown and our curriculum has reached the highest academic standards, we have never lost sight of where we started. This is learning... The SNA way.
STEPPING STONES
Early Childhood Education
Nature's Pathways at SNA is home to our earliest learners. Here, we don’t just teach—we facilitate discovery. We believe that education should be inquiry-driven, child-centered, and utilize an emergent curriculum model. By following the lead of our students and the changing of the seasons, we ensure that learning is always relevant, engaging, meaningful, and fun.
In our early childhood programs, we focus on "learning how to learn" starting with the earliest years. By prioritizing curiosity, exploration, early literacy skills, beginning math concepts, motor skills development, self-regulation, and social-emotional resilience, we prepare children for their academic journey.
THE TRAILHEAD
Kindergarten
At SNA, kindergarten is a vibrant journey designed to fill each learner’s toolbox through a rich blend of exploration, inquiry, and creativity. Our philosophy centers on an emergent curriculum that evolves with the students' interests, often utilizing place-based learning to connect lessons to the local community and environment. By prioritizing a whole child approach, we ensure that social/emotional development and the cultivation of interpersonal skills are just as vital as foundational academic skills. Through engaging hands-on experiences, children don't just observe the world—they actively shape it.
Students must be 5 by September 30th to be eligible for 2nd Nature Academy kindergarten. 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.
THE PATH
Elementary School
Building on the momentum of the early years, the elementary program at SNA (Grades 1–5) transitions students into a sophisticated, skills-based framework. The curriculum is deeply integrated and multi-sensory, ensuring that learning is felt and experienced rather than just memorized. While lower elementary initially prioritizes social-emotional wellness, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution, the program expands to embrace inquiry and problem-based learning at every level. Students engage in cooperative learning and community outreach, fostering a deep sense of stewardship and responsibility. By blending age-appropriate critical thinking with a curriculum influenced by current events and student interests, we create a dynamic environment where students are empowered to solve real-world challenges.
THE BRIDGE
Middle School
Recognizing that the middle school years represent a unique period of physiological and emotional growth, SNA provides a supportive environment built on mentor relationships and small class sizes. Our program for grades 6–8 remains deeply rooted in inquiry and problem-based learning, utilizing a skills-based, multi-sensory curriculum that is both flexible and personalized. While we continue to champion social-emotional wellness, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution, there is a new, heavy emphasis on fostering independence and strengthening executive functioning skills. Through cooperative learning, community outreach, and stewardship, students apply age-appropriate critical thinking to a framework influenced by current events and student interests—ensuring they emerge as self-reliant, globally-aware learners.
THE ASCENT
High School
The high school program at SNA serves as the ultimate launchpad, fostering independence, responsibility, and strengthening executive functioning skills within a safe, supportive environment. Navigating a unique period of social-emotional development rooted in identity, students engage with a curriculum designed to exceed college admissions requirements and prepare them for diverse career paths. Our academic model is heavily rooted in inquiry and problem-based learning, utilizing both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to tackle real-world challenges. By applying skills across multiple disciplines, students move beyond traditional methods into authentic, purposeful learning and experiential problem-solving. This student-centered focus on autonomy boosts motivation and hones the critical and creative thinking capacities necessary to positively contribute to society.
