Elon's new child care and learning facility earned the highest rating offered by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education.
This story was originally published in the February issue of The Leaflet, Elon’s quarterly printed newsletter.
Acorn Academy was awarded a five-star rating by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education following a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August 2025 and has expanded to offer a summer camp, classrooms for pre-schoolers and backup care.
The rating affirms the care, intention and dedication that define Acorn Academy. “Earning a five-star rating required consistent commitment from our entire team, ongoing professional development, strong classroom practices, thoughtful curriculum implementation and a shared belief in doing what’s best for children,” said Cherelle Sharpe, head of school for the child care facility.
Jason Husser, professor of political science and public policy and director of the Elon Poll, said, “Elon cares about people being able to work while not worrying about whether their child is safe and growing and learning.”
Sharpe said that, for families, the rating provides reassurance that their children are in a program that prioritizes safety, growth and meaningful relationships every day. Children are learning and growing in a nurturing, high-quality environment designed to support their development.
“Children deserve the highest quality care during their most critical developmental years,” said Sharpe. The new child care benefit for employees offers excellence in early childhood education that supports children’s growth and the families’ peace of mind.
“When parents know their children are safe, valued and thriving, they are better able to focus on their work and responsibilities with confidence,” added Sharpe.
Ty Goss, program assistant for Arts and Music, says that having an onsite child care facility eases the burdens of drop-off and pickup times to the work commute. “Just knowing that [my daughter is] right across campus… I can focus on my work knowing that she is safe.”
Acorn Academy offers both year-round child care and early learning for ages six week to five years and summer camp for ages five through 12 during Elon’s Planning Week. Visit the Vivvi Acorn Academy page to learn more and enroll.