Nature Pre-K
Saint Paul Public Schools Nature Discovery Pre-Kindergarten is a fee-based program offering a 1/2 day morning or afternoon Pre-K class with extended day and after-school childcare options through Discovery Club (DC), allowing parents an opportunity for full-day, extended educational programming for their children. Nature Discovery Pre-K class is open to children that turn 3 years old by September 1, and are not Kindergarten eligible.
Nature PreK provides 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.
For the Current School Year (24-25): Extended Day and After School Child Care is a separate registration submitted through Discovery Club. Students must be 4 years old by September 1st, 2024 in order to enroll in Discovery Club childcare. If you are interested in registering for the current school year, please call our office at 651-325-2521 or emailing it at nature.prek@spps.org.
For the Upcoming School Year (25-26): Discovery Club extended day care (11AM-2PM) is available to students enrolled in Nature Pre-K and are 3 years old by September 1,2025. Discovery Club after school care (2PM-6PM) is available to students enrolled in Nature Pre-K and are 4 years old by September 1, 2025. Please register for the WHOLE DAY you want your child at school.
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.
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 2025-2026 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.
Nature Discovery Pre-K is a 4-Star Parent Aware rated program and qualifies for Pathways 1 Early Learning Scholarships. Click HERE for more information on the application process. If you receive a scholarship, please bring or send in your reward letter to the office. Our contact information is: Nature.Pre@spps.org; 651-325-2521.
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.
Plan A Visit
As you begin the search for your child’s school, we know that you are excited by this stage in your child’s life. Likewise, you also probably have many questions. Visiting our program can be a great way to learn more about our program, get questions answered and determine if Nature Discovery PreK is a good fit for your family. Our winter Open House will be on January 22, 2025 from 8-10am. Weekly tours will be available in January through May. Call our office at 651-325-2521or use the link below.
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
