Outdoor
Play-Based
Preschool &
Kindergarten

A School for Childhood in Stratham, NH

Acorn School is a place where friendships blossom, curiosity thrives, and emotions are expressed with joy and confidence. It's magical to see what happens here!

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Nurturing the Whole Child

At Acorn, children experiment, participate, and have fun! Our teachers creatively use movement, art, music and theater, while emphasizing the sciences, world cultures, and the arts. Here, your child's development is enhanced by outdoor play: it fuels their imagination, empowers them through problem-solving, and teaches them to love and respect nature.  We nurture your whole child, and offer opportunities to learn in special ways where heart, mind, and confidence grow together. We believe that when a child is comfortable, self-confident, and developmentally ready, they rise to their full potential.

Why choose Acorn School?

We are a non-profit play-based preschool and kindergarten where children develop and learn in a supportive and cheerful atmosphere. We prioritize your child’s social, emotional, and physical development as much as their intellectual development. At Acorn, your child's days are full of discovery, wonder, and muddy hands!

  • Low student-teacher ratios

  • Warm, friendly environment

  • Emphasis on process rather than product

  • Focus on nurturing the whole child

  • TimberNook certification–prioritizing nature play and engaging the senses

  • Focus on environmental education. Check out Acorn School featured in this video from Mr. Fox Composting!

Why Acorn?

Our Programs

Preschool – Chipmunks
Age: 3 Year Olds
Class Size: 10-12 (two teachers)
Days: Tuesday & Thursday
Times: 8:30-11:30 or 12:30-3:30

Preschool – Chickadees,
Woolly Bears & Tadpoles
Age: 4 Year Olds
Class Size: 10-12 (two teachers)
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Times: 8:30-11:30 or 12:30-3:30

Kindergarten – Mighty Oaks
Age: 5 Year Olds
Class Size: 10-18 (2-3 teachers)
Days: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri – 8:30-1:30; Thurs 8:30-11:30

What Parents Are Saying

  • “As an Acorn alumni myself I didn’t hesitate sending my daughter there. The entire Acorn experience is truly magical! Some of my friends today are those I made at Acorn. My daughter who attended who is now turning 10, still credits her friends from Acorn as her best friends. Acorn provides a safe space for kids to explore, learn, and grow. I am also a public school teacher and wanted to make sure my daughter was fully prepared to attend public school for first grade, and she was and then some! I can’t recommend this magical little school enough!”
    —Hallie E.

  • “Acorn School is a magical place where children blossom and entire families become part of a supportive and loving community. I recommend it to anyone in the area looking for a great pre-school and Kindergarten.“
    —Tamara Denneen