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Parents who know something feels off…

If school doesn’t feel right for your child, you’re not imagining it.

Most schools prepare kids for tests.

We prepare them for life.

For families who know their child is capable of more.

If your child is…

Bored or not challenged

Stressed about grades

Going through the motions

Capable of more, but not showing it

A Wexford K-12 School Empowering Young Heroes to Change the World

Where Learner-Driven Education Ignites Curiosity, Character, and Courage

250+ Acton Academies Worldwide

10,000+ Happy Families

1,000+ Acton Graduates

Acton Academy Pittsburgh

What if children are far more capable than we imagine?

School, As We Know It, Was Designed In 1893

Our school was born different. Acton Academy is one of the newest and most innovative (and downright coolest) school designs in the world. Each Acton school was founded by parents who believe there is a better way to educate their children and help other like-minded families in their community.

What makes
Acton Pittsburgh different?

Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.
Collaborating on real-world projects.
Sharing learning in a tightly bound community.
Using the latest adaptive online programs and Montessori materials for reading, writing, and math.
Participating in Socratic discussions that sharpen critical thinking.
On a Hero’s Journey, with challenges, adventures, fellow travelers and guides.

As seen in:

Endorsed by:

Seth Godin

Gary Vee

Sal Khan

Jordan Peterson

Are You Frustrated With The Old, Traditional Educational Model?

Watch This Short Award-Winning Documentary About Acton Academy

Our Promise To Your Child

We believe each of our students will find a passion – something they love and have a gift to do – finding and pursuing this gift we call the Hero’s Journey. Our mission is to equip our students with the skills and tools they will need to find and pursue their life’s purpose.

Begin a Hero’s Journey.
Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
Develop a deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms.
Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on Earth.
Discover his or her most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.

Learner-driven communities run by heroes-in-the-making

Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who use 21^st Century skills to tackle real world projects, inspired by classic heroes in a tightly bound community with extremely high standards.

Traditional Education

Rigid, one-size-fits-all system

Closed off from the real world

Emphasis on tests, grades, and memorization.

Primarily classroom-based

Forced learning of predetermined content

Age-based grade levels.

Students treated as products

Acton Academy

Personalized, self-paced learning

Connected with real-world experiences

Mixed-age classrooms, mentors guide learning

Hands-on, digital, and project-based learning

Designed for future innovation

Progress based on mastery, not grades.

Learners valued as unique individuals

Need To Know MORE About What Acton Academy Can Do For Your Child?

At Acton Academy, We Call Our Classrooms "Studios" Because Students Are Learning Through Movement, Exploration, And Hands-On Activities.

Ages 4-7 Years Old

Spark Studio

Spark Studio is where our youngest heroes begin to build independence, coordination and concentration. The room is filled with Montessori materials and space for movement, inviting children to learn by doing. Learners set simple goals, work individually or with friends and develop fine‑motor skills and self‑discipline through hands‑on activities.

Early reading, writing and math are introduced at each child’s pace using real materials and guidance. There are no tests or homework—learning happens through play, projects and plenty of outdoor time. Spark Studio is a warm, mixed‑age community where kindness and curiosity are celebrated.

Ages 8-11 Years Old

Elementary Studio

The Elementary Studio is where children develop a deep love of learning and kindness in relationships with others. This studio builds a foundation of learning and discovery through personalized Core Skills, exploratory Quest projects and play.

Core Skills – reading, writing, math and computer science – are self-paced and mastery-based using adaptive technology. Students explore the arts, sciences, history and natural world through hands-on projects each afternoon.

Ages 12-15 Years Old

Middle School Studio

The Middle School Studio is for students ages 12-15 who have already proven that they are able to work independently.

They will have opportunities and responsibility to expand their education, including apprenticeships each year with heroes in the community.

Students continue collaborating, building their character and friendships with their studio-mates who will challenge and support them through peer review of their work.

Ages 16-18 Years Old

Launchpad Studio

Our hero has faced many challenges up to this point and has come out on the other side. Now comes one of their biggest challenges yet: high school.

As the hero prepares for the end of their school journey and the beginning of the next one - whatever that may be.

Launchpad works to help them create as many tools as possible to assist in their future quests in life. This is where their responsibility as the oldest members of the Academy really takes shape.