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. Click on the links below for stories and photos of each Certified Nature Explore Classroom.
More information on the certification process.
Canada
Ontario
United States
Alabama
- Cane Creek Community Center in Anniston, AL
- J.D. & Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL
- Gunter Child Development Center in Montgomery, AL
- Wellborn Elementary School in Anniston, AL
Arizona
California
- Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Brooklyn Early Education Center in Los Angeles, CA
- Child Development Institute in Canoga Park, CA
- Child Educational Center in La Canada, CA
- Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Hooper Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA
- Lakeshore Kids & Company in Carson, CA
- Mary Kay fundedNature Explore Classroom, CA (Site 1)
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, CA (Site 2)
- Temple Beth Sholom Preschool in Santa Ana, CA
- University of California, Davis Early Childhood Laboratory School in Davis, 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
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, CO
- Sunflower Preschool in Boulder, CO
- Theresa Jekel, LLC Family Child Care in Ft. Collins, CO
Connecticut
- Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT
- The Friendship School in Waterford, CT
- University of Connecticut Child Development Laboratories in Storrs, CT
Florida
- Hurlburt Field Child Development Center in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Hurlburt Field library in Hurlburt Field, FL
- Hurlburt Youth Center in Hurlburt Field, FL
- West Beach Park in Clermont, FL
Georgia
- Black Bear Outdoor Learning Center in Chatsworth, GA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, GA (Site 1)
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, GA (Site 2)
- St. Martin's Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
- Beard Special Education Center in Chicago, IL
- Brookfield Zoo (managed by The Chicago Zoological Society) in Brookfield, IL
- Elmhurst Academy of Early Learning in Elmhurst, IL
- First School in Mahomet, IL
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, IL (Site 1)
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, IL (Site 2)
- 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
- Under the Ginkgo Tree Family Child Care in Rock Island, IL
Indiana
Iowa
- Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center in Atlantic, IA
- Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center, IA
- Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center in Cedar Falls, IA
- Children's Discovery Garden in Iowa City, IA
- Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Jack and Jill Preschool in Atlantic, IA
- Kids' life Discovery Center in Chariton, IA
- Maharishi School in Fairfield, IA
- Malkusak Residence Play Garden in Iowa City, IA
- Montessori Children's Garden in North Liberty, 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
- St. Ambrose University Children's Campus in Davenport, IA
- Wee School for Little People in Clinton, IA
Kansas
- Happy Hearts Childcare in Salina, KS
- Kid's Korner in Wichita, KS
- Rainbows United, Inc. in Wichita, KS
- Special Blessing's Child Care in Emporia, KS
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
- Friends Forever Learning Center, Inc. in Berlin, MD
- Irvine Nature Center in Owing Mills, MD
- The Key School in Annapolis, MD
Massachusetts
- Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, MA
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, MA
- The Spark Center in Mattapan, MA
- Temple Shalom Nursery School in West Newton, MA
Michigan
Minnesota
- Children's Country Day School in Mendota Heights, MN
- Dodge Nature Preschool in West St. Paul, MN
- Forest Lake Family Center in Forest Lake, MN
- St. Paul's Childhood Center in St. Paul, MN
- Westwood Early Childhood Center in St. Louis Park, MN
Missouri
- City of Richmond Heights in Richmond Heights, MO
- The Green Center in St. Louis, MO
- Kid's Corner Preschool in Fredericktown, MO
- Kids International in Ellisville, MO
- Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO
- Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, MO
- Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, 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
- Bellevue Public Schools Early Childhood Program in Bellevue, NE
- Chadron State College, Center for Early Education & Care in Chadron, NE
- Child Saving Institute in Omaha, NE
- James R. Russell Child Development Center at Creighton University in Omaha, 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
- First Learning Center at First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE
- Gifford Farm in Bellevue, NE
- Kellom Elementary School in Omaha, NE
- Montessori Children's Academy in Omaha, NE
- Only Quality Kids Childcare and Preschool in Bellevue, NE
- Pioneers Park Nature Center in Lincoln, NE
- Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory in Lincoln, NE
- Sheridan Elementary School in Lincoln, NE
- Wayne State College in Wayne, NE
- Webster County Early Learning Center in Blue Hill, NE
New Hampshire
- Live and Learn Early Learning Center in Lee, NH
- Petals in the Pines in Canterbury, NH
- The Children's Learning Center at St. Paul's School in Concord, NH
New Jersey
- 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
- Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education in South Orange, NJ
New York
- Bailey Arboretum in Locust Valley, NY
- CA Montessori Children's Center in Islandia, NY
- Five Towns Early Learning Center in Inwood, NY
- Islip Early Head Start in Central Islip, NY
- Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City, NY
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, NY (Site1)
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, NY (Site2)
- Middle Country Public Library Nature Explorium in Centereach, NY
- Mid-Island Y JCC Early Childhood Center in Plainview, NY
- Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank, NY
North Carolina
Ohio
- Aurora Cooperative Preschool in Bainbridge, OH
- Bay Presbyterian Preschool in Bay Village, OH
- Growing Minds Preschool in Berkey, OH
- Grow With Me Home Childcare in Lorain, OH
- Little Treasures Home Day Care in Lorain, OH
Oregon
Pennsylvania
- Abington Friends in Jenkitown, PA
- Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA
- Fern Hollow Nature Center in Sewickley, PA
South Carolina
Tennessee
- Heritage Montessori School in Red Bank, TN
- Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool in Hixson, TN
- Memphis Botanic Garden in Memphis, TN
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Chattanooga, TN
Texas
- Chapel Hill Academy Charter School in Fort Worth,TX
- DKH Academy in Highland Village, TX
- Grace Primary School in Houston, TX
- Jewel's Learning Center in Houston, TX
- Lawrence Homestead in Mesquite, TX
- Mary Kay funded Nature Explore Classroom, 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
- WestLake Child Development Center in Houston, TX
Utah
Washington
- Baxter Barn in Fall City, WA
- Kitsap Community Resources Early Learning & Family Services in Bremerton, WA
- St. Andrew Christian Preschool in Vancouver, WA
- US Fish and Wildlife Service Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, WA
- Woodinville Family Preschool in Bothell, WA