Our Nature School

The Nature School at Hugs & Bugs Club is a play-based, Reggio Emilia inspired preschool for children ages 2.5 to 6 in Hoboken, New Jersey.

We are founded on the belief that children are natural born scientists, motivated to learn through exploration, investigation, and solving problems in an organic way. In a world that is mostly hands off for children, we believe it is their job to touch everything they can get their little fingers on, because we know it is essential to their development. It is our job to give them a safe and beautiful place to do so.

Our spaces are inspired by nature and sensory development, and designed to provoke the curiosities of our children.

We welcome families and homeschoolers seeking a play-based learning community that focuses on social and emotional growth.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 to 2027 school year!

“Hugs & Bugs was our son Nico’s first school, and we couldn’t have asked for a more caring, thoughtful, and nurturing environment. The teachers met each child exactly where they were, with genuine compassion and patience, and created a space where kids felt safe to explore, express themselves, and grow.

The program is wonderfully play-based and creative, with a strong focus on sensory learning, outdoor time in the park, and hands-on discovery. The classroom setting feels warm and inviting—not institutional—more like a second home than a traditional school.

What truly sets Hugs & Bugs apart is their out-of-the-box approach and deep respect for childhood development. Nico was supported emotionally, socially, and creatively, and we’ll always be grateful for the foundation they helped build. An all-around amazing school that we wholeheartedly recommend.”
— Bobby & Family (Google Review)
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How We Think About Learning

What Is Reggio Emilia?

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that views children as curious, capable, and creative individuals who are the authors of their own learning. Rather than following a prescribed curriculum, teachers observe children closely, listen to their questions, and design experiences that build on each child's natural interests and discoveries.

At Hugs & Bugs Club, our Reggio Emilia inspired program means that no two days are exactly alike. Your child's curiosity about worms after a rainy morning walk might become an entire week of science, art, and storytelling. We follow the children, and they lead us somewhere wonderful every time.

Play-Based and Child-Led Learning

Play-based learning is child-initiated and carefully guided by teachers to expand on each child's curiosity. It is not free play as a reward. It is a rich, intentional approach where children learn through doing, exploring, and connecting with the world around them.

At Hugs & Bugs Club, we believe it is a child's right to play. Through play, our children develop eagerness to learn, number recognition, literacy, math skills, and sensory awareness. They grow socially and emotionally. They learn to regulate themselves, face challenges with a growth mindset, and build genuine friendships.

We focus on the whole child so that learning happens from a place of freedom and joy, not as a chore to complete before the fun begins.

What a Day Looks Like

Every day at Hugs & Bugs Club is thoughtfully designed to feel calm, engaging, and full of meaningful moments.

Our small group of just five children allows for deep connection, individual attention, and a strong focus on social and emotional development. Children are free to explore at their own pace, building confidence and independence in a nurturing environment.

Mornings begin with a gentle arrival and open-ended exploration. The classroom is set up with inviting materials that encourage curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. As the group comes together, we gather for a short circle time to connect, sing, and share.

From there, the day unfolds through play.

Children engage in sensory activities, art, movement, storytelling, and imaginative play, all designed to support both fine and gross motor development. Our curriculum naturally weaves together elements of science, math, art, and social understanding through these experiences.

Outdoor play is an essential part of our routine. We spend time in nature in all kinds of weather, encouraging children to explore, observe, and connect with the world around them.

Snack and lunch times are calm, social moments where children practice independence and build a sense of community.

In the afternoon, the pace softens. Children return to quieter, deeper forms of creative exploration, following their own ideas and interests.

No two days are exactly the same. We follow the children’s curiosity, allowing their questions and discoveries to guide the learning experience.

Throughout the day, parents stay connected through a private app where we share photos and small glimpses into each child’s experience.

Find Your Program

3-DAY AFTERNOON PROGRAM

Ages 2.5 - 4 | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday | 3pm to 5pm

A gentle introduction to school life. Three afternoons a week, your little one builds friendships, settles into a nurturing routine, and discovers the joy of learning through play in a small, supportive group.

MORNING PROGRAM

Ages 2.5 - 5 | Flexible 2, 3, 5 days per week | 9am to 12pm

Mornings at Hugs & Bugs Club are full of sensory play, outdoor exploration, circle time, and child-led discovery. Teachers follow the children's curiosity to design each day, building confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

FULL DAY PROGRAM

Ages 2.5 - 6 | Flexible 2, 3, 5 days per week | 9am to 2pm

A full day of deep, rich learning. Beyond the morning experience, afternoons open into quieter, more focused exploration where children dive deeper into science, art, math, storytelling, and the natural world. Perfect for children who are ready for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Review our program options above and explore our tuition information below.

    2. Schedule a tour. We warmly invite all prospective families to visit us. A tour is the best way to see our space, meet our teachers, and ask any questions you have.

    3. Submit your application using the button below. We will follow up within a few business days.

    4. Welcome to the Hugs & Bugs Club family! Once enrollment is confirmed, we will send you everything you need to prepare for your child's first day.

  • At Hugs & Bugs Club, play is not a break from learning. It is how learning happens. Instead of worksheets and drills, we follow children's curiosity and let the natural world be our classroom. Children count sticks, not dots on paper. They measure with leaves, mix colors in the mud, and build structures that teach physics before they even know the word. Every activity is intentional, rich, and rooted in real discovery.

  • While each day has its own rhythm and surprises, the structure of the day stays consistent. Children arrive, settle in, play, gather for circle time, head outside, share snack, and explore together. That predictable flow is exactly what builds security and routine in young children, even when the activities change.

  • Yes! We hear this from families again and again. Children who come through Hugs & Bugs Club arrive at kindergarten emotionally grounded, socially confident, and genuinely curious to learn. Those qualities make all the difference in a new school environment.

  • No, and we never will. Every child is welcome here. We believe children show us who they are through play, not through an interview.

  • No worries at all! We are happy to welcome your child's speech therapist into our space to support their work. We will collaborate however we can to make sure your child thrives.

  • That is wonderful! Please keep speaking your native language at home. Children are like sponges and adapt and learn quickly. They also have a beautiful way of connecting and socializing with their little friends without even needing words.

  • We respect and honor each child first and foremost, and we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and truly trusted in their new environment. Our teachers have a variety of gentle methods to help with the transition, and we are fully prepared for some tears along the way. We are ready to give lots of love!

    To help at home, begin practicing clear goodbyes: "Mommy is going to get coffee and will be back soon!" and then celebrate enthusiastically when you return. "Mommy's home! See, I told you I was coming back!" This simple routine helps children build the confidence that you will always come back.

    We ask caregivers to remain nearby during the early drop-off days as we navigate the transition together. If we feel your child needs you, we will call you to come back. Our goal is to strengthen the bond between child and caregiver and between child and teachers, with every little one feeling loved and respected throughout the process. The separation journey may take one day or a couple of months, and that is completely okay. Patience is everything.