Become a Guide

Do you believe every child is a genius?

Apprentice Guides are our most important hires. We're looking for people on their own hero's journey — with the drive, perseverance, and talent to one day lead an Acton Academy of their own.

Take The First Step
Sharon Chmura-Moore
A Guide's Story

Sharon Chmura-Moore

Acton Academy Oshkosh, Wisconsin

When my daughter was three, I wasn't searching for a new school. I was a classical violist and a college professor. Starting a school, especially one like Acton, was not part of my plan.

Acton found me because a friend did the searching. She discovered Acton, handed me Courage to Grow, and later said something I didn't want to hear: our community needed me to lead. I loved the Acton dream — but I wasn't ready to say yes.

Then my daughter answered that question for me. She was four and splitting her time between a 4K classroom and a university daycare. One afternoon, I asked which she liked better. She said, "I like them both. But in my 4K class I have to sit and listen to learn. In my daycare class, I play and learn. I think I learn better when I play." I hadn't prompted her. She simply showed me what mattered.

Opening Acton Academy Oshkosh was scary. We started small, during the pandemic, with no guarantees. The school grew one family at a time through trust, word of mouth, and an honest commitment to joy and excellence. Along the way, I've learned more about myself, my children, and my community than any creative or professional path I've ever taken.

— Sharon

Your Path

The journey of a guide at Acton

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1

Apprentice Guide

Learn the basic skills of being a guide, and begin your own hero's journey.

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2

Lead Guide

Lead a studio of your own. Hold the line on Acton's core practices and trust the genius in every learner, parent, and fellow guide.

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3

Campus Guide

Elevate beyond a single studio and develop the skills to serve across the campus and lead the parent community.

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4

Campus Owner

Launch your own Acton Academy to make a bigger impact and earn more by building something you own.

Guide to Owner Bonus

$20,000 founding fee→$0

$10,000 earned per year of service, up to two years.

The Audition Process

Three steps to join the Acton Academy network.

1

Start by taking a Short Assessment

Tell us a little about who you are, where you're willing to work, and your beliefs about learning.

2

Deep Dive and Research

Dig into our learning model and describe why you'd be a fit to serve in an Acton Academy.

3

Submit Your Final Audition

Your audition goes out to Acton Academies in your areas of interest — opening the door to interview for a role.

Take The First Step

Step 01 of the Audition

 
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Short Assessment

Do you believe every child is a genius?

This short assessment helps Acton Academies in your area get to know you. About 2 minutes.

Experience

Do you have experience as a traditional educator?

Not required — we hire from many backgrounds.

Press A or B

Experience

How many years?

Press Enter to continue

Experience

Have you experienced unconventional learning?

As a Montessori teacher, homeschooler, unschooler — or as a child, parent, or teacher in any non-traditional school. Not required.

Press A or B

Experience

How many years?

Press Enter to continue

Background

Have you launched a business, not-for-profit organization, or led a major project?

Press A or B

Philosophy

Is failure more harmful or beneficial to a child?

Press A or B

😔

Thank you for your interest

At Acton Academy, we believe failure is one of the most powerful tools for growth. Our philosophy centers on letting children struggle, fail, and learn from those experiences.

Based on your answers, our approach may not be the right fit right now. We encourage you to explore our philosophy further and reapply in the future if your perspective evolves.

Return to Acton Academy

Philosophy

Which is more important?

Press A or B

Expectations

How many hours per week would you expect to work?

Press Enter to continue

Discovery

How did you first discover Acton Academy?

Press Enter to continue

Discovery

Please specify:

Press Enter to continue

Location

Where are you located?

Press Enter to continue

Almost Done

Contact Information

We'll use this to connect you with Acton Academies in your area.

Include country code for international numbers

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great guide?
Great guides start with a deep belief that every child has genius — a unique gift that can change the world. They bring their own story: evidence of living with purpose, taking on meaningful challenges, and growing through them. They are independent learners who self-start and model curiosity, warm encouragers who build confidence, and tough-minded challengers who set meaningful challenges and let learners struggle, fail, reflect, and grow.
Are you currently hiring?
Yes. We're always looking for extraordinary guides across the Acton Academy Network.
May I arrange a phone call or visit?
Not just yet. Once you reach Step 3 of the audition process, you'll be invited to connect with hiring owners in your geographic areas of interest.
What is the pay and do you offer benefits?
Pay and benefits are set at the campus level, so they vary by location. Most campuses offer competitive pay with strong growth potential if you choose to launch or lead a campus. Most campuses maximize your take-home pay rather than offering a traditional benefits package, giving you flexibility to allocate it as you see fit.
How does the path to launching my own campus work?
Each year of strong service as a guide at any Acton earns $10,000 toward your own campus's affiliate license fee — up to two years and the full $20,000 founding fee. You still raise capital, find your space, and recruit your families. But the entry ticket is yours, earned $10,000 at a time through service.
How do I waive the $20,000 affiliate license fee?
Serve as a guide at any Acton in good standing and earn $10,000 per year toward your founding fee — up to two years and the full $20,000 waived. Performance, peer feedback, and your campus owner's sign-off all count toward "in good standing." Capital, real estate, and ongoing affiliate fees are still on you — but the entry ticket is yours.
What is the school calendar?
Most campuses run 10–11 months per year, structured as 5–6 week sessions followed by a week off, with 6–8 weeks off in summer. Guides across the network consistently say this rhythm works well — for themselves and for the learners they serve.