Acorn & Oak Early Learning is a warm, nature-centered childcare community in Sarasota, FL — nurturing curiosity, independence, and joy from the very first day.
Each program is carefully designed around the developmental needs of that age group — with low ratios, trained guides, and a beautifully prepared environment.
Ages 6 Weeks – 12 Months
Ratio 1:3 · Max 9 infants
A peaceful, RIE-informed space where your baby is seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Calm rhythms, responsive caregiving, and natural sensory exploration.
Ages 1 – 2 Years
Ratio 1:4 · Max 12 toddlers
Active, curious, and ready to discover — our Sprout guides support emerging independence through movement, language-rich play, and hands-on materials.
Ages 3 – 4 Years
Ratio 1:8 · Max 16 children
The classic Montessori three-year cycle begins here. Children choose their work from open shelves, develop concentration, and build a love of learning.
Ages 4 – 6 Years
Ratio 1:10 · Max 20 children
Kindergarten-readiness built on curiosity, not rote drills. Literacy, early math, collaborative projects, and outdoor science every single day.
We don't rush childhood. Our approach draws from Montessori principles, nature-based education, and developmental science — grounded in respect for each child's unique rhythm.
Children are intrinsically motivated learners. Our guides observe, prepare the environment, and follow each child's interests — never pushing, always inviting.
We choose wood, cotton, clay, and stone over plastic. Every material in our classrooms is beautiful, purposeful, and made to last a generation.
Older children model and mentor; younger children stretch beyond what they'd attempt alone. Mixed ages build empathy, confidence, and leadership naturally.
Twice-daily snacks are real food — fresh fruit, whole grains, and vegetables, many from our own garden beds. Children help prepare, serve, and clean up together.
Predictable rhythms help children feel safe and ready to learn. Our day blends focused work time, outdoor exploration, creative expression, and rest — in balance.
Warm greetings, settling in, choosing morning work from the shelves.
Songs, calendar, sharing, and the day's intentions set as a community.
The heart of the Montessori day — deep focus, lessons, and exploration.
Garden tending, gross-motor play, nature observation, and fresh air.
Family-style lunch, then quiet rest or nap for younger programs.
Art, music, science experiments, or extended story-based projects.
Whole-food snack, teachers share the day's highlights. Care until 6:00 pm.
"My daughter went from shy and tearful at drop-off to begging to go to school every morning. The guides here truly know her — her interests, her moods, her pace. I've never felt more at peace leaving her anywhere."
"We toured six schools before choosing Acorn & Oak. The moment we walked in, we felt it — calm, warm, intentional. Our son started reading at 4, not because they pushed him, but because they made it irresistible."
"As a NICU nurse working long shifts, I needed somewhere I could truly trust with my twins. Every guide here communicates clearly, remembers the details, and treats my kids like they're their own."
All programs include meals, consumable materials, and outdoor time. No hidden fees. Sibling discounts and flexible schedules available — ask during your tour.
Seedling Nursery
6 Weeks – 12 Months
$1,980
per month · full-time (5 days)
Sprout Room
1 – 2 Years
$1,740
per month · full-time (5 days)
Canopy Preschool
3 – 4 Years
$1,520
per month · full-time (5 days)
Oak Pre-K
4 – 6 Years
$1,380
per month · full-time (5 days)
Part-time (3-day) schedules available at 65% of full-time rate. A non-refundable $250 enrollment fee applies. We accept Bright Futures scholarships and Florida School Readiness (SR) funding.
The best way to understand Acorn & Oak is to walk through our doors. Tours are guided by one of our lead teachers — you'll see classrooms in action, meet our community, and have every question answered. Tours run Monday through Friday at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm.
Address
4218 Osprey Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone
(941) 555-0191Hours of Operation
4218 Osprey Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
(Map embed available on live site)