Nature Pre-K
Saint Paul Public Schools Nature Discovery Pre-Kindergarten offers a variety of options for children ages 3-4 years, with opportunity for full-day, extended educational programming for eligible children. Morning or afternoon Pre-K with extended day and afterschool childcare options through Discovery Club (DC) is available to children who are 4 by September 1, 2024. Morning or afternoon Pre-K options ONLY are available to children who are 3 by September 1, 2024.
We provide licensed teachers and curriculum that focuses on learning in a nature-based setting as well as bringing nature into the classroom. This program will run on the Saint Paul Public Schools calendar which can be found here. Nature Discovery Pre-K runs from September 5, 2024 through June 10, 2025.
Students must have the prerequisite skills of being fully potty trained and listening/attention skills to stay with the group.
Location
Saint Anthony Park Elementary School
2180 Knapp Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108
Transportation
Morning transportation to school, in alignment with school start time at Saint Anthony Park Elementary, is available to students in bussing Area E. Afternoon transportation from school, in alignment with the end time at Saint Anthony Park Elementary, is available to students in bussing Area E. Mid-day transportation is not available for students who are participating in only half-day Pre-K.
Registration
Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. Registration is submitted online by clicking here. Space is limited. Enrollment will be first come, first served. Enrollment minimum is 5 days per week. No part-time enrollment offered.
Registration for the 1/2 day Nature Discovery Pre-K class is separate from Discovery Club (extended day/afterschool childcare). Please note both registrations will require a payment method to be added at the time the contracts are submitted. However, a 2nd registration fee will not be charged for DC childcare. The $49 registration fee will be charged for the Nature Discovery Pre-K only.
Financial assistance may be available to qualifying families for the 1/2 day Pre-K class only. Contact Nature.PreK@spps.org for more information.
Discovery Club childcare does not offer a sliding scale. Assistance may be available to qualifying families attending Discovery Club through the county childcare assistance program 651-266-4444. Please Note: Discovery Club does not qualify for the Pathway 1 Early Learning Scholarship.
Links to the separate registrations can be found below.
CLICK HERE for an interactive PDF chart with registration links.
Meet Our Staff
Hello Families and Welcome to Nature PreK!
I am so excited to begin learning in nature this fall. I have taught in SPPS for many years in kindergarten and first grade. I love seeing children's curiosity as they explore and learn through play.
When not teaching, I love being outside, reading and talking about books, and spending time with family and friends.
Ann Griffin
Questions? Contact Nature.PreK@spps.org
Or call: 651-325-2521
"When children spend time outside, they explore science topics using curiosity, creativity and wondering, becoming better problem solvers and critical thinkers." - Minnesota Department of Education