Find answers to common questions about Acton Academy.
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori's philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
Acton studios are learner-driven environments where young heroes take ownership of their learning. Guides support this by protecting the studio culture, asking Socratic questions, and providing clear frameworks for growth. This structure empowers learners to develop independence, accountability, and the habits that prepare them for their Hero's Journey.
Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At the Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help—participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.
We believe each of our students will find a passion—something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day, a coach who sees the light in a child's eyes, a parent who leads a family on a Hero's Journey, an entrepreneur guided by compassion, or an artist who brings beauty to people's lives.
We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.