GRANBY NATURE PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
at HOLCOMB FARM Granby, Connecticuta unique program
where our farms, woods, meadows, streams and ponds
are also our classrooms
Mission Statement
Granby Nature Preschool and Kindergarten seeks to provide a child-centered learning experience for preschoolers and kindergarteners that aligns community, farm and nature-based lessons and activities with authentic research-based educational models with reference to
Connecticut State Domains of Learning.
Philosophy
We believe in educating the whole child, that real learning comes from the integration of social, emotional, physical, academic and sensory areas of growth. We know that young children learn best in nature, in an experiential environment, and that deeper learning comes when they learn within the context of their towns and neighborhoods. We encourage children to investigate their world through their senses and empower them to take charge of their own learning. Our role as teachers and parents is to guide their learning by providing a structural foundation of basic concepts and skills and supporting learning through inquiry-based prompts and activities. We also believe that we can further support learning by guiding children to apply and transform their learning through music, movement and art.
News & Announcements
We offer information tours for interested families (adults) on the following 2nd Thursdays of most months month from 11am to noon at our Holcomb Farm Campus 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby CT 06090
Last tour for this school year is the 3rd Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11 am
Tours for the 2025-2026 school year are:
- October 9
- November 13
- February 12
- March 12
- April 9
- May 8
Participants must register at info@granbynaturepreschool.com, subject heading TOUR.
If a tour needs to be canceled, those registered will be notified by email.
Equity Statement
We follow the Granby Public Schools Equity Policy to the extent that it is possible considering our alternative program. It states:
“Equity in the Granby Public Schools ensures practices that allow all students to achieve at high levels, and that outcomes are not predicted by race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation; and barriers are removed to meet the needs of students of all abilities and backgrounds; thereby realizing the district mission for all students to become powerful thinkers, effective collaborators, and compassionate contributors”.
We are outside in all but extreme weather, playing, hiking and exploring on sometimes rough terrain in the forests and streams, for example. We are unable to handle all special needs. These include mobility issues and certain safety issues, like children who are unable to follow basic (age-appropriate) guidelines such as staying with the group and not willfully harming themselves or others. In addition, we do not have the professional staff to service some children with academic and emotional issues.
Testimonials
What Friends and Families Are Saying
“I am so excited and grateful you are setting the program up! This will be very helpful to me in the fall!”
“For our family Granby Nature Preschool has been a far superior option compared to day care, or “preschool” via daycare. GNP provides an environment of learning and exploring for young minds. It has helped our son with his communication skills in regards to his feelings and emotions. GNP has also helped teach him about community, teamwork, and selflessness. Their daily time spent outside in the fields and woods, regardless of weather, has been wonderful for his education on the earth and how to treat and respect it. He has taken a much bigger interest in plants and wildlife since being at GNP. Perhaps most importantly I have noticed the teachers always teaching kindness towards each other and others. They are always open to encouraging the kid’s curiosities even if it takes them off course from their planned activities for the day. Instead of putting their fires out, they stoke them. I hope to see more schools like this in the years to come.”
“I can honestly say I am truly excited for the curriculum you're assembling for our little community! You have been so wonderful with my kids and are such a beautiful soul. Your program puts my mind at ease from the stress from educating my kids during these uncertain times. Nature based curriculum is essential to the learning development of young children.”
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to provide this educational opportunity than Judy and Amanda! It’s so inspiring and exciting. Granby is so fortunate to have you in its midst, bringing the joy of all it has to offer.”
Location
113 Simsbury Road Granby, CT 06090