Under the Oak: An Acorn School Podcast

Welcome BACK to Under the Oak! If you’ve ever wished something like Acorn School existed near you, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, Emilirose and Star catch up on a full year of Acorn School, motherhood, and the behind-the-scenes work of creating Acorn School Academy.
Hear all about the why behind Acorn School™ Academy, what went into turning three years of experience building Acorn School™ into a course, and how the founding cohort will support people as they build programs of their own.
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MASTERCLASS
Learn the five foundations behind creating a program kids and families want to return to: SIGN UP HERE

EXPLORE ACORN SCHOOL ACADEMY
Learn more about the course, founding cohort, and self-paced option:
https://acornschoolacademy.com

What would you like us to talk about in an upcoming episode? Leave a comment below, and follow the podcast for more conversations about homeschooling, community, and the Acorn School approach.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome back to Under the Oak
00:56 A new Waldorf window star series
02:04 A year of Acorn School updates
02:31 The Gilbert Days parade and Lantern Festival
03:56 A new baby and another season at the farm
05:48 Our new indoor location for older children
08:23 Michaelmas, teaching team updates, and a handmade dragon
11:40 How our toddler classes are growing
12:47 Why we created Acorn School Academy
14:41 Why a “month or two” turned into a year
17:56 Turning our experience into a roadmap for others
19:15 Our free masterclass and the five foundations
21:20 The founding cohort, live calls, and community support
24:02 The self-paced option
24:49 Bringing enrichment programs to more communities
25:38 The opportunity to create a toddler program
27:21 Finding your people in early motherhood
29:07 Building a business while keeping family first
29:47 Where to learn more and what’s next
FOLLOW ACORN SCHOOL
Acorn School on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/acorn_school/
Star on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/intothemischief/
Acorn School Website:
https://www.acornschoolenrichment.com
Waldorf-Inspired Homeschool Curriculums:
https://acornschoolenrichment.com

In this episode, Star and Emilirose, co-founders of Acorn School, take you behind the scenes for a look at what really goes into running Acorn School. 
Most people see our classes, festivals, and finished curriculum, but not the gears and heart that keep everything running smoothly. From our amazing admin manager to our curriculum creators, teachers, and marketing team, we’re highlighting the people, processes, and values that make Acorn School a thriving Waldorf-inspired community.
Whether you attend classes, use our take-home curriculum, or are simply curious about how a homeschool enrichment school runs, this conversation offers a candid peek into our team, our business values, and our passion for holistic, family-centered education.
🌸 In This Episode:
Meet the Acorn School Team & Collaborators
How Our Curriculum is Created Each Month
The Roles of Teachers, Writers, and Designers
Family, Community, and Business Values That Guide Us
Why Small Business Partnerships Mean So Much
Our Commitment to Integrity, Sustainability & Living Wages
What’s Next for Acorn School (special announcement!)

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Back!
01:35 How Our Team Has Grown Beyond the Founders
01:59 Spotlight on Marilee, Our Admin Manager
06:41 The Marketing Team: Star, John, Katelyn, and Jeremy
09:36 Social Media & Branding at Acorn School
12:17 Our Website
13:59 Our Incredible Teaching Team
19:27 The Intentionality Behind Hiring Our Teachers
21:15 The Curriculum Creation Process
33:00 Behind the Scenes of Printing, Photos & Publishing of Our Curriculum
36:11 A special announcement!
37:59 Our Business Values
42:57 Community Within Our Team
44:28 Supporting Small Businesses
52:06 How We Strive to Improve or Add Value Each Year
54:58 Wrapping Up & What’s Next for the Podcast

📺Others Podcasts & Videos Mentioned
Our HomeSchool Curriculum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y7mwkXUIjU&t=13s
Past episode with John & Katelyn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG7Y2jgu0no

🤝Collaborators & Partner Businesses
Whole Childhood Collective | https://www.instagram.com/wholechildhoodcollective
Kate | The Wholeness Home |  https://www.instagram.com/thewholenesshome
Mother Nature’s Farm | https://www.mothernaturesfarm.com
ClimbMax Rock Climbing Gym | https://weareclimbmax.com
First Class Marketing | https://www.firstclassmkt.com
Homeschool Printing Services | https://homeschoolprintingservices.com
Homeschool Printing Services | https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolprintingservices
Katelyn Cantu Photography | https://katelyncantu.com
Katelyn Cantu Photography | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelyncantu

🌿 Links & Resources
Shop Our Waldorf-Inspired Curriculum: shop.acornschoolenrichment.com
Amazon Storefront (All Our Book Picks): https://www.amazon.com/shop/intothemischief

🌿 Follow Acorn School
Instagram | 
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To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

Star & Emilirose join Acorn School parents, John and Katelyn. In this episode, they share about their homeschooling journey, the ups and downs of their personal educational experiences and how they came to embrace homeschooling with their children. They talk about the pressures of traditional schooling, how they found Acorn School, and why they’re so passionate about offering their kids a more relaxed, child-led learning environment.

Tune in to hear about:
Katelyn and John’s personal struggles with the traditional school system and how those experiences led them to seek a more supportive, flexible approach to education for their children.
The beauty of homeschooling and how it allows families to tailor learning to each child’s unique needs and interests.
How Acorn School provides a nurturing space where children can grow, explore, and learn in a community-focused environment, free from the pressures of traditional schooling.

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To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school
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To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

In this episode, Star and Emilirose dive into Star’s personal educational evolution, beginning with her formative years at a Waldorf school. Star reflects on the lasting impact of creativity, connection, and holistic learning, and how these principles not only shaped her but also ignited her vision for Acorn School.
Tune in to hear:
Star’s memories from her Waldorf upbringing and the unique lessons that stuck with her
The sharp contrast between her Waldorf and public school experiences 
How freedom and the space to think your own thoughts became a cornerstone of her educational philosophy
& much more
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To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

In this episode, Star and Emilirose explore the beautiful philosophy of Waldorf education. They discuss the intentionality behind Acorn School’s Waldorf-inspired teaching and how it nurtures children’s spirit through hands-on experiences and joyful engagement with nature, allowing our little ones to truly flourish. 
Tune in to hear: 
The history of Waldorf education and its focus on nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
The role of outdoor play and exploration in helping children develop curiosity and creativity.
The value of hands-on experiences that teach children to learn from mistakes, building resilience and a love for learning.

Mentioned in this episode: 
Acorn School’s Seasonal Curriculum (Digital Download) | Dive into the fascinating world of bats with engaging stories and songs that explore their nighttime adventures and ecological importance. 

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To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school