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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

A different experience at every stage of the journey.

Every young person is on a unique journey. Our studios are designed to meet learners where they are and provide the right level of challenge, responsibility, and support at each stage of childhood.

Ages 4-7 Years Old

Spark Studio

Spark Studio is where our youngest heroes begin to build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

Through a balance of foundational reading, writing, and math, hands-on projects, exploration, and purposeful play, learners develop responsibility, curiosity, and the habits that will serve them for years to come.

Ages 8-11 Years Old

Elementary Studio

Elementary Studio is where learners build a deep love of learning while developing the independence, responsibility, and collaboration skills that come with being part of a learner-driven community.

Through self-paced academics, hands-on projects, and daily opportunities to work with others, learners strengthen critical thinking, problem solving, and the confidence to take on meaningful challenges.

Ages 12-15 Years Old

Middle School Studio

Middle School Studio is where learners take on greater responsibility, embrace bigger challenges, and begin applying their learning in the real world.

Through apprenticeships, collaborative projects, and increased ownership of their goals and learning, learners gain real-world experience while helping shape the culture of the studio and serving as role models for younger learners throughout the school.

Ages 16-18 Years Old

Launchpad Studio (Coming Soon)

Launchpad is where learners begin designing their next great adventure.

Whether their path leads to college, entrepreneurship, a trade, or something entirely unique, learners take ownership of their future through real-world experiences, apprenticeships, certifications, and personalized challenges designed around their goals and interests.