OUR CLASSES
Who We Are
PRESCHOOL -
ACORNS 3’S & SPROUTS 4’S
Preschool 3’S class meets on
Tuesday/Thursday
mornings from 9:00-11:30.
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Preschool 4’S class meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday
mornings from 9:00-11:30.
Each of our preschool classes are limited to 16 students to ensure an optimal learning environment. Our small class sizes enable teachers to provide individualized attention, fostering a love for learning in each student. In each preschool class, there is one main teacher and a teacher assistant.
The preschool curriculum is thoughtfully designed to include a variety of engaging hands-on activities that foster the development of essential skills in young children. These activities focus on enhancing language, math, social interactions, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. For language development, we incorporate language experience stories, where children listen to read aloud stories and share their own narratives, helping them improve their vocabulary, pre-reading skills and storytelling abilities. Math skills are nurtured through "Math Their Way" job activities that encourage hands-on exploration of numbers and basic mathematical concepts. Interest centers provide opportunities for children to explore specific topics of interest, such as nature, science, or community helpers, promoting curiosity, exploration and critical thinking. Additionally, student-created books allow children to practice writing and illustrate their own stories, fostering creativity and self-expression. Integrated into the preschool program are essential components such as art, where children can experiment with different materials and techniques, and music, which introduces rhythm and melody. Playdough activities enhance tactile experiences and strengthen fine motor skills. The writing center serves as a space for children to create, practice letters, words, and drawings, while creative dramatics encourages imaginative play and social role-taking. The sensory table offers a hands-on approach to learning and fine motor skills through exploring various textures and materials and tools, enhancing sensory awareness and important skills. Weekly show-and-tell encourages public speaking and confidence as children share their favorite items with peers. Finally, physical education (PE) activities are incorporated to promote gross motor skill development through structured play, movement games, and exercises tailored to encourage physical activity and coordination. Together, these components create a comprehensive and enriching preschool environment that supports holistic development and prepares children for future learning experiences.
Enrichment Program:
Preschool 4’S class meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday
afternoons from 11:30-3:00
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Half-day Kindergarten meets
Monday - Friday
afternoons from 11:45-3:00
NEW! This class will accommodate up to 12 students. Our Enrichment Program is specifically tailored for four-year-old preschoolers and kindergarten students, ensuring a targeted approach to their developmental needs. This extended care program provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can engage in a variety of enjoyable and educational hands-on activities designed to enhance their learning and social skills. The program will begin immediately after the students' main class and will conclude at 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This program was designed with the intention of allowing our families who are looking for a full day program to have that opportunity. The daily schedule includes a supervised lunchtime where children can enjoy their lunch together (brought from home each day), followed by a structured recess to allow for physical activity and social interaction. Students will enjoy a variety of afternoon activities after lunch recess. Some of these include science projects, language extension activities and math exploration. Additionally, the enrichment courses feature weekly art classes that encourage creative expression and music sessions that foster auditory development, rhythm, and coordination. Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity, cooperation, and a love for learning in every child.
KINDERGARTEN - SEEDLINGS
Half-day Kindergarten meets Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 11:45.
Our kindergarten class size is limited to 12 students each school year. We offer a flexible academic program in our kindergarten classroom that is tailored to your child’s strengths and needs. Our curriculum features music, movement, creativity, cooking, and exploration to help develop language skills, math skills, and social and developmental abilities. Our reading and language program utilizes a phonetic blending approach called Dekodiphukan and a handwriting program called Writing Without Tears. Our math program is based on Math Their Way lessons and activities. Each kindergarten student will actively engage in creative writing and have the opportunity to present their work at our Young Authors program, as well as contribute a selection to our published class book. At Acorn, we strive to enhance and nurture each child's individual creativity across all areas of learning. Every Friday, we hold “Fun Fridays” which include free choice time, a cooking class and show-and-tell, where students can share their interests. The cooking class not only offers opportunities for students to try new and diverse foods from various food groups, but also integrates mathematical concepts and measurement activities. Throughout the school year, kindergarten students will also participate in various field trips that align with our curriculum. Our science and social studies units allow us to incorporate skills in math, music, language, writing, and reading into a comprehensive program. Whole group activities, including games, large and small motor exercises, and outdoor play, provide opportunities for students to develop healthy bodies. Our goal is for every child to feel safe and successful, fostering a positive attitude toward learning!
ELEMENTARY-
SAPLINGS 1st/2nd
& OAKS 3rd/4th/5th
Elementary classes meet Monday - Friday from 8:15 - 3:15
Acorn Learning Center’s curriculum for grades 1st through 5th utilizes a variety of textbooks and educational materials that align with our philosophy. Our small class size and co-teaching approach allows each child to continue learning at their individual level and progress at their own pace. The core components of our program include Reading, Language Arts, handwriting and cursive, Creative Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Science, in addition to our special classes. Each program is designed to integrate reading, math, and language skills and includes hands-on experiential learning activities.
*Outdoor Time*
Our daily schedule is thoughtfully structured to provide children with at least four opportunities to experience the outdoors. We begin each day with a morning walk, allowing children to connect with nature while promoting physical activity. Additionally, we incorporate designated recess times where children can engage in free play, socialize with peers, and explore their surroundings. We firmly believe that spending time outdoors not only enhances children's physical well-being but also supports their emotional and cognitive development.
*Special Classes*
Elementary students will participate in special classes each week. These classes last 45 minutes and include Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education (PE).
*Lifetime Sports*
Our Lifetime Sports Program offers a variety of activities each year, such as swimming, snow skiing, roller skating, ice skating, golf, tennis, bowling, and rock climbing. Elementary students earn funds for these activities through a Move-a-thon fundraiser held within the first few weeks of school. This fundraiser ensures that there are no extra costs for students to participate in any of our lifetime sports events.
*Holiday Parties*
At our school, we joyfully celebrate a variety of holidays throughout the year, including both well-known and unique occasions. Our festivities feature lively parties filled with delicious treats and engaging games that bring everyone together. We warmly invite parents and guardians to participate in these joyous celebrations! We encourage our families to share the significance of the holidays they celebrate, allowing us to enrich our learning experiences and foster a deeper understanding of diverse traditions.
Acorn Yearly Traditions:
*Halloween Carnival*
*Thanksgiving Program & Feast*
*Holiday Book Exchange*
*Family Picnics*
*Spell-a-Thon*
*Young Authors Evening*