Nature Pathways Early Learning Center

Nature Pathways Early Learning Center Children's Country Day School has provided quality early childhood programming for young children for over 40 years. Paul and the Mississippi River Valley.

Our Mission: Nurturing early learners, inspiring educators, and engaging families — together with nature

Nature Pathways is a nature and farm based preschool, child care & Summer Camp for children from 16 months to 6 years of age. Ron and Phyllis Ettinger opened the school at 1588 South Victoria in 1971, overlooking the city of St. The 7 acre model farm offers half and full day preschool program

ming as well as a summer camp experience. Over the years, numerous additions and improvements have been made to the 7 acre model farm, but the mission and desire to provide high quality child care has remained paramount throughout the years.

It's hard to believe that we are entering the 3rd week of our second session of Summer Adventures! The camp topics of Bu...
08/01/2026

It's hard to believe that we are entering the 3rd week of our second session of Summer Adventures! The camp topics of Bugs, Trees, Earth Helpers and Animal Care are keeping our campers busy exploring the property and engaging with our resident animals.

Summer Adventures at Nature Pathways is well underway! Each week campers explore a topic/focus that integrates daily ani...
07/03/2026

Summer Adventures at Nature Pathways is well underway! Each week campers explore a topic/focus that integrates daily animal interactions and nature-based learning opportunities in different outdoor classroom spaces around the property.

In honor of International Mud Day on June 29th, this week is all about MUD!

Cece is preparing for Summer Camp and stopped to check out the new sign during his walk today. Have you seen it yet?
05/10/2026

Cece is preparing for Summer Camp and stopped to check out the new sign during his walk today. Have you seen it yet?

As our soft launch begins to come to a close, Teacher Appreciation Week has been a wonderful opportunity to share our gr...
05/09/2026

As our soft launch begins to come to a close, Teacher Appreciation Week has been a wonderful opportunity to share our gratitude for the incredible educators who helped make the launch of Nature Pathways possible.

We’re so fortunate to have an amazing team that works hard every day to provide our students with engaging learning experiences, supportive and nurturing relationships, and opportunities to build curiosity, confidence, and a meaningful connection to the world around them.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post. We're still enrolling for Summer (with limited availability) and Fall. Tou...
03/24/2026

Help us spread the word by sharing this post. We're still enrolling for Summer (with limited availability) and Fall.

Tour availability for Thursday 3/26 and Friday 3/27.

From Sap to Syrup to Pancakes!When enough sap was collected from the Maple Trees, the Investigators and Explorers watche...
03/23/2026

From Sap to Syrup to Pancakes!

When enough sap was collected from the Maple Trees, the Investigators and Explorers watched as John boiled the sap over the evaporator, and then finished it off over the stove.

We then celebrated with pancakes and fresh syrup. Everyone was able to take home their own mini jar of syrup to share with their family.

Interested in learning more about Nature Pathways and our Summer Camp and/or School Year program? We have availability for tours this week on Thursday or Friday. You can reach us at [email protected] to schedule a visit.

Are you curious how the farm animals handle snow storms?Most of the farm animals at Nature Pathways have thick fur coats...
03/15/2026

Are you curious how the farm animals handle snow storms?

Most of the farm animals at Nature Pathways have thick fur coats that keep them warm, and they all have shelters that provide protection from the wind and snow. The chickens stay inside their coop, and the snow doesn't stop them from laying eggs. As a senior goat, Banjo has food delivered right to the door!

Shoutout to the AMAZING DJ and John! From getting a generator setup on Friday to ensure our reptiles (and staff!) had he...
03/15/2026

Shoutout to the AMAZING DJ and John! From getting a generator setup on Friday to ensure our reptiles (and staff!) had heat during the unexpected power outage, to digging out today from the snow storm - they're an essential part of ensuring things run smoothly at Nature Pathways!

The Investigators class has completed the voting process. We're excited to officially introduce you to Rocky, our recent...
03/05/2026

The Investigators class has completed the voting process. We're excited to officially introduce you to Rocky, our recently adopted Bearded Dragon.

Come meet Rocky at our open house tonight & learn more about our program offerings. Stop by any time between 5:00-6:00pm.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AAFA729A2F94-62522759-nature #/

As the Winter season transitions into Spring, the Investigators class is studying plants. What makes a plant a plant? Wh...
03/04/2026

As the Winter season transitions into Spring, the Investigators class is studying plants. What makes a plant a plant? What do plants do in the Winter? What do we predict will happen to the plants as we transition into the Spring season?

The Explorers class is continuing their exploration of trees as they continue to follow the process of making Maple syrup.

Join us tomorrow, Thursday between 5:00-6:00pm to see our classrooms, meet our resident animals and learn more about the programs and curriculum at Nature Pathways Early Learning Center!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AAFA729A2F94-62522759-nature #/

We have limited openings for Summer Adventures Camp & the School Year. (Tuition assistance/scholarships are available)

Address

1588 Victoria Road S
Mendota Heights, MN
55118

Telephone

+16514544000

Website

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