Skip to main content
Acorn Nature School logo

Acorn Nature School

Preschool, After School, Summer Camp Ithaca, NY

  • Home
  • About

    • Our Space
    • Philosophy
    • Teachers
    • Get in Touch
  • Programs

    • Preschool
    • Afterschool
    • Summer Camp
  • Resources

    • How to Dress for Acorn
    • Acorn Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Enrollment
  • Contact
  • | (607) 220-9023
  • | emily@acornnatureschool.com
  • | 35 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
three cute acorns to decorate the navigation container
  • (607) 220-9023
  • 35 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About

    • Our Space
    • Philosophy
    • Teachers
    • Get in Touch
  • Programs

    • Preschool
    • Afterschool
    • Summer Camp
  • Resources

    • How to Dress for Acorn
    • Acorn Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Enrollment

Acorn Teachers

Acorn teachers are experienced childcare providers. We are facilitators of learning, builders of community and supporters of peaceful problem solving. We strongly believe in:

  • Slowing down and being present
  • Establishing strong connections
  • Being observant, sensitive and gentle
  • Being clear, consistent and calm

An important part of our practice as educators is to consistently ask:

  • How are our students perceiving their world?
  • How best can we support their exploration and development?
  • How can we inspire wonder and make learning joyful?

Our job is not only to keep the children in our care safe, but to also provide the scaffolding to help them flourish.

  • Emily Schmiderer

    After School

    Preschool

    Summer Camp

    Welcome! My name is Emily Schmiderer and I founded Acorn in 2016 out of a desire to bring together my love of teaching young children and my love of being in nature.

    learn more about Emily Schmiderer
  • Sophie Armstead

    Preschool

    Hello! My name is Sophie Armstead and I have joyfully been a part of Acorn since 2017! I have a BA in French, a Masters in Education and am a Certified Wilderness Skills Educator.

    learn more about Sophie Armstead
  • Jake Rutter

    After School

    Preschool

    Summer Camp

    Hello! My name is Jake Rutter and I am so happy to be a part of the Acorn family! I have been working with children ages 2-11 since graduating form American University in December 2020 (with a BA in Sociology).

    learn more about Jake Rutter
  • Daniela Rivas

    After School

    Hello! My name is Daniela Rivas. I’m currently a sophomore at Ithaca College studying education! I love being outdoors and exploring nature. I love to discover new things with children and learn as they’re learning.

    learn more about Daniela Rivas
  • Becca Lapham

    After School

    Hello! My name is Becca Lapham. I am studying Education and Music at Ithaca College and I love exploring and finding new things in nature. At home, I love to take my dog Otis on walks around the pond and have loved spending time at Cayuga Lake.

    learn more about Becca Lapham

© 2025 | Acorn Nature School

Web by Uluwatu Web Design