Children's Nature Academy

About Children’s Nature Academy

Children’s Nature Academy is a state-licensed enrichment program serving families in Pico Rivera, California, and surrounding communities. Inspired by Forest School, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori philosophies, we offer a nurturing learning environment with a low child-to-teacher ratio.

Our licensed small-group preschool provides a warm, safe, and thoughtfully prepared environment where every child is known and supported. With small class sizes, daily opportunities to connect with peers, and consistent teachers, children receive individualized attention and build trusting relationships.

Our emergent, constructivist curriculum grows from children’s interests while incorporating meaningful seasonal themes. Introductory Spanish dual-language immersion is integrated into our morning circle time, allowing children to become naturally familiar with Spanish words, songs, and expressions. Each week, children participate in ESTREAM experiences incorporating Environment, Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Large-group circle time supports social-emotional development through music, movement, stories, and conversation. Small-group activities provide opportunities for hands-on learning, creative exploration, and seasonal and holiday-themed projects.

Children learn best through play and develop new skills at their own pace. Our mixed-age classroom creates a caring community where younger children are exposed to growing verbal and social skills, while older children practice patience, respect, empathy, kindness, and leadership. We thoughtfully balance play-based learning with age-appropriate academic experiences to support each child’s well-being, confidence, and curiosity. We believe a part-day program provides a healthy balance between home and school, giving children meaningful time to learn, play, and grow in both environments.

Training and Certifications

Our professional training and certifications include Pediatric First Aid and CPR, ServSafe Food Handler and Allergen Safety, Dual Language Learners, Capturing Kids’ Hearts, Early Childhood Development.

What Sets Us Apart?

At Children’s Nature Academy, children enjoy meaningful outdoor experiences throughout the year, thanks to Southern California’s beautiful weather. True to our motto, “Where Learning Bee-comes Fun,” we encourage children to learn through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and meaningful interactions with the world around them.

Our outdoor play environment includes: A large mud kitchen, sand shipwreck, medieval castle, tricycles, gross-motor and balancing equipment, open-ended opportunities to explore nature.

Inside our PlayLab classroom, children discover engaging learning stations that encourage creativity, communication, and imaginative role-play. They can explore light and color, enjoy our little library featuring more than 200 books, and strengthen their problem-solving skills with a collection of over 50 puzzles.

Families and Community

We believe every family deserves a village. Through field trips, family meetups, special events, and workshops, parents and children can share meaningful experiences, form lasting friendships, and become part of a warm, supportive community.

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Our Philosophy

At Children’s Nature Academy, we believe children are naturally curious and learn best through active exploration. Outdoor experiences encourage children to ask questions, investigate their surroundings, and develop cognitive and problem-solving skills through hands-on discovery. Nature becomes an extension of the classroom, offering meaningful challenges that support children’s confidence, independence, creativity, and development.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire children to explore nature, develop essential life skills, and discover the joy of learning in a place “Where Learning Bee-comes Fun!”

Program Sessions

For current information about our enrichment program, including available sessions, please complete our Google Interest Form.

Nutrition and Garden Experiences

We serve nutritious, balanced meals/snacks that support children’s health and wellness by participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We also hold certificates in ServSafe food handling and food-allergen safety. Children get to participate in garden-to-table experiences planting and caring for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and helping with harvesting.

Subsidized Assistance

Children’s Nature Academy accepts referrals through the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF). Families interested in subsidized assistance must first submit an Interest Form. An interview tour will then be scheduled before an MAOF application referral can be accepted. Do I qualify for free or low tuition?

For the privacy and safety of the children in our program, our exact address is shared only with families who have a confirmed interview tour. Our state-licensed program is located in Pico Rivera, California.