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​Nestled in the serene expanse of the Whispering Pines in Alum Creek—located 5 minutes off Hwy 71, equidistant between Bastrop and Smithville—St. Francis Nature Academy (SFNA) will offer a fully outdoor, nature-based, child-led, preschool program for children that emphasizes learning through exploration and imagination in the natural environment. Children will spend their time playing outdoors, exploring natural settings, while they grow in confidence, curiosity, creativity, and care for the world around them. Our program will provide a safe, nurturing space where your child can connect deeply with nature, with others, and with themself.​

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This is how we define our main principles:

• Fully outdoor: all activities are conducted outside.

• ​Nature-based: connected to nature where outdoor experiences foster respect and stewardship of our natural world.

• Child-led: children follow their interests and curiosity.

• Play-based: play is the main educational tool, allowing children to learn, explore, and discover through self-directed activities.