Welcome to the
Acorn Academy of Madison

Acorn Academy opens at 7:30am and closes at 5:30pm

We are located at
24 Madison Ave
Madison, NJ 07940

973-520-8889

info@acornacademyofmadison.com

Programs

  •  Cherry Blossoms:  6 months – 12 months    
  • Hickory Tree:  12 months -18 months
  • Maple Tree:  18 months – 24 months
  • Mulberry Tree:  24 months – 36 months
  • Dogwood Trees:     2 1/2 – 3 years old
  • Magnolia Trees:  3 and 4 years of age
  • Elm Trees:  4 years of age
  • Oak Trees:  PreK- 5 years of age

Staff

The Acorn Academy is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Family. The Director and Teachers are dedicated educators with many years of experience.

Parents Advisory Board

We have a group of parents that work with the Director and Board to assist us in knowing the needs of children and the families.

Educational Goals and Curriculum

Literacy

Math/Science

Art

Critical Thinking

The curriculum used at Acorn Academy is the “Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum.” The Creative Curriculum gives our teachers current research-based early childhood educational curriculum to support their classrooms. The curriculum allows teachers to provide developmentally appropriate activities in language, reading, number readiness, art, science, music, dramatic play, manipulatives, audio and visual aids, and encourages large and small muscle control. Our teachers are trained in guiding children through activities that aid in their physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. The Creative Curriculum supports our educational staff, who are then able to support all children at Acorn Academy, whose ages range from ten weeks to pre-kindergarten.

Acorn offers various enrichment activities throughout the year. This can include yoga, music, art, sports, science experiments, etc.  These activities are included in your $75.00 activity fee.  We do offer other enrichment, for an additional fee.  Information will be sent home when it becomes available.

At Acorn Academy, observations and assessments are part of our daily routine supported by the Creative Curriculum. Classroom teachers use “Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment System.” This system allows teachers to document each child’s progress. In turn, teachers can then set goals, prepare daily lesson plans, and review children’s progress. This information is then shared with parents upon request and at parent/teacher conferences.

Parent/teacher conferences are held each year in early spring, although the teachers and the director are always available to meet throughout the year.  Emailing your child’s teacher is the best form of communication for scheduling a meeting or if you have a question or a concern.  Teachers and the director can be reached at Acorn during regular operating hours at 973-520-8889.

How long has Acorn Academy been in existence?

Acorn Academy was originally the Child Development Center on the campus of Drew University.  It opened in the August 1990.  We relocated to the rear of the United Methodist in August of 2010 and became Acorn Academy.  As of August 2020, we are owned by the church and no longer affiliated with the university.

Does Acorn Academy provide transportation?

Acorn Academy does not provide transportation.

What outdoor play space does Acorn offer?

Acorn has a playground for children two and older.  We offer a green grassy area for children up to age two.  We also have a garden space for our 18months – 2year olds adjacent to their classroom. We have a blacktop area we block off from traffic that can be used as well.

Does Acorn Academy have a parent handbook?

Acorn Academy does have a parent handbook and will provide it prior to enrollment.  We have a school calendar as well, that will be given prior to enrollment.

“When I enrolled my first son, I was nervous, as any parent would be. By the time my second started, I didn’t worry at all. That says everything. Acorn Academy is built on kindness and safety, and you feel it the moment you walk in. The staff knows my boys by name, and we know everyone in return. Our kids aren’t just students here — they’re loved.”

– parent of Hickory Tree and Elm Tree students
“We’ve been part of Acorn Academy since our first child was just six months old, and it’s hard to imagine a more nurturing place for our now two children to grow and learn. Acorn isn’t just a daycare and preschool – it’s a community. The leadership team and staff do an amazing job creating a warm and supportive environment, and the community of families feels like an extension of our own. It really does take a village to raise children, and we’re so grateful that Acorn is part of ours.”

– parent of Oak Tree and Magnolia Tree students
“Acorn Academy has truly been “the village” for both our children, from their baby days through age five. We couldn’t have imagined a better place to drop them off each morning, confident that they are safe, cared for, and loved. Acorn has become a second family to us—from those early days as nervous new parents to watching our oldest head off to kindergarten, ready and confident. We are forever grateful for the incredible teachers and staff who have played such an important role in our lives. From water play in the summer and Halloween parades to holiday sing-alongs and heartfelt graduations, Acorn has been there for every milestone, always going above and beyond to create the best experience for children and their families. We truly couldn’t have found a more caring, loving environment!”



–  parent of a recent graduate and Magnolia Tree student