Nature Pre-K
About Nature Discovery Pre-K
Saint Paul Public Schools Nature Discovery Pre-Kindergarten is a fee-based program offering 1/2 day Pre-K options, with extended day and after-school childcare options through Discovery Club (DC). Nature Discovery Pre-K class is open to children that turn 3 years old by September 1, and are not Kindergarten eligible.
Nature Discovery Pre-K 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.
2026-2027 School Year Information:
We offer 1/2 day Pre-K with options for extended day and after school childcare at Saint Anthony Park Elementary and at the Community Education Center at J.J. Hill. Please read below for more information on each program.
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.
Students must have the prerequisite skills of being fully potty trained and listening/attention skills to stay with the group.
Nature Discovery Pre-K Locations
Saint Anthony Park Elementary
Saint Paul Public Schools Nature Discovery Pre-Kindergarten at Saint Anthony Park Elementary is a fee-based program offering a 1/2 day morning or afternoon Pre-K class with extended day programming, 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 Discovery Pre-K 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 Upcoming School Year (2026-2027): Extended day care (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) is available to students enrolled in Nature Discovery Pre-K at Saint Anthony Park and who are 3 years old by September 1, 2026. Discovery Club after school care (2-6 p.m.) is available to students enrolled in Nature Discovery Pre-K and are 4 years old by September 1, 2026. Please register for the WHOLE DAY you want your child at school.
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
Limited transportation is available to students attending Nature Discovery PreK at Saint Anthony Park Elementary. 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 for Nature Discovery PreK at Saint Anthony Park is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Registration is submitted online. 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 $79 non-refundable registration fee will be charged for the Nature Discovery Pre-K only.
Scholarships/Tuition Assistance
Nature Discovery PreK is a 4-Star Parent Aware-rated program.
Scholarship/tuition assistance is for families that meet three-year-old scholarship and sliding fee eligibility which is based on income qualifications and four-year-old scholarships are based on income qualification and other eligibility criteria. A completed Eleyo registration AND scholarship application form with required proof of income verification documents must be completed within 10 days.
Nature Discovery Pre-K Application Form
Nature Discovery Pre-K qualifies for Pathways 1 Early Learning Scholarships. Learn more about the Early Learning Scholarship application process. If you receive a scholarship, please bring or send in your reward letter to the office. Our contact information is: Nature.Prek@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 651-266-4242. Please Note: Discovery Club does not qualify for the Pathway 1 Early Learning Scholarship.
Afterschool childcare is available at both sites for Pre-K students 4 years old by September 1. Visit spps.org/discoveryclub for more information.
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 Pre-K is a good fit for your family. Call our office at 651-325-2521 for information about visiting the Nature PreK Classroom.
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
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER AT J.J. HILL
Saint Paul Public Schools Nature Discovery Pre-Kindergarten at the Community Education Center at J.J. Hill is a fee-based program offering a 1/2 day morning or afternoon Pre-K class with extended day programming, 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, 2026 and are not Kindergarten eligible.
Nature Pre-K 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.
After school Discovery Club child care is available to students who are 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and attending Nature Discovery Pre-K at J.J. Hill. Discovery Club is available from 3-6pm Monday-Friday at the J.J. Hill location. Families may elect to sign up for Discovery Club for a minimum of 3 and up to 5 days per week. Discovery Club enrollment and fees are separate from Nature Discovery Pre-K. To learn more about Discovery Club, please visit their website. If you are interested in enrolling your Nature Discovery Pre-K student in after school Discovery Club, you can enroll online now.
Students must have the prerequisite skills of being fully potty trained and listening/attention skills to stay with the group.
Location
Community Education Center @ J.J. Hill
998 Selby Ave #980, St Paul, MN 55104
Transportation
Bussing is not available for Nature Pre-K at J.J. Hill. Families are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from school.
Registration
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 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.
Nature Discovery PreK is a 4-Star Parent Aware-rated program.
Scholarship/tuition assistance is for families that meet three-year-old scholarship and sliding fee eligibility which is based on income qualifications and four-year-old scholarships are based on income qualification and other eligibility criteria. A completed Eleyo registration AND scholarship application form with required proof of income verification documents must be completed within 10 days.
Nature Discovery Pre-K Application Form
Scholarships/Tuition Assistance
Nature Discovery PreK is a 4-Star Parent Aware-rated program.
Scholarship/tuition assistance is for families that meet three-year-old scholarship and sliding fee eligibility which is based on income qualifications and four-year-old scholarships are based on income qualification and other eligibility criteria. A completed Eleyo registration AND scholarship application form with required proof of income verification documents must be completed within 10 days.
Nature Discovery Pre-K Application Form
Nature Discovery Pre-K qualifies for Pathways 1 Early Learning Scholarships. Learn more about the Early Learning Scholarship application process. If you receive a scholarship, please bring or send in your reward letter to the office. Our contact information is: Nature.Prek@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 651-266-4242. Please Note: Discovery Club does not qualify for the Pathway 1 Early Learning Scholarship.
Afterschool childcare is available at both sites for Pre-K students 4 years old by September 1.
Visit spps.org/discoveryclub for more information.
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 Pre-K is a good fit for your family.
Meet Our Staff
Hello Families and Welcome to Nature Pre-K at JJ Hill!
I can't wait to begin playing and learning outside with you all! Being in nature and gardening are two of my favorite things. Whenever I am outside on a hike or digging in the dirt, I learn something new and I am inspired by the natural wonders all around. I have been a teacher in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) for several years now and I love working with families and their young children. When I am not teaching, I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family and friends, and my very busy dog who gets me a lot of exercise.
Larissa Kiel
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