Complete Acton Overview

Mornings. Afternoons. Systems. Glossary. FAQs. All explained simply.

Morning at Acton

How learners start the day with focus, goal-setting, Core Skills, and meaningful independent work.

Afternoon at Acton

A deeper dive into hands-on projects, Quests, collaboration, and applying learning in real-world contexts.

The Acton Journey

Discover how badges, Journey Meetings, and self-reflection guide each learner’s growth, confidence, and accountability.

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📘 GLOSSARY OF ACTON TERMS

Core Experience Terms and Definition

Quest

A hands-on project-based learning experience where learners build something, solve real challenges, collaborate, and present their work publicly.

Badge Plan

A progress roadmap showing what a learner is currently working toward and the skills needed to move to the next level/studio.

Core Skills

Reading, writing, math, and foundational academics — done through self-paced work rather than lectures.

Journey Tracker

The visual tool learners use to track progress through badges, core skills, and personal goals.

PDP (Personal Development Project)

A student-chosen project they work on individually based on their interests (filmmaking, robotics, art, business, etc.).

Civilization

A Socratic discussion and deep dive through history, literature, cultures, and big questions.

DEAR (Drop Everything & Read)

Independent reading time where learners choose books and build focus and comprehension.

Studio

What we call a classroom. A mixed-age environment driven by peers, not teachers.

Socratic Discussion

A question-based conversation. There are no right answers. Learners think, debate, and reason.

Culture & Responsibility Terms Definition

Contract & Agreements

Studio promises where learners agree to show effort, respect, kindness, and responsibility.

Badge Plan

A peer accountability buddy — someone a learner checks in with about goals and habits.

Squad

A small group for collaboration, check-ins, challenges, and support.

Exhibition

End-of-session public showcase — learners present work, projects, businesses, or growth to parents.

Hero’s Journey

The belief that every learner is on their own path, facing challenges, learning skills, and becoming their strongest self.

Strike System

A clear accountability structure used to uphold culture and protect the studio. Strikes are issued when agreements are broken (ex: disrespect, disruption, unkindness, or unsafe actions).

Systems & Structure Terms Definition

Freedom Levels

The earned levels of independence based on responsibility, work quality, and character.

Launch

The opening meeting or prompt that kicks off the day — usually a Socratic question.

Work Cycle

A sustained block of focused work time without interruptions.

Eagles

Eagles are what we call our students, named after the bird that soars independently.

Guide

A coach/facilitator — not a traditional teacher. Guides ask questions more than they give answers.

📄 PARENT FAQ

Logistics & Daily Details

What time is drop-off?

8:30–8:45 AM

What time is pickup?

3:15–3:30 PM

Do you offer part-time enrollment?

Sometimes for our youngest learners — but most kids beg to come full-time once they start.

Do you follow public school holidays & breaks?

Yes — our calendar aligns closely with public schedules.

Do students bring lunch?

Yes, lunch is brought from home daily.

Is there homework?

No — learning happens in studio so home is family time.

Are there grades?

No — progress is mastery-based, tracked through badges & portfolio evidence instead of letters.

How much is the tuition?

The annual tuition fee is $11,500.

Do you offer a scholarship program?

Yes. We offer a scholarship program that provides up to $6,000 off tuition for eligible students. Scholarships are limited and awarded based on eligibility and availability. Please contact us for more information on the application process.

Program Structure

How do learners move up studios?

When they complete their badge plan and demonstrate readiness through work quality, habits, and character.

Is there a set curriculum?

Yes — but it’s choice-based, self-paced, and mastery-driven instead of lecture-driven.

How is discipline handled?

Through natural consequences, accountability systems, peer feedback, and the Strike System when agreements are broken.

What ages are in each studio?

Spark: 4–7 • Elementary: 8–11 • Middle School: 12–15 • Launchpad: 16–18

Learning Philosophy

What if my child “falls behind”?

Learners progress at their pace with support and accountability. There is no “behind,” but there are expectations for effort, growth, and meaningful work.

What if my child is advanced?

They can move ahead as fast as they’re ready — no ceiling on learning.

How is progress measured without grades?

Badges, exhibitions, mastery checkpoints, portfolios, work quality, character growth, goal-setting.

Parent Involvement

How involved are parents?

Parents attend exhibitions and journey meetings, and can see their child's progress throughout the year.

Can parents visit during the day?

Not casually. Learners deserve trust, not an audience. Parents visit during tours and exhibitions, with short, intentional studio viewing windows.