• Small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each child. Our preschool classrooms maintain a 5/6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, while kindergarten has a 7:1 ratio, and our grade school maintains a 8:1 ratio.
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• These intentionally small groups give teachers the opportunity to provide individualized attention, understand each child's strengths and needs, and create meaningful learning experiences.
• This is a particularly strong feature to highlight on the website because it connects the ratio to what it means for the child, rather than presenting it as simply a statistic.

All of our snacks are nutritional foods that support our belief in healthy eating habits. We encourage good habits of health and hygiene, and provide a safe environment for the children.  Depending on the needs of children enrolled, The Acorn may provide a nut-free environment.  Nutritious snacks are served, and each child will also have the opportunity to cook about once a week.  We have a “no sugar” policy, so snacks could include whole fruit juices, milk, cheeses, crackers, fruits and vegetables, etc. Also, special restrictions may be made as we accommodate particular students with allergies. Complete details are in our Policy Information.

Our educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that children learn through active engagement with their environment and with one another.

Our approach incorporates developmentally appropriate education, hands-on and project-based learning, nature, strong academic foundations, social-emotional development, and character education.

Yes.

Play is an important way young children explore ideas, develop language, practice social skills, solve problems, and make sense of their world.

As children grow, the balance between play, intentional instruction, independent work, projects, and academic practice evolves while remaining responsive to their developmental needs.

Nature is an important part of the Acorn experience.

Children have opportunities to observe, investigate, move, build, explore, and learn outdoors. The natural environment can become a setting for science, writing, art, physical activity, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

While The Acorn is not affiliated with any church and does not espouse or reject any religious beliefs, it does acknowledge and respect the many faiths and beliefs held by our community members. We seek to bring about a recognition and understanding of all the world cultures and religions in various forms.

The Acorn offers limited Lunch Bunch and Bridge options for eligible classes. Availability is limited, and families should contact the school for current options and placement.

At this time, The Acorn does not offer before-school or after-school care programs. Our school day is intentionally designed around developmentally appropriate schedules that support young children's needs for connection, exploration, play, and rest. We encourage families to consider our extended-day options, including Lunch Bunch and Bridge Class opportunities, as ways for children to enjoy additional time at The Acorn while continuing to participate in a nurturing, play-based environment. Please contact our office with any questions about scheduling options or to learn more about finding the program that best fits your family's needs.

Yes. The Acorn offers summer opportunities for children. Families should contact the school for current summer offerings, dates, and availability.

We generally approach guidance and discipline through relationship, respect, consistency, and developmental understanding rather than punishment or reward systems. The goal is to help children develop self-regulation, responsibility, and empathy while preserving their dignity and connection to the classroom community. For our Preschool and Kindergarten children, we use gentle redirection rather than lectures and short, clear limits stated calmly and consistently. For our Grade School children, we have more conversation about choices and consequences, create opportunities to make amends when harm has occurred, and provide continued emphasis on classroom community and mutual respect.

Many young children enjoy slow, unhurried mornings. They wake up gradually, spend time in their pajamas, enjoy breakfast with their family, read books, play, and ease into the day. For these children, rushing to be dressed, fed, and out the door by 8:15 am can feel overwhelming.

Many families intentionally choose an afternoon class because it fits their lifestyle. Whether it means avoiding the morning rush, accommodating work schedules, spending relaxed mornings together, or making the commute easier, afternoon classes provide flexibility while offering the same high-quality educational experience as our morning program.
Families who are initially uncertain about an afternoon class often tell us it became one of the best decisions they made. They appreciate the slower pace of the morning and the joyful, engaging learning environment their children experience each afternoon.

If an afternoon schedule aligns with your family's routine, we encourage you to consider it as an excellent option. You may discover that it is the perfect fit for both your child and your family
 

A preschool day includes a combination of classroom exploration, teacher-guided experiences, outdoor time, play, stories, movement, creative activities, social interaction, and opportunities for children to pursue their own interests.

The exact rhythm of the day varies by class and age.

Preschoolers build foundational skills in language and literacy, early mathematics, science, social-emotional development, motor skills, creativity, independence, and communication.

Much of this learning happens through play, exploration, conversation, and hands-on experiences.

Kindergarten students receive Spanish, music, and art once each week.

Kindergarten combines strong academic foundations with the hands-on, exploratory approach that defines The Acorn.

Students develop skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies while also participating in art, music, Spanish, outdoor learning, projects, and collaborative experiences.

Yes. We believe rigorous learning does not require children to spend their days sitting passively at desks.

Our students are challenged to read deeply, write thoughtfully, solve complex problems, investigate questions, communicate their ideas, and apply what they learn.

Academic expectations increase as children move through the grades while instruction remains developmentally appropriate.

At The Acorn, we believe young children learn best through hands-on exploration, meaningful relationships, imaginative play, and time spent outdoors. Technology is used intentionally and sparingly as a tool to enhance learning when appropriate, while the majority of each day is devoted to active, real-world experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

This approach is rooted in the belief that children develop best through direct, sensory-rich experiences with people, nature, movement, and imaginative play rather than through digital media. Child development philosophy and mounting research typically discourage the use of screens (television, tablets, smartphones, computers, and video games) during the early years. 
The philosophy holds that these experiences best support brain development, creativity, language acquisition, and social-emotional growth.

At The Acorn, our curriculum is thoughtfully aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) while remaining true to our play-based philosophy. Through purposeful play, inquiry, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning, children build the foundational knowledge and skills outlined in the TEKS in ways that are developmentally appropriate, joyful, and meaningful.

At The Acorn, we believe young children need time to play, explore, connect with family, and experience the world around them. Rather than assigning traditional homework in the early years, we encourage meaningful experiences at home such as reading together, spending time outdoors, helping with family activities, and nurturing curiosity. One of the greatest gifts you can give young children is to read to and with them daily. As students grow in Kindergarten and Grade School, learning expectations gradually expand in ways that meaningfully support the subjects and material covered in class for that week.

Outdoor learning is an important part of the Tall Oaks experience. Students have opportunities to use the outdoors for exploration, science, movement, observation, projects, and other learning experiences.

Tall Oaks is The Acorn's grade school campus and currently serves our first and second grade students. We have plans to grow one grade level each year with 2027-2028 opening our third grade class.

As the program continues to grow, families should contact the school for current grade-level offerings and availability.

Communication varies by program and teacher but may include regular updates, school communications, conferences, and direct communication between teachers and families.

Our goal is to create a partnership where families feel informed, welcomed, and connected to their child's experience.

Families are an important part of our school community.

Children thrive when families and teachers work together, and parent are welcome at any time. Families are a child's first and most important teachers, and their involvement helps create the close-knit community that makes The Acorn special. Family participation can take many forms—volunteering at school, joining community events, sharing a talent or experience, supporting special projects, or simply building relationships with other Acorn families. Every contribution matters. 

Besides driving on field trips, parents can share time in the classroom offering help, sharing hobbies, talents and interests, reading, or helping with activities.    Each class has a get to know you picnic at the beginning of the school year.  There are also class Thanksgiving events, Fiesta, etc., to which families are invited.  Parents can also assist with office duties, repairs and upkeep, and with our fundraising efforts.  As a non-profit school, we rely on every family to participate in our annual fundraiser.

When families are connected to their child's school, children see that learning and community matter. Our teachers and families work together to understand each child, celebrate their growth, and support them through challenges. We don't believe there is one right way to be an involved family. We invite each family to participate in ways that are meaningful and manageable for them.