ages 2-5

Nitty Gritty Studio

Welcome to Acton Academy's Nitty Gritty Studio, a nurturing preschool designed for our youngest learners aged 2-5. In this Studio, we focus on providing a multi-age program, fostering social development, and introducing foundational skills through a play-based learning environment.
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Start Your Child’s Learning Journey on the Right Path

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Nitty Gritty Studio provides flexible schedule options tailored to your child's needs. Choose from our 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day programs, available in half or full-day sessions.

Our preschool is thoughtfully crafted to support the developmental milestones of young learners. Here, in a nurturing and stimulating environment, we ignite curiosity and cultivate a deep-seated love for learning.

Stepping into Nitty Gritty Studio marks the beginning of a child's educational journey. Beyond a traditional preschool, it's a place where young minds flourish, laying the foundation for future academic achievements and a lifelong passion for learning.

flexible schedules

Options to Meet Your Child's Needs

2 Days/Week

A schedule option for ages 2 & 3 where classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday, allowing for concentrated learning sessions with breaks in between.

3 Days/Week

A schedule option for ages 2 & 3 where classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, providing a balanced approach to learning.

5 Days/Week

A full-week schedule option for ages 2 - 5 with classes held every weekday, offering consistent learning and structure throughout the week.

Half or Full Day

Provide your child with a stimulating learning environment either for the morning hours or extending into the afternoon

Why Choose Nitty Gritty Studio

Nitty Gritty Preschool is a nurturing community where young minds blossom. Our focus is on the holistic development of each child, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Through engaging activities and personalized attention, we inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
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Social-Emotional Development
Nitty Gritty Preschool recognizes the crucial role of social-emotional development in children's overall growth. Our incorporation of the Kimochis® curriculum helps children navigate and express their emotions effectively and constructively. Kimochis®, a research-based program, uses plush characters and engaging activities to teach children vital skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution, preparing them for a lifetime of healthy relationships and emotional intelligence. Our dedicated Guides are trained in the Kimochis® approach, creating a nurturing environment where children feel empowered to express themselves authentically.
Education Through Music
We believe in the power of music to enhance early childhood development and support diverse learning styles. Nitty Gritty is delighted to offer the Music Together® In-School Curriculum, a research-based program that encourages musical exploration and creativity in young children. Through singing, dancing, and instrument play, children develop crucial language, social, and cognitive skills in an enjoyable and engaging manner. Led by our certified Music Together® Guide, children are immersed in a musically rich environment that nurtures their love for music and promotes holistic development.
Small Class Sizes & Individualized Attention
At Nitty Gritty Preschool, we maintain a small class size with a remarkable 1:8 ratio. This allows us to provide each child with the individualized attention they need to thrive. Our Guides are dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs of every learner, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Nurturing Environment
We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child's education. That's why we actively encourage parental involvement in our program. From regular communication to involvement in classroom activities, we strive to create a strong partnership between parents and Guides, ensuring the best possible learning experience for each child.
Parental Involvement
We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child's education. That's why we actively encourage parental involvement in our program. From regular communication to involvement in classroom activities, we strive to create a strong partnership between parents and Guides, ensuring the best possible learning experience for each child.
Holistic Development
At Nitty Gritty Preschool, we focus on the holistic development of every child. Our curriculum is designed to nurture not just academic skills but also social-emotional growth, physical development, and creative expression. We believe that by addressing the needs of the whole child, we can help each child reach their full potential.

The Acton Academy learning design

Multi-Age Play

At Nitty Gritty Studio, children participate in a multi-age program to foster social-emotional development. This approach encourages social interaction, cooperation, and a sense of community as children learn and play together.

Play-Based Learning

Emphasizing play-based learning, our Studio introduces foundational skills in a fun and engaging way. Children explore the world around them through purposeful play, laying the groundwork for cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development.

Structured Learning

Nitty Gritty Studio provides structured learning opportunities to support early social development. Through age-appropriate activities and guided interactions, children learn to communicate, share, and collaborate with their peers.

Unstructured Learning

In addition to structured learning, the Studio incorporates unstructured learning to encourage creativity and independent thinking. Children have the freedom to explore and discover, enhancing their social-emotional and cognitive skills.

How your child will grow in Nitty Gritty

Enhanced Social
Skills

Through our multi-age program, children learn to interact with peers of different ages, fostering a sense of community and promoting social skills like cooperation, communication, and empathy.

Cognitive Development

Our play-based learning approach stimulates cognitive growth by encouraging children to explore, experiment, and solve problems independently, laying the foundation for critical thinking and analytical skills.

Emotional
Intelligence

The Kimochis® Social Emotional Curriculum helps children develop emotional intelligence by teaching them to identify and manage their feelings, leading to improved self-regulation and a better understanding of others' emotions.

Language and Communication Skills

The Music Together® In-School Curriculum supports language development through singing, dancing, and musical activities, enhancing vocabulary, rhythm, and listening skills crucial for effective communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of Summer Camp for enrolled Acton learners?
For Enrolled Acton Learners:
Half Day (8:15 AM – 1:00 PM): $475
Full Day (8:15 AM – 3:00 PM): $575
Full Day + Aftercare (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): $650

For Session II (June 30 – July 3) – Prorated Rates:
Half Day (8:15 AM – 1:00 PM): $380
Full Day (8:15 AM – 3:00 PM): $460
Full Day + Aftercare (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): $511

Tuition for Acton learners will be added to the TADS account on May 15, 2025.
What is the cost of Summer Camp for non-Acton learners?
For Non-Acton Learners:
Half Day (8:15 AM – 1:00 PM): $550
Full Day (8:15 AM – 3:00 PM): $650
Full Day + Aftercare (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): $725

For Session II (June 30 – July 3) – Prorated Rates for Non-Acton Learners:
Half Day (8:15 AM – 1:00 PM): $440
Full Day (8:15 AM – 3:00 PM): $520
Full Day + Aftercare (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): $580

Families new to Nitty Gritty must pay via Zelle once enrollment is accepted. Payments should be sent to: aasvpreschool@actonsv.com (Please include your child's name in the memo).
Is Summer Camp refundable?
Camp tuition is non-refundable, but session exchanges may be arranged based on availability.
Are there any requirements for enrollment?
We require all new families to visit our Preschool before enrolling. You can schedule a tour here.
What does my child need to bring?
- Play clothing that can get messy
- Extra clothes
- A water bottle, and a snack and lunch
- Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen before arriving each day (per licensing requirements, we cannot apply sunscreen)
What documents will I need to provide?

As per Community Care Licensing, the following documents are required for all children:

  • Identification and Emergency Information
  • Preadmission Health History
  • Physician’s Report (signed by your child’s doctor, including immunizations)
  • Consent for Medical Treatment
  • Personal Rights
  • Notification of Parent’s Rights
How will my child be placed?
Campers are placed in studios based on the best interests of the children. We aim to create balanced and nurturing groups. Children with learning or physical disabilities may be enrolled upon mutual agreement between parents and Nitty Gritty staff, based on our ability to meet their needs.

Any questions about Nitty Gritty?

Ask our Admissions team
NOW ENROLLING

Admissions are open for Nitty Gritty Studio

Begin your child's educational journey in our Nitty Gritty Studio. Admissions are now open, offering a nurturing preschool experience that sets the stage for a future of limitless possibilities!

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