Certified Nature Explore Classrooms
Certified Nature Explore Classrooms have demonstrated a deep commitment to connecting children with nature. Each one is unique in size, setting and structure, but they have one thing in common: they bring a sense of wonder to children’s lives.
Certified Nature Explore Classrooms enhance the physical environment and add natural beauty to the surrounding area. A network of Certified Nature Explore Classrooms is growing throughout the United States in elementary schools, early childhood programs, nature centers, military bases, national forests, parks and wildlife refuges, zoos, Head Start centers, arboretums, children’s museums, and other public spaces.
Click on the links below for stories and photos of each Certified Nature Explore Classroom.
For more information on the certification process, click here.
Canada
Ontario
United States
Alabama
- Cane Creek Community Gardens in Anniston, AL
- J.D. & Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL
- Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley, AL
- Gunter Child Development Center in Montgomery, AL
- Wellborn Elementary School in Anniston, AL
Arizona
- Beth El Center for Early Childhood Education in Phoenix, AZ
- Cottonwood Enrichment Center in Tucson, AZ
- Desert Willow Early Childhood and School Age Programs in Tucson, AZ
- Greenhouse Montessori in Gilbert, AZ
- Mesquite Community Programs in Tucson, AZ
- Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool in Scottsdale, AZ
- Willow Springs Program Center in Prescott, AZ
Arkansas
California
- 4th Street Early Education Center in Los Angeles, CA
- Arminta Street Early Education Center in North Hollywood, CA
- Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Big Bear Discovery Center, Nature Discovery Zone in Fawnskin, CA
- Brooklyn Early Education Center in Los Angeles, CA
- Bundle of Joy Nature Preschool Childcare in Hidden Valley Lake, CA
- The Child Centered Home in Temecula, CA
- Calvary Christian Preschool in Pacific Palisades, CA
- Canoga Park Early Education Center in Canoga Park, CA
- Child Development Institute in Canoga Park, CA
- Child Educational Center in La Canada, CA
- Creative Nature Playschool in Orangevale, CA
- Eco Baby Childcare Worker Cooperative in San Diego, CA
- Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Gardena Early Education Center in Gardena, CA
- Glassell Park Early Education Center in Los Angeles, CA
- Hollister Presbyterian Preschool in Hollister, CA
- Hooper Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA
- Jaime Escalante Early Education Center in Cudahy, CA
- Lakeshore Kids & Company in Carson, CA
- Lakeshore Kids & Company, Infants and Toddlers in Carson, CA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, CA (3 Sites)
- Nature’s Pathway at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside, CA
- Orange Coast College Early Childhood Education Lab School in Costa Mesa, CA
- The Pegasus School in Huntington Beach, CA
- Reedley College Child Development Center and Lab School in Reedley, CA
- Room to Grow in Livermore, CA
- Roots and Wings in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Temple Beth Sholom Preschool in Santa Ana, CA
- University of California, Davis Early Childhood Laboratory School in Davis, CA
- Wanda Mikes Early Education Center in Los Angeles, CA
- Westminster Presbyterian Church Preschool in Westlake Village, CA
Colorado
- A Child’s Touch Childcare in Thornton, CO
- Anythink Libraries/Rangeview Library District in Thornton, CO
- Brenda’s Daycare in Fort Collins, CO
- Hope Center, Inc. in Denver, CO
- The Learning Center at Warren Village-Preschool in Denver, CO
- The Learning Center at Warren Village-Infant & Toddler in Denver, CO
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, CO
- Roots & Wings: a Reggio-inspired Preschool in Fort Collins, CO
- Sunflower Preschool in Boulder, CO
- Theresa Jekel, LLC Family Child Care in Ft. Collins, CO
Connecticut
- Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT
- Child’s Play Family Child Care in Windsor, CT
- The Children’s Community Development Center in Westport, CT
- First Church Preschool in Old Greenwich, CT
- The Friendship School in Waterford, CT
- The Surreybrook School in Bethany, CT
- University of Connecticut Child Development Laboratories in Storrs, CT
- Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School in Westport, CT
Delaware
Florida
- Brevard County Parks & Recreation Riverwalk Nature Center in Rockledge, FL
- Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove, FL
- The Children’s Learning Center at FSW in Fort Myers, FL
- Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach, FL
- The Experiential School of Tampa Bay at Shorecrest Preparatory School, St. Petersburg, FL
- Hurlburt Field Child Development Center in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Hurlburt Field Library in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Hurlburt Youth Center in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Hurlburt Field Youth Programs in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, FL (2 sites)
- Nana’s Learning Post in Valrico, FL
- Palm Beach Day Academy in West Palm Beach, FL
- St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Oviedo, FL
- University of Central Florida Creative School for Children in Orlando, FL
- West Beach Park in Clermont, FL
- Wyndham Cypress Palms in Kissimmee, FL
Georgia
- KIPP Vision Primary School in Atlanta, GA
- Keep Chatsworth-Murray Beautiful Outdoor Learning Center in Chatsworth, GA
- First Presbyterian Church and Preschool of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, GA (2 sites)
- St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA
Idaho
Illinois
- A Place 2 Grow Child Care and Learning Center, Inc. in Troy, IL
- Baby TALK Early Head Start in Decatur, IL
- Beard Special Education Center in Chicago, IL
- Brookfield Zoo (managed by The Chicago Zoological Society) in Brookfield, IL
- Carbondale New School in Carbondale, IL
- Catch A Star Learning Center in Macomb, IL
- Elmhurst Academy of Early Learning in Elmhurst, IL
- Epiphany Catholic School in Normal, IL
- First School in Mahomet, IL
- Little Blessings Preschool & Kindergarten
at Alleluia! Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL - Hand in Hand Learning Land in Glenview, IL
- Happy Kids Daycare in Dixon, IL
- Holy Family Catholic Academy in Inverness, IL
- Home Sweet Home Daycare in Chicago, IL
- Jump Smart Early Learning Academy in Chicago, IL
- KLA Schools of Plainfield in Plainfield, IL
- Leaps and Bounds Daycare in Moline, IL
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, IL (Site 1)
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, IL (Site 2)
- Messiah Lutheran in Port Byron, IL
- Messiah Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten in Wauconda, IL
- Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington in North Barrington, IL
- The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL
- Mrs. Sandy’s Family Child Care in Springfield, IL
- Ms. Dawn’s Home Daycare in Huntley, IL
- Natural Beginnings Early Learning Program: Kendall County Forest Preserve District in Yorkville, IL
- The Nature Institute in Godfrey, IL
- Nettelhorst Elementary in Chicago, IL
- Noah’s Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten in Barrington, IL
- North Branch Arts/Creativo! Community Garden in Chicago, IL
- Northminster Learning Center in Peoria, IL
- Parent’s Helper Home Daycare and Academy in Oak Park, IL
- Peggy’s Playhouse in Cary, IL
- The Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, IL
- Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, IL
- Stepping Stones Nursery School in Chicago, IL
- Under the Ginkgo Tree Family Child Care in Rock Island, IL
- Under the Oak Tree in Bushnell, IL
- United Presbyterian Church Discovery Preschool in Peoria, IL
- Yellow Brick Road Learning Adventures in Marion, IL
Indiana
- A Joyful Noise in Rockville, IN
- Conner Prairie in Fishers, IN
- Cummins Child Development Center in Columbus, IN
- Geist Christian Church in Fishers, IN
- The Goddard School in Carmel, IN
- Granger Community Church in Granger, IN
- Hayes Arboretum in Richmond, IN
- Kids N Company Family Childcare in Lafayette, IN
- Kokomo-Howard Public Library in Russiaville, IN
- Loving Ways Family Childcare in Terre Haute, IN
- Ms. Ann’s Celestial Education in Hammond, IN
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom in IN
- Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School and Kindergarten in Indianapolis, IN
- TRC Head Start in Muncie, IN
- Trees Indiana in Fort Wayne, IN
- Woodlawn Nature Center in Elkhart, IN
Iowa
- Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center in Atlantic, IA
- Babies 2 Kids Learning Center in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center, IA
- Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center in Cedar Falls, IA
- East Union Early Childhood Center in Afton, IA
- Iowa City Parks and Recreation, Children’s Discovery Garden in Iowa City, IA
- Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Jack and Jill Preschool in Atlantic, IA
- Loving Hands Daycare & Preschool in Lambs Grove, IA
- Maharishi School in Fairfield, IA
- Montessori Children’s Garden in North Liberty, IA
- Pilgrim Heights Camp and Retreat Center in Montour, IA
- Positive Parenting at Trinity in Davenport, IA
- Regina Preschool Early Childhood Center in Iowa City, IA
- Scott County Family YMCA, Learning Center in Davenport, IA
- Scott County Family YMCA, Palmer Learning Center in Davenport, IA
- Scott County Family Y-Newcomb Early Learning Center in Davenport, IA
- St. Ambrose University Children’s Campus in Davenport, IA
- Trinity Lutheran in Creston, IA
- Wee School for Little People in Clinton, IA
- West Side Early Childhood Center in Decorah, IA
Kansas
- East Heights UMC Preschool in Wichita, KS
- Finney County Public Library in Garden City, KS
- Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka, KS
- Kid’s Korner in Wichita, KS
- Christots Montessori in Shawnee, KS
- Special Blessing’s Child Care in Emporia, KS
- Wichita Collegiate School Early Childhood Center in Wichita, KS
Kentucky
- Jefferson Memorial Forest in Fairdale, KY
- Keystone Learning Academy in Louisville, KY
- Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, KY
Maine
Maryland
- Best Beginning Preschool in Annapolis, MD
- Bundles of Joy University, Inc. in Salisbury, MD
- Friends Forever Learning Center, Inc. in Berlin, MD
- Irvine Nature Center in Owing Mills, MD
- James and Anne Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, MD
- The Key School in Annapolis, MD
Massachusetts
- Berrybrook School in Duxbury, MA
- Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, MA
- British International School of Boston in Boston, MA
- Children’s Museum in Easton in North Easton, MA
- EcoTarium in Worcester, MA
- Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel in Boston, MA
- Giving Tree School in Gill, MA
- Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, MA
- Holden Christian Academy in Holden, MA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, MA
- Montessori Beginnings School in Sandwich, MA
- Our Sisters’ School in New Bedford, MA
- Pollywogs Nature Playschool in Nantucket, MA
- Silver Spruce Montessori School in Grafton, MA
- Spark Center in Mattapan, MA
- Steeple School of Trinity Church in Marshfield, MA
- Temple Shalom Nursery School in West Newton, MA
- Woodland Wilderness at Temple Israel Sharon in Sharon, MA
Michigan
- The Discovery Center in Kalamazoo, MI
- The Flint Children’s Museum in Flint, MI
- Little Tot’s LLC in Macomb, MI
- Peoples Church Preschool in East Lansing, MI
- Teddy Bear Daycare & Preschool LLC in Traverse City, MI
Minnesota
- Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool in Alexandria, MN
- Children’s Country Day School in Mendota Heights, MN
- Circulo de Amigos Child Care Center in Minneapolis, MN
- Dodge Nature Preschool in West St. Paul, MN
- Forest Lake Family Center in Forest Lake, MN
- Handke Family Center Classroom in Elk River, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Eden Prairie, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Edina, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Minneapolis, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Plymouth, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Roseville, MN
- Kinderberry Hill in Woodbury, MN
- Luverne Public School – Discovery Time Preschool in Luverne, MN
- Ms LuAnn’s Outdoor Learning Lab in Stillwater, MN
- My Friends Christian Child Care & Preschool in Bloomington, MN
- St. Paul’s Childhood Center in St. Paul, MN
- Westwood Early Childhood Center in St. Louis Park, MN
Missouri
- Big Oak Tree State Park in East Prairie, MO
- City of Richmond Heights in Richmond Heights, MO
- Just 4 Us Childcare in O’Fallon, MO
- Kid’s Corner Preschool in Fredericktown, MO
- Kids International in Ellisville, MO
- Little Creek Nature Area in Florissant, MO
- Luke’s Treehouse in Columbia, MO
- Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO
- Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, MO
- Rainbow School in Kansas City, MO
- Sacred Heart Villa in St. Louis, MO
- Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO
- Shirlee Green Preschool in Creve Coeur, MO
- Sikeston University Child Development Center in Sikeston, MO
- St. Charles County Parks and Rec, Towne Park in Foristell, MO
- Union Preschool in St. Louis, MO
Montana
Nebraska
- Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE
- Aunt Shelley’s Daycare in Lincoln, NE
- Bellevue Public Schools Early Childhood Program in Bellevue, NE
- Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in Lincoln, NE
- CEDARS Northbridge Early Childhood Development in Lincoln, NE
- Chadron State College, Center for Early Education & Care in Chadron, NE
- Child Saving Institute in Omaha, NE
- Conestoga Elementary in Murray, NE
- Dimensions Early Education Programs in Lincoln, NE
- Early Childhood Center at First Covenant Church in Omaha, NE
- Edward “Babe” Gomez Heritage Elementary School in Omaha, NE
- Edward “Babe” Gomez Heritage Timberwolf Park in Omaha, NE
- First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE
- Gifford Farm in Bellevue, NE
- Hill Hawk Nature Center in Lincoln, NE
- House of Montessori in Omaha, NE
- James R. Russell Child Development Center at Creighton University in Omaha, NE
- La Bella Vita Montessori School in Omaha, NE
- Messiah Lutheran Church and School in Lincoln, NE
- Nurture and Nature Family Child Care in Omaha, NE
- Pioneers Park Nature Center in Lincoln, NE
- Prescott Elementary School in Lincoln, NE
- Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory in Lincoln, NE
- Sheridan Elementary School in Lincoln, NE
- St. Augustine Indian Mission School in Winnebago, NE
- Southern Heights Food Forest in Lincoln, NE
- Wayne State College in Wayne, NE
- Webster County Early Learning Center in Blue Hill, NE
- YMCA Camp Kitaki in Louisville, NE
Nevada
New Hampshire
- Green Sprouts, LLC in Windham, NH
- Live and Learn Early Learning Center in Lee, NH
- Manchester Community College Child Development Center in Manchester, NH
- Petals in the Pines in Canterbury, NH
- Storybook Hollow Early Learning Program in Gonic, NH
- Woodside at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH
New Jersey
- Center for Family Resources in Ringwood, NJ
- Discover Nature at Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary in Newton, NJ
- Donald A. Quarles Early Childhood Center in Englewood, NJ
- Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education in South Orange, NJ
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, NJ (Site 1)
- McGuire Youth Program at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ
- Sunset Vista Community Garden and Learning Center, Inc. in Lafayette, NJ
New Mexico
New York
- Alexander Central School District in Alexander, NY
- Annie’s Ark, Inc. in Livonia, NY
- Bailey Arboretum in Locust Valley, NY
- CA Montessori Children’s Center in Islandia, NY (Classroom 1)
- CA Montessori Children’s Center in Islandia, NY (Classroom 2)
- Developmental Disabilities Institute in Huntington, NY
- Elements Nature Preschool in New York, NY
- Exploring Together Early Childhood Center in Highland, NY
- The Chai Center Preschool and Camp in Dix Hills, NY
- Five Towns Early Learning Center in Inwood, NY
- Islip Early Head Start in Central Islip, NY
- It Takes a Village in Hampton Bays, NY
- Kids Club Child Care Center in Avon, NY
- Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City, NY
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, NY (2 sites)
- Middle Country Public Library Nature Explorium in Centereach, NY
- Mid-Island Y JCC Early Childhood Center in Plainview, NY
- Cornell Cooperative Extension in Yaphank, NY
North Carolina
North Dakota
- Montessori Academy in Grand Forks, ND
- University Children’s Learning Center in Grand Forks, ND
- University Children’s Learning Center Toddler Classroom in Grand Forks, ND
Ohio
- Bay Presbyterian Preschool in Bay Village, OH
- Growing Minds Preschool in Berkey, OH
- Grow With Me Home Childcare in Lorain, OH
- Indianola Children’s Center in Columbus, Ohio
- Kendal Early Learning Center in Oberlin, OH
- Kids Country Fairlawn in Fairlawn, OH
- Kids Country Hartville in Hartville, OH
- Kids Country Medina in Medina, OH
- Kids Country Stow in Stow, OH
- Kids Country Green in Uniontown, OH
- Kids Country Wadsworth in Wadsworth, OH
- Little Treasures Home Day Care in Lorain, OH
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
- Abington Friends in Jenkintown, PA
- Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority in Lewisburg, PA
- Butler County Community College in Butler, PA
- Children’s Corner in Lititz, PA
- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA
- expERIEnce Children’s Museum in Erie, PA
- Fern Hollow Nature Center in Sewickley, PA
- Hempfield Family Child Development Center in Landisville, PA
- Heritage School in Wayne, PA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, PA
- Newtown Friends School in Newtown, PA
- Parent-Infant Center in Philadelphia, PA
- SmartKids Child Care and Learning Center, Inc.-Meadowlands, Washington, PA
- Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse in Philadelphia, PA
- Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
- Heritage Montessori School in Red Bank, TN
- Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool in Hixson, TN
- KinderGarden in Crossville, TN
- Memphis Botanic Garden in Memphis, TN
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Chattanooga, TN
- Tommie Lane Preschool in Soddy Daisy, TN
- University of Tennessee Gardens Crossville: Plateau Gardens in Crossville, TN
Texas
- Belton Education Station in Belton, TX
- Care 4 Tots Learning Center in Harker Heights, TX
- Central Texas Children’s Center in Temple, TX
- Chapel Hill Academy Charter School in Fort Worth,TX
- Creative Child Learning Arts Academy in Killeen, TX
- DKH Academy in Highland Village, TX
- Environmental Education Center in Plano, TX
- First Presbyterian Christian Preschool in El Paso, TX
- Grace Primary School in Houston, TX
- Grace Lower School in Houston, TX
- Jewel’s Learning Center in Houston, TX
- Kid Grace Learning Center in Temple, TX
- Kinderplatz of Fine Arts in Fort Worth, TX
- Lawrence Homestead in Mesquite, TX
- Lena Pope Early Learning Center in Fort Worth,TX
- Log Cabin Learning Academy in Harker Heights, TX
- Lone Star Family Health Center in Conroe, TX
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, TX (2 sites)
- North Star Academy in Lantana, TX
- Perfect Praise Learning Center in Copperas Cove, TX
- Poe Cooperative Nursery School in Houston, TX
- St. Andrew’s Children’s Place in Houston, TX
- St. Francis Episcopal Day School in Houston, TX
- St. Thomas Early Learning Center in College Station, TX
- The People/Plant Connection in San Angelo, TX
- University Presbyterian Children’s Center in San Antonio, TX
- Vogel Alcove in Dallas, TX
- WestLake Child Development Center in Houston, TX
Utah
- ABC Great Beginnings-Redwood in West Valley, UT
- ABC Great Beginnings-South Jordan in South Jordan, UT
- Fairyland Day Care in Sandy, UT
- Little Brigham Aggies Play Garden in Brigham City, UT
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, UT
- Thanksgiving Point Institute in Lehi, UT
- Salt Lake Community College Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School in Salt Lake City, UT
Vermont
Virginia
- Moss-Nuckols Elementary School in Louisa, VA
- Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA
- St. Mark Lutheran Preschool in Charlottesville, VA
Washington
- Crown Hill Co-op Preschool in Seattle, WA
- Kitsap Community Resources Early Learning & Family Services in Bremerton, WA
- Nature Nuts in Maple Valley, WA
- St. Andrew Christian Preschool in Vancouver, WA
- US Fish and Wildlife Service Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, WA
- Woodinville Family Preschool in Bothell, WA
- Gig Harbor Academy in Gig Harbor, WA