What You Should Know Before Signing Up for Mighty Oaks

Why the Mighty Oak Year at Acorn School Is a Gift Every Child Deserves

When parents talk about the Mighty Oak year at Acorn School, you’ll hear words like magic, confidence, connection, and growth. But what truly makes this year so special—and why do so many parents call it one of the best decisions they’ve ever made for their families?

The answer lies in what makes Acorn different: a deep belief that childhood is meant to be experienced—not rushed.

A Year That Nurtures the Whole Child

The Mighty Oak year is so much more than a traditional kindergarten academic program. It’s an all-encompassing experience that nurtures the whole child—heart, mind, and body.

As parent Ashley beautifully shared,

“The Mighty Oak year at Acorn School is so much more than just a kindergarten academic program. It is an all-encompassing experience for the whole child... The teachers support the child as a whole, bringing in the elements of nature and weaving this in with the different subjects that the children are learning... The best part is that they have fun, feel loved and safe, which is the best gift Acorn School provides each family it holds.”

Mighty Oaks move through four outdoor learning spaces, spending two weeks in each before rotating to the next, giving them countless opportunities to explore, imagine, and develop critical gross motor skills. This movement-based, hands-on learning is not only fun—it’s foundational.

Learning Through Play, Guided by Nature

At Acorn, learning doesn’t come from desks and worksheets—it comes from play, exploration, and curiosity. Children learn math while building stick forts, practice literacy while storytelling under a canopy of trees, and develop problem-solving skills while navigating outdoor challenges with friends.

This philosophy extends to special TimberNook days, where Mighty Oaks deepen their teamwork, leadership, and creativity in natural settings. These experiences give them something more valuable than rote memorization—they foster resilience, independence, and confidence.

Teachers Who See Every Child for Who They Are

The heart of the Mighty Oak year is the teachers—educators who truly see each child. They meet students where they are, guiding them gently toward growth at their own pace.

As parent Heather shared,

“We never planned to enroll our son in the Mighty Oak year because our daughter went to public kindergarten right after her Chickadee year, but we’re so glad we did. He’s always been a bit shy and quiet, but the Mighty Oak year has increased his social and emotional skills and confidence. He’s excited to go to school every day!”

That spark of confidence—the joy of seeing your child run into school with a smile—is what parents treasure most.

The Gift of Time

So many families describe the Mighty Oak year as a gift. It’s a year that gives children the chance to grow a little taller, dream a little bigger, and play a little longer before stepping into the next stage of their education.

Parent Kate put it perfectly:

“The Mighty Oak year is really a gift... Giving this age the time, the chance to learn through play and the access to all that nature can provide is an opportunity that I feel really lucky to have.”

For families who have been through it once, the decision to enroll again is often effortless. The benefits ripple far beyond that one school year.

A Foundation That Lasts a Lifetime

The Mighty Oak experience doesn’t just prepare children for elementary school—it sets them up for life. The combination of outdoor exploration, social-emotional development, and play-based academics builds strong, confident, capable learners.

As Jessalyn, a parent of four Acorn alumni, shared:

“Acorn School fosters a magical learning environment which centers on what children do best—play in the outdoors. It not only creates this sense of magic in learning, it establishes a strong foundation of brain, body and social structure that carries throughout their educational career. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mighty Oak year and Acorn School.”

One More Year of Magic

For many families, the decision between public kindergarten and the Mighty Oak year can feel like a crossroads. But as parent Daniele shared, sometimes giving your child “one more year” is the greatest gift of all:

“Our son has a September birthday and is young for his age, so it was a big decision for our family... After many conversations with other parents, Sue, and the wonderful Acorn staff, we decided to give him the gift of one more year at Acorn—and it’s already been one of the best decisions we’ve made. He has blossomed in so many ways. He talks about school every single day and proudly shares what he’s learning. Seeing his confidence and curiosity grow has been incredible. I can confidently say that choosing the Mighty Oak Year and giving him an extra year to learn and play in the magic of Acorn School was absolutely the right choice.”

Why Every Child Deserves a Mighty Oak Year

The Mighty Oak year at Acorn isn’t just another school option—it’s a transformative experience that celebrates childhood in its purest form. It’s where learning feels like play, where friendships deepen under the trees, and where confidence takes root.

If you’re wondering whether your child should experience the Mighty Oak year, take it from the parents who’ve been there: it’s a gift you’ll never regret giving.