Under the Oak: An Acorn School Podcast

Acorn School
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Kids & Family
  • Bimonthly

Open conversations on viewing children as "whole people"—mind, body, heart, and soul—through personal stories, critiques of traditional education, and insights on creating a nurturing and holistic learning environment.Hosted by Acorn School Founders Star Johnson, homeschool mom of three and Emilirose, former public school teacher. Learn more at: acornschoolenrichment.com

Episodes

  1. Oct 12

    Our Biggest Announcement Yet! The Project We Spent the Last Year Building

    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

  2. 09/19/2025

    How We Run Our Business | Behind the Scenes at Acorn School

    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 & CollaboratorsHow Our Curriculum is Created Each MonthThe Roles of Teachers, Writers, and DesignersFamily, Community, and Business Values That Guide UsWhy Small Business Partnerships Mean So MuchOur Commitment to Integrity, Sustainability & Living WagesWhat’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 |  -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    How We Run Our Business | Behind the Scenes at Acorn School

  3. 11/26/2024

    Raising Free Thinkers: Parents' Perspective On Homeschooling & 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. --  To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Raising Free Thinkers: Parents' Perspective On Homeschooling & Acorn School

  4. 11/12/2024

    Growing Up Waldorf: Star Johnson’s Journey from Waldorf to Public 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 herThe 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 -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Growing Up Waldorf: Star Johnson’s Journey from Waldorf to Public School

  5. 10/29/2024

    What Is Waldorf?

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

    What Is Waldorf?

  6. 10/15/2024

    Debunking Myths: Insights from a Lifelong Homeschooler | Olivia Azevedo

    What’s it really like for kids who are homeschooled from the very beginning? In this episode, Star and Emilirose sit down with Olivia Azevedo, a lifelong homeschooler and now a beloved teacher for Acorn School’s Hummingbirds and Cardinals. Olivia shares her personal journey of how homeschooling shaped her understanding of education, the unique ways she learned, and how she now helps children discover their own learning styles. Tune in to hear: How homeschooling allowed Olivia to personalize her learning journey and flourish in different subjects.Olivia’s personal experiences that dispel common myths about homeschooling, including misconceptions about socialization. Olivia’s journey from homeschooled student to Waldorf-inspired teacher.And so much more! -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Debunking Myths: Insights from a Lifelong Homeschooler | Olivia Azevedo

  7. 10/03/2024

    The Magic of Flow State

    In this episode, Star and Emilirose chat about the idea of flow states and how they can naturally boost a child's learning and creativity. You'll hear about how the right surroundings—both the space they’re in and the people they’re with—can really help children stay focused and engaged. They also touch on the freedom of Waldorf-inspired teaching, explaining how it allows educators to craft joyful, meaningful lessons that create lasting learning experiences for children. In this episode, you'll hear: How physical spaces influence a child’s ability to enter a flow stateThe impact of child-led learning and the importance of balancing challenge with skillWhy Waldorf-inspired education allows teachers to design lessons that inspire deep learning and joyResources mentioned: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiThe Kingdom of Childhood by Rudolf SteinerRoxaboxen (book recommendation)-- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    The Magic of Flow State

  8. 09/16/2024

    Interview with Emily O'Brien

    In this episode, Star & Emilirose sit down with Emily O’Brien, Acorn School’s Charlotte Mason-inspired teacher. Together, they dive deep into Emily’s journey to becoming a homeschooling mother, along with discussing the key principles of the Charlotte Mason philosophy and how it aligns (and differs) with other educational methods like Waldorf.  In this episode you’ll hear: How Charlotte-Mason and Waldorf philosophies overlap and what led to Acorn School’s Charlotte-Mason inspired classThe impact of homeschooling on Emily’s familyEmily’s journey to finding Acorn School& much more! Mentioned in this episode: Emily’s children’s book, Benny the Bird, and Fitz the Fox. Find them both at emilyanneobrien.com/works -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Interview with Emily O'Brien

  9. 09/02/2024

    Welcome to Under the Oak

    In this first episode of the Under the Oak Podcast, Emilirose and Star introduce the origins and philosophy behind Acorn School and offers a glimpse into their personal journeys and the experiences that inspired them to create this unique, family-centered educational environment. Tune in to hear: Star and Emilirose’s journey that led to founding Acorn School.Insights into the people and principles behind this innovative educational approach.A preview of future podcast topics& more! -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Welcome to Under the Oak

  10. 08/12/2024

    Sneak Peek: Under the Oak

    Welcome to Under the Oak: an Acorn School Podcast.  Hosted by Acorn School co-founders Star Johnson, homeschool mom of three and Emilirose, former public school teacher.  Expect open conversations on viewing children as "whole people"—mind, body, heart, and soul—through personal stories, critiques of traditional education, and insights on creating a nurturing and holistic learning environment. To learn more about Acorn School, visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow along on social media @acorn_school for additional resources, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. -- To learn more about Acorn School visit acornschoolenrichment.com or follow us on Instagram @acorn_school

    Sneak Peek: Under the Oak
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Open conversations on viewing children as "whole people"—mind, body, heart, and soul—through personal stories, critiques of traditional education, and insights on creating a nurturing and holistic learning environment.Hosted by Acorn School Founders Star Johnson, homeschool mom of three and Emilirose, former public school teacher. Learn more at: acornschoolenrichment.com

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