Guiding Principles
Since 1980, The Acorn has inspired young children to wonder, explore, create, and grow. As a nonprofit school, we believe childhood should be filled with joyful discovery, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn through play. We live by five guiding principles:
Our classrooms are places where children ask questions, solve problems, build friendships, and develop the confidence to become lifelong learners. Every experience is thoughtfully designed to nurture the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.
Discover a school where childhood is celebrated every day.
Our Story
Nearly 50 Years of Growing Curious Minds
For nearly 50 years, The Acorn – A School for Young Children has been a place where curiosity is nurtured, childhood is celebrated, and a lifelong love of learning begins.
Founded in 1980 by Rich and Kitty Lange, The Acorn began with a simple but ambitious vision: to provide San Antonio's young children with an exceptional early childhood education in an environment where they could explore, create, and grow. Nestled in San Antonio's historic 78209 Broadway St corridor, just moments from the beauty and natural wonder of Brackenridge Park, one of San Antonio's beloved parks, our school gives children opportunities to experience the world beyond the classroom
Transforming a historic home into a school was no small undertaking. From the beginning, The Acorn was designed with children in mind—with thoughtfully prepared classrooms, an adventurous playground, dedicated teachers, and a commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.
A Community Built on Generosity
The Acorn's founding was made possible through the generosity of community supporters. Early gifts helped launch the school and established the foundation of an endowment that continues to support The Acorn today.
From the very beginning, philanthropy has been an important part of The Acorn story. The generosity of families, alumni, and friends has helped preserve our campus, strengthen our programs, and create opportunities for generations of children.
From Four Classes to a Growing Community
The Acorn opened its doors with four preschool classes serving 75 children. Demand was immediate, with full enrollment and a waiting list during the school's very first year.
As more families discovered The Acorn's unique approach to early childhood education, the school grew. Yet even as enrollment increased, we remained committed to the qualities that made The Acorn special from the beginning: small classes, personal attention, meaningful relationships, and a learning environment designed around the needs of young children.
Growing With Our Students
In 1993, The Acorn added a dedicated kindergarten wing, creating a beautiful learning environment specifically designed for five- and six-year-olds.
Continued growth led to the addition of an expansive 1,100-square-foot classroom in 2017, filled with natural light and overlooking the trees of Brackenridge Park. Additional preschool classrooms and expanded program offerings have allowed The Acorn to welcome more families while preserving the intimate, personalized experience that defines our school.
Office and meeting spaces were expanded in 1985, and in 2016, administrative offices were relocated near the main entrance to create a warm and welcoming arrival for students and families.
Over the years, former storage and office spaces have been transformed into collaborative teacher workspaces, conference rooms, and meeting areas—spaces that support the teachers and families who make up our community.
Growing Into the Elementary Years
After decades of serving young children through Preschool and Kindergarten, The Acorn began an exciting new chapter in 2025–2026 school year with the addition of the 1st First Grade class. For the first time, Acorn students were able to continue their educational journey beyond Kindergarten while remaining within the community that had nurtured them during their earliest school years.
The 2026–2027 school year marks another important milestone with the opening of Tall Oaks, a dedicated 3-acre grade school campus. Conveniently located less than 2 miles from the Broadway preschool and kindergarten campus, Tall Oaks is nestled in San Antonio's vibrant 78212 neighborhood, just moments from Trinity University and surrounded by the character, history, and natural beauty that make this part of the city so special. Tall Oaks offers elementary-aged children a place to learn, explore, create, and grow in a setting that feels connected to the surrounding community that serves first and second grade students with the intention of growing one grade level each year.
Tall Oaks represents an exciting new chapter while remaining deeply rooted in The Acorn's history. The campus provides an environment specifically designed for grade school learners — one where children can continue to ask questions, pursue ideas, work collaboratively, explore the natural world, and develop strong academic foundations.
A Legacy That Continues
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From a historic home with four preschool classes to two connected campuses serving children through grade school, The Acorn - A School for Young Children continues to grow without losing sight of what matters most: the child.
Perhaps the greatest testament to The Acorn's impact is the growing number of second-generation families who return with children of their own. Watching former students become parents and entrust us with the education of the next generation is both a privilege and a reminder of the lasting connections formed here. The Acorn is more than a school. It is a community whose relationships extend across generations.
Every school year begins a new chapter in The Acorn's story. We are grateful to everyone who has helped write the chapters that came before—and excited for all that lies ahead.
Nearly 50 years later, the seeds planted in 1980 continue to grow.