What is Reggio?  

Reggio Emilia is a region in Italy that developed a distinctive style of preschool and elementary education after World War II.  Some key principles of a Reggio-inspired school are respect for the child as a capable learner, a carefully-constructed learning environment that supports exploration and discovery, and the idea that children can express what they know in "100 languages" (drawing, speaking, writing, sculpting, dancing, etc.).

We value the whole child and the whole school environment--the physical, academic, spiritual, and social-emotional atmosphere.  Reggio schools call that environment the "third teacher".   Parents and teachers closely collaborate, and they comprise the child's first and second teacher.

Here at Bella Natura, we provide a comfortable, home-like atmosphere that is rich with opportunities to spark your child's learning and growth.

...one of the best educational models in the world.

Hands-On
​Learning

Children learn best when they can move and touch and manipulate.  Our students actively construct meaning through play, observation, inquiry, experimentation, and meaningful communication with their peers.  The teacher takes on the role of facilitator and co-learner--sharing in the excitement of big ideas and discoveries while expanding thinking with questions and resources.

Exploration is valued here at Bella.  We play outside.  We write original screenplays and bring them to life on our little stage.  We build amazing creations with loose parts from around the classroom.  We write.  We sing.  We dance.  We smile and laugh and find joy in our learning.
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Emergent Curriculum

Much of what we learn EMERGES or COMES OUT OF the interests, questions, conversations, and play of the students. Your child will have a qualified teacher overseeing their learning.

Because we utilize an emergent curriculum, your student will progress at their own pace in a way that best suits their learning style.  We take photos and document what students discuss.  As learning is documented, the teacher carefully prepares the learning environment with resources and opportunities to progress your child to their next level of learning.

Bella Natura students have the flexibility to meet learning standards in their own timing; often going well beyond the depth of required standards.

Multi-Age Classroom

​Learners from preschool to  sixth grade are welcome at Bella Natura.  We believe in the benefits of multi-age classrooms, therefore, we have preschool and elementary students working together in the same learning center.

Older students gain responsibility as younger buddies look up to them as a role model. Younger students are respected as capable learners who contribute equally to the conversation.

​Our students benefit from the perspectives of a varied peer group.  Learning is contagious. Bella students inspire each other every day to grow, create, and develop their gifts and unique talents.