Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy Launches Unique K-2 Elementary for Fall 2026
Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy in Perry, Iowa is launching a new elementary microschool beginning with a kindergarten through second grade (K-2) classroom in Fall 2026, offering a unique option for families in the community. This marks the next chapter in its growing intergenerational campus at Perry Lutheran Homes and is part of a long-term vision to thoughtfully expand into additional grade levels in the years ahead.
The academy is also expanding infant care and daycare capacity to meet strong demand from working families and added a second preschool classroom last fall as enrollment continues to rise. This growth reflects its partnership with Perry Lutheran Homes and Christ Lutheran Church, strengthening a shared vision for faith-centered, intergenerational community life.
Since opening in 2017, Acorns & Oaks has served more than 125 families through its intergenerational model, connecting children and older adults in ways that foster relationships, learning, and care across generations. What began as a Christian daycare has grown into a thriving academy focused on whole-child development.
A Unique K-2 Elementary School Option
The K-2 elementary is designed to meet students where they are academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, providing personalized instruction that helps each child grow with confidence. Built on a microschool model, the program is intentionally small and relationship-centered, allowing for deeper learning and individualized support.
Students develop strong foundations in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking through hands-on, engaging lessons. Collaboration, problem solving, and personal responsibility are woven into each day, helping children grow both academically and in character.
A year-round learning approach helps reinforce skills, reduce learning gaps, and support steady academic progress. Lead teachers in both the preschool and K-2 program are licensed elementary educators, providing the same level of professional training and instructional quality found in traditional school settings.
Acorns & Oaks seeks to expand options for families by offering an environment that may be the right fit for some children in certain seasons of life. The academy values the broader educational community and believes diverse learning environments strengthen the region through collaboration and partnership.
“We recognize that children thrive in different settings,” said Rev. Max Phillips. “Our goal is to work alongside families and the greater community to provide another high-quality educational option rooted in Christian faith, strong academics, and intergenerational relationships.”
As part of the conservative Lutheran education tradition, one of the largest parochial school systems in the nation, Acorns & Oaks builds on a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered learning.
An Intergenerational Experience
Located within Perry Lutheran Homes, students and older adults interact regularly through shared activities, conversations, and daily moments of connection. These experiences support social, emotional, and cognitive development for both age groups and are a defining part of the Acorns & Oaks experience.
This intergenerational campus is a shared ministry of Acorns & Oaks, Perry Lutheran Homes, and Christ Lutheran Church, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation that also worships on-site at Perry Lutheran Homes. Together, these partners are committed to fostering faith, compassion, and connection across generations.
Supporting Families and Community
By expanding infant care and educational offerings, Acorns & Oaks supports working families while strengthening the local workforce. Families of all faith backgrounds are welcome. While the academy is grounded in Christian teaching and values, enrollment is open to children and families from all walks of life.
For more information about enrollment or the new K-2 school launching Fall 2026, visit acornsoaks.com or email elementary@acornsoaks.com. Registration opens April 15.
About Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy
Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy is a Christ-centered early childhood and elementary program in Perry, Iowa offering daycare, preschool, and a K-2 elementary microschool. Founded in 2017 in partnership with Perry Lutheran Homes and Christ Lutheran Church, the academy focuses on strong academics, character development, whole-child learning, and faith formation within an intergenerational community.