AGES 3-6Early Years Program
Play-Based | TherapeuticA gentle, neuro-affirming head start program with exceptionally low ratios. We honor sensory needs and developmental rhythms through nature-based play and social-emotional scaffolding.
About Our School
Where Your Child Gets the Support They Need
Second Nature School aims to change the Ottawa private school landscape by offering an alternative learning environment for children and families who may be struggling with traditional educational institutions.
Our educators are certified ontario teachers, early childhood educators, social service workers, social workers, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health counselors, among others and have direct contact with children.
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Therapeutic Private Elementary
A safe, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed learning space for children ages 4–12, rooted in nature and built around individual emotional and developmental need
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Home-Like Classroom Atmosphere
Our classrooms feel like home: warm, calm, sensory-considerate spaces that foster a genuine love of learning through inquiry, exploration, and joyful play.
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Ultra-Low Ratio Classrooms
We maintain 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4 Educator-to-Student ratios, thoughtfully adjusted based on each child's needs, ensuring no child is ever lost in the crowd.
UNIFIED SUPPORT UNDER ONE ROOF
Where Education Meets Clinical Wellness
Second Nature provides a nurturing space where children can learn, grow, and thrive with integrated support in a single, familiar environment.
AGES 3-6
AGES 4-12Therapeutic Elementary School
Full-Time | Year-RoundAn inclusive, low-ratio environment offering individualized, neuro-affirming learning. Our trauma-informed curriculum fosters curiosity and emotional regulation through inquiry-based exploration.
1-on-1 Tutoring
Strengths-Based | Relational | TailoredIndividualized coaching for all learning profiles. We blend academic support with executive function strategies to build confidence and a genuine love of learning.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Child-Led, Neuro-Affirming Approach
We don't fix children. We celebrate them. Our approach recognizes and supports the diverse ways in which children think, learn, and experience the world, valuing each child's unique neurodivergent traits rather than trying to correct them.
Celebrating The Whole Child
Academic growth matters, but so do joy, belonging, and self-worth. We weave emotional well-being into every part of the school day.
Individualized, Not Standardized
No two children follow the same path at Second Nature. Every learning plan is built around the individual's, their strengths, interests, pace, and goals.
Families Are Partners
We don't work in silos. Families are actively involved through parent coaching, regular communication, and collaborative planning, because your insight is irreplaceable.
Rooted In Nature
Nature is a core part of our curriculum. Outdoor learning, sensory-rich environments, and nature-based exploration help children regulate, connect, and discover.
INTEGRATED SUPPORT
Therapies Woven Into Every School Day
At Second Nature School, therapeutic support isn't separate from learning, it's built right in. Our multidisciplinary team works together so your child receives seamless, holistic care.
Individual Counselling
Emotional and psychological support embedded in the school day, helping children manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges in real time.
Speech Therapy
Improving communication skills, from speech clarity and language comprehension to social communication and feeding challenges.
Occupational Therapy
Developing essential daily-living skills including fine motor abilities, sensory processing, and social integration, in partnership with On the Ball Pediatric.
Parent Coaching
Guiding families to understand their child's needs, strengthen parenting strategies, and build skills that support growth and well-being at home.
Social Skills Training
Helping children build meaningful relationships, improve peer interactions, and develop confidence in social settings through guided, playful practice.
Behavioral Support
Positive, non-ABA behavioral support, understanding the why behind behaviors and helping children build skills in a respectful, empowering environment.
Testimonials
second nature school testimonials
Dealing with our son's challenging behavior had become overwhelming for our family. It felt like every day was a battle, and we were losing hope. That's when we turned to Second Nature. We feel supported by their community and have found a way forward.
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Adam - Parent
Second Nature has been a place where my son is welcomed, just as he is. No pressure to be different, no exhausting battles, just genuine acceptance and a team that truly sees him.
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Trish - Parent
Our child finally feels safe in a learning environment. The difference in confidence, regulation, and connection at home has been incredible to witness.
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Melissa - Parent
What stood out most was how deeply understood we felt as parents. We were met with compassion, practical support, and a team that really gets neurodivergent kids.
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Sarah - Parent
A School That Gets It
Ready To Take the First Step?
We're here to listen, support, and walk alongside you. Contact us to learn more about our programs or start the intake process.
OUR TEAM
Professionals With Real Life Experience
Meet the dedicated education team supporting children through a thoughtful, neuro-affirming learning environment.
Gabriella Nosita
Clinical Psychologist
Qualified Professionals Recognized By:
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Ready To Take The First Step?
Enrollment at Second Nature is rolling, you can join at any time of year. Our intake process is designed to be warm and unhurried, so we can truly understand your child before they walk through our doors.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Have something else on your mind? We're always happy to chat before you book.
We are a hybrid model where education and therapeutic support come together. Blending learning with mental health care, speech, OT, and sensory integration in a way that’s seamless and responsive to each child.
No. While ABA may work for some families, it is not the only path. ABA focuses on shaping behavior through reinforcement, often aiming to reduce behaviors seen as different. At Second Nature, we take a neuro-affirming approach that respects neurological differences as natural, not something to be corrected.
We do have team members with BCBA training on-site, but their work here follows our relationship-first, child-led philosophy rather than rigid ABA methods. Our focus is on building communication, emotional regulation, confidence, and self-understanding - helping children develop strategies that genuinely work for them, without pressure to mask who they are.
At Second Nature School, we offer a variety of therapeutic services to support the individual needs of each child:
- Occupational Therapy (in partnership with On the Ball Pediatric) to develop essential skills for daily living, including fine motor abilities, sensory processing, and social integration.
- Speech Therapy to improve communication skills, focusing on speech clarity, language comprehension, social communication, and feeding/swallowing challenges.
- Individual Counselling to provide emotional and psychological support, helping children manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
- Parent Coaching to guide families in understanding their child’s needs and strengthening parenting strategies to support growth and well-being.
- Social Skills Training to help children build meaningful relationships, improve peer interactions, and develop confidence in social settings.
- Behavioral Support to assist with positive behavior development and strategies for managing challenges in a supportive, non-ABA environment.
These therapies are integrated into our child-led, nature-based approach, ensuring a personalized and holistic experience for each child, helping them grow and thrive in all areas of life.
At Second Nature, we offer a range of family support services, including parent coaching, consultations, and ongoing communication. We understand that navigating your child’s needs can be challenging, so we are here to provide guidance, resources, and emotional support every step of the way. Our goal is to create a strong partnership between school and family to ensure the best outcomes for your child.