Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery

Posted: March 6, 2025

The campus and classrooms are lovely. They give students the ability to explore in a safe environment. Their admission process and criteria are not transparent and when feedback is requested they use indirect and unhelpful communication styles. I would not apply here if you do not have a fairly mainstream kid.

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: March 6, 2025

Posted: June 29, 2023

I fell in love with Acorn Hill during my first visit for a parent-infant class. Nestled amidst the woods by Sligo Creek, it's a sanctuary for my child's early education. What makes Acorn Hill special is its commitment to honoring the innocence and imagination of childhood. The teachers' love shines through every interaction, creating a nurturing environment where children flourish.

I cherish Acorn Hill's educational style that values free play in all-outdoor classrooms. It allows my cautious observer to thrive. The outdoor setting fosters remarkable discovery and growth, embracing the wonders of childhood. Weekly activities like breadmaking, gardening, and preparing snacks with peers are treasured moments for my child.

We're immensely grateful for this magical school. As my child completes their first year of Preschool (Nursery), we eagerly anticipate the years ahead at Acorn Hill, confident that it will continue to be a place where their early education flourishes.

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Acorn Hill and its community of children, parents and teachers have become a cherished part of our family! The time the children spend outside exploring the gorgeous school grounds, the calm pace and rhythm of each schoolday, play and crafts centered around natural products and all that nature brings - our children are so happy here and learn to value and respect themselves, each other and the earth!

Posted: April 15, 2019

We have truly enjoyed being part of the Acorn Hill community and our child is blossoming under the thoughtful care of his teachers. The play area nestled in the woods is quiet, peaceful and feels like our little cocoon away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The halls smell of lavender or freshly baking rolls or graham crackers for snack and the outdoor space is calming and inviting.

Our child loves imaginative play and Acorn Hill has really given him the space to play, create and imagine to his heart's content. Puppet shows, watercolor painting and baking their own healthy snacks are part of the beloved routine, as well as lots of outdoor time in all weather. It feels like such a magical way to celebrate this part of their childhood.

We have enjoyed all of the traditions at school such as a bonfire, a candlelit latern walk in the meadow and mornings at the school celebrating cultures from all over the world. We feel so lucky to have made the decision to send our child to Acorn Hill!

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: April 15, 2019

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

Posted: August 15, 2017

I attended the parent child class with my 3 children from birth to age 3. My children also attend summer camp at acorn hill.
The parent-child series of classes is phenomenal. The class environment is beautiful and peaceful. The unique open-ended toys are made of natural wood and keep the children engaged. Infants and toddlers are allowed to crawl around freely and interact with each other with limited adult involvement (this is a good thing). The simple act of quietly observing one’s child during the class is priceless. These courses are more than your typical mommy and me classes. You learn so much about your children and about what kind of parent you want to be. The most valuable thing that I learned from these classes is to slow-down and be present with my children.
The acorn hill summer camp is reminiscent of traditional summer camps of old. The children are outside in the breath-taking grounds most of the day. They take part is water play, climbing, running and jumping. The inside time is filled with magical puppet shows and stories. My children love to sing their acorn hill summer camp songs. This low-key, unrushed and unscripted summer experience is so rare to find.
The teachers at acorn hill are masters of their craft. They are compassionate, well-trained professionals who really know and understand the inner-spirit of children. Acorn hill is truly a Childs Place. From the freshly baked snacks to the joyful circle-time this intimate school setting is the ideal place for children to confidently grow into themselves.

Posted: August 1, 2017

My oldest daughter attended for 3 years and had a wonderful experience. She is always so happy to go back. My younger daughter still attends and loves school, her teachers, and friends.

Posted: June 20, 2017

Teachers work in pairs with small class sizes. All teachers work in a calming manner with the children and allow them free play outside rain snow or sun. The children garden with their classes, make homemade vegetable soup weekly, bake every wednesday, work on crafting projects and the teachers are effective at calm discipline and leading the children through a wonderful routine. The teachers lead songs, stories, and teach many skills such as dishwashing and self care to help,children gain independence and respect for working as well as playing.

Posted: June 20, 2017

The children develop incredible social and physical strength during the many hours of free play at Acorn Hill. They are also wrapped into beautiful rituals, such as the birthday celebration, during which each child is seated with a felt crown and rainbow silk cape. Their parents sit next to them while a short story of their life is told and they are presented with handmade gifts by the teachers and their peers. Then they enjoy a collectively baked cake. The mid-winter festival, spring fair, candelmas, fall lantern walk, bonfires and camping trips all build a sense of wonder and community and sense of belonging.

Posted: June 20, 2017

Posted: June 20, 2017

Posted: June 20, 2017

Posted: June 20, 2017

This is a pre-k program with emphasis on being outdoors, free play, socialization, and hand making creative prjects such as sewing, baking, woodworking, painting, sculpting beeswax, drawing, puppet shows, oral story telling, songs and seasonal festivals.

Posted: June 20, 2017

Incredibly lucky to have found this school for my son, my daughter and our family. It has helped me be a better parent.

Posted: August 19, 2015

Posted: August 19, 2015

Posted: August 19, 2015

Posted: August 19, 2015

My children went to Acorn Hill and have done well in later academic life (honors programs in public school). They both cherish their time at Acorn Hill and call it their 'favorite school'

Posted: December 14, 2011

We sent our children to Waldorf when Montesori was all the rage. Best decision ever because as we enter and navigate the middle school years, the children don't seem to have the anxiety that most middle schoolers have. There calmness and attention to details, and listening skills delveopled at Waldorf seem to be the difference.

Posted: April 24, 2011

This school, staff, materials, and community is fantastic. You get what you are paying for here. There is a possibility to send children from 8am to 5pm though few parents actually do. It is Waldorf, so the focus is on developing the person rather than the academics, but in a preschool that is what you really should be looking for, ideally!

Posted: February 23, 2010

This is wonderful introduction to Waldorf education. It is a beautiful, warm, nurturing school place. I would not have my children go to any other preschool, though the wait for full time school is until 3.5 years.