Elon has partnered with Vivvi to provide employer-sponsored child care and early learning at Acorn Academy, opening onsite at Elon in Summer 2025. Explore this page for information about your benefit and how to stay tuned while we build.
Acorn Academy at Elon is being built and operated in partnership with Vivvi, and will be conveniently located on the South Campus.
Schedule
Acorn Academy is under construction now and is slated to open Summer 2025. It will be open year-round, 5 days per week, M-F.
Process
To get started, please fill out the information form below. We will be sending email updates with construction updates and deadlines to apply through this list.
Our infant program is individualized to support each baby’s growth and prioritizes exploration in a safe and loving environment.
Toddlers and Two's (12 - 36 months)
Toddlers acquire knowledge through active exploration. Our teachers facilitate growth by introducing structure as well as encouraging independent curiosity.
Curriculum
Inquiry Based Curriculum
The learning model at Acorn Academy will foster the joy of learning through play and themes inspired by children’s curiosity. By observing and reflecting on children's interests, our teachers design rotating units of study aligned to developmentally appropriate learning milestones.
Spaces
Each one of our spaces has been purposefully designed to incorporate specialized areas that animate our curriculum & philosophy.
Our campus is full of natural light and designed to allow children the freedom to explore in a safe space created for them.
Each classroom has dedicated areas designed specifically for learning to come alive through play.
4 Feet and Below
Acorn Academy's spaces look beautiful to adults, but they are truly designed for children. From ballet bars with mirrors for curious babies' social and gross motor development to training toilets for growing toddlers, every inch is intentional.
Information Form
Share your name and email and we'll keep you updated!
(please note that signing up for this list is not a formal application and does not add you to a waitlist)
FAQ's
Learn more about our partnership and upcoming opening
How can I put my child on a waitlist?
We have not yet opened registration for Acorn Academy, Elon’s child care center, and expect to do so by March 2025. Please add yourself to our information form to stay informed about when we launch registration.
What is Vivvi and how is Elon partnering with them?
Vivvi provides child care and early learning for today’s families. Elon has partnered with Vivvi to develop a hiqh-quality child care and early learning center for children of our staff, faculty and students. Elon’s child care center, called Acorn Academy, is scheduled to open in Summer 2025 on Elon’s campus, and will align the exceptional quality families deserve with the flexibility they need.
Are all employees of Elon and enrolled students eligible for care at Elon’s child care center or are there prioritized members of the community?
As an employer-sponsored child care facility, Elon University full-time faculty, staff and students are eligible.
Can other members of our community enroll at Elon’s child care center?
No, at this time, Elon’s child care center is only open to full-time employees of Elon and enrolled students.
When will Elon’s child care center open?
Elon’s child care center is scheduled to open in Summer 2025, dependent upon timely construction and licensing.
What is the location?
The new child care center will be conveniently located in the current psychology and human service studies building on South Campus.
What is Elon’s child care center’s capacity?
Elon’s child care center can accommodate up to 30 children initially, and will expand to accommodate additional classrooms starting in January, 2026.
What ages will the school serve?
Upon opening, Acorn Academy will offer child care and early learning for infants and toddlers, from ages 6 weeks through 36 months, with additional classrooms for ages 3, 4 and 5 opening in January, 2026.
Is there an application process?
Once we open registration, families should fill out our application with their desired start date and schedule. Acorn Academy will accept children first-come, first-serve based on available space in each specific classroom for your preferred schedule. We believe that every parent and child deserves child care and we do not implement a screening process for admissions.
Is Elon’s child care center open during University breaks and over the summer?
Yes, Elon’s child care center will be open during University breaks and over the summer, with the exception of some U.S. holidays and professional development days for Elon’s child care center staff and faculty. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, dependable child care and learning solution for working parents.
What are the tuition rates?
We’ll be able to share more information about tuition as we get closer to opening.
What is the learning style for Acorn Academy?
Acorn Academy will use an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages children to build developmental skills through play-based activities and nurtures each child’s curiosity about the world around them. Vivvi is working closely with Elon to implement a research-based learning program incorporating the most up-to-date early childhood education strategies and practices.
What are your teacher’s qualifications?
Acorn Academy will be filled with caring, passionate and expert educators who will bring its unique curriculum to life, and provide each child with the tools they need to reach their developmental milestones and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Is there a sibling discount?
We’ll be able to share more information about this as we get closer to opening.
Are meals going to be provided?
We’ll be able to share more information about this as we get closer to opening.
What are the hours and days available?
Acorn Academy will be open five days a week throughout the year, with hours supportive of staff, faculty and student schedules. We’ll be able to share more information about specific hours as we get closer to opening.
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