The Perry Chamber brought out the big scissors for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the expansion of a local academy on Tuesday morning.

The ribbon was cut for Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy at Perry Lutheran Homes Eden Acres Campus, 1300 28th Street.

The academy is launching a new elementary microschool this year beginning with a kindergarten through second grade classroom. The school will feature smaller classroom sizes along with hands-on learning and Christian discipleship.  

The academy is also expanding infant care and daycare capacity to meet the demand from working families.

Scott Licht, Director of Strategic Projects at Perry Lutheran Homes, talks about the expansion of the academy for the daycare along with the microschool.

“It’s a great opportunity and on the daycare side, we’re going to be able to facilitate so many more kids coming and that’s very needed in this community. As far as the school, the opportunity to partner with and provide a different learning structure because not everyone learns the same way. And so we’re going to be able to provide an opportunity for kids that like to think and work independently, or maybe somebody may learn math faster than they learn reading and so we can facilitate that.

He adds that the microschool will also feature students interacting with residents.

“If you could be here sometime when the kids and the residents interact, that would be all you need to see because the energy from the kids and the wisdom and excitement from the residents, it’s just so great to see that intergenerational connection. The kids learn from the residents and the residents learn from the kids, it’s just wonderful.”

An open house followed from 4-6 p.m. at the Eden Acres Campus where community members could tour the newly renovated space and meet the team.