We are so glad you are here!
At Ark and Olive Academy, we believe childhood is sacred — a time to wonder, explore, and grow. We're a nature & faith based early learning center in Vernon, Texas, serving children from 8 weeks to 4 years old with intentional care and joyful purpose.
Rooted in faith and inspired by the natural world, our program blends Montessori methods, outdoor exploration, and developmentally rich curriculum across art, music, dance, science, math, and early literacy. We integrate sign language, spiritual growth, and hands-on discovery to nurture the whole child — heart, mind, body, and soul.
Our name reflects our mission: the Ark, a place of safety and purpose; the Olive, a symbol of peace, promise, and new beginnings. We are here to plant seeds that will grow in wisdom, kindness, and strength — shaping not just little learners, but lifelong disciples.
Welcome to Ark and Olive Academy — where faith leads, nature teaches, and childhood is cherished.
Core Foundations
Faith & Character Development
Daily Bible stories, scripture memory, and prayer
Monthly character themes (e.g., kindness, patience, gratitude)
Christian song and worship
Practicing kindness through relationships
Nature-Based Learning
Daily outdoor exploration and nature walks
Gardening, weather observation, and seasonal studies
Nature-inspired crafts and sensory play
Integration of God’s creation into every subject
Montessori-Inspired Methods
Child-led, hands-on learning materials
Practical life skills (pouring, sweeping, dressing frames)
Focus on independence, concentration, and self-discipline
Multi-age groupings to encourage mentoring and collaboration
Weekly Enrichment Subjects
Art
Open-ended process art with natural materials
Famous artist studies (adapted for age group)
Seasonal and biblical art projects
Music & Movement
Singing, rhythm instruments, and movement games
Exposure to classical, cultural, and worship music
Dance and creative expression
Dance
Age-appropriate movement and basic technique
Expressing emotions through music and motion
Confidence and coordination building
Weekly Enrichment Subjects
Art
Open-ended process art with natural materials
Famous artist studies (adapted for age group)
Seasonal and biblical art projects
Music & Movement
Singing, rhythm instruments, and movement games
Exposure to classical, cultural, and worship music
Dance and creative expression
Dance
Age-appropriate movement and basic technique
Expressing emotions through music and motion
Confidence and coordination building
Curriculum
Reading & Literacy
Daily storytime and language-rich environments
Letter recognition and phonemic awareness
Introduction to early journaling (example: let’s write a “letter” to mom)
Math
Number recognition and one-to-one correspondence
Counting, patterns, shapes, and sorting
Introduction to measuring, graphing, and comparing
Science & Discovery
Weekly experiments and nature studies (leaves, trees, flowers, bees)
Exploration of animals, plants, weather, and the five senses
STEM-based play and guided curiosity
Physical Education
Daily outdoor play and structured movement
Gross motor skill development (running, jumping, balancing)
Games that build teamwork and physical confidence
Sign Language
Basic ASL for daily communication (especially with infants & toddlers)
Signs for emotions, needs, family, and faith
Songs and storytime with sign integration
More Fun
Special Themes & Experiences
Weekly Chapel: Worship, scripture, and storytelling
Seasonal Celebrations
Field Days and Nature Exploration Events
Parent Involvement: Family craft days, prayer walks, parent-present field trips
A Day in the Life at A+O
7:15 – Doors Open
8:30 – Morning Story Time & Worship/Songs
9:30 – Outdoor Learning & Play: Nature Lessons, Morning Play
11:00 – Lunch & Nap
1:30 – Enrichment Class: Dance, Art, Foreign/Sign Language, or Music
2:30 – Healthy Snack Time: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains
2:50 – Mini-Lessons (Playful Pre-Reading, Counting, Shapes, or Science)
3:35 – Imagination Stations: Dramatic Play, Storytelling
4:00 – Afternoon Outdoor Play
4:45 – Soft Close/Sensory Play: Classical Music, Calm Bins
5:15 - Final Pick-Up Time
Pre-School
Where Young Minds Begin to Shine
Our Pre-K program is a prestigious, early childhood experience designed to challenge and inspire. For ages 3 and 4, it is just the beginning of a purposeful, joy-filled academic journey.
Program Highlights:
- Focus on kindergarten readiness with early literacy, math, foreign/sign language, and science
- Daily enrichment in art, music, movement, and nature exploration
- Emphasis on independence, problem-solving, and respectful social skills
- Leadership opportunities within the classroom—our Pre-K kids are the big role models!
- LOTS of outdoor play time! Children learn so much through play!
Uniform Note:
As part of this elevated program, Pre-K students are expected to wear their academy uniform daily. This reinforces a sense of pride, routine, and readiness for the next step in their education. It also encourages inclusivity. With your enrollment fee, you will be provided with two sets, embroidered with our Ark and Olive Academy logo. You will be allowed to purchase more uniforms.
Non-Profit
Ark and Olive Academy is pending 501c3 status, but is a nonprofit organization with a big mission: to provide faith-based, nature-inspired early education in our small town — without compromising quality or heart.
To keep our doors open, we will rely on:
- Fundraising events
- Grants and sponsorships
- Donations from generous individuals and businesses
- Volunteers and in-kind gifts
Together, we can build something beautiful for the children of Vernon.