Under the Oak: An Acorn School Podcast

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 strugg...

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 ...

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 ch...

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...

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'l...

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 class...

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 lear...

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 ...