
Acton Academy Pittsburgh offers grades Pre-K to 12th.
We start Late August and close early June.
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization, we do not promote any one religion.
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 fulfilled 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.
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed.
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 fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
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 that children learn best when working with those 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 multi-age groups within each studio (Elementary, Middle, and launchpad (HS)).
At Acton Academy Pittsburgh we believe in learning to be and learning to do and an important part of this is encouraging kids to take responsibility for their own behavior and hold those around them to a high standard. When something isn’t working, we want our students to work together to solve the problem, not look for an adult to solve it for them. This creates a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them well in all areas of life.
Yes the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools and we are also a Pennsylvania Licensed Private Academic School.
At Acton Academy Pittsburgh, we believe in the power of balance. Using the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling and grammar in about 90 minutes each day, while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.
A hands-on project-based learning experience where learners build something, solve real challenges, collaborate, and present their work publicly.
A progress roadmap showing what a learner is currently working toward and the skills needed to move to the next level/studio.
Reading, writing, math, and foundational academics — done through self-paced work rather than lectures.
The visual tool learners use to track progress through badges, core skills, and personal goals.
A student-chosen project they work on individually based on their interests (filmmaking, robotics, art, business, etc.).
A Socratic discussion and deep dive through history, literature, cultures, and big questions.
Independent reading time where learners choose books and build focus and comprehension.
What we call a classroom. A mixed-age environment driven by peers, not teachers.
A question-based conversation. There are no right answers. Learners think, debate, and reason.
Studio promises where learners agree to show effort, respect, kindness, and responsibility.
A peer accountability buddy — someone a learner checks in with about goals and habits.
A small group for collaboration, check-ins, challenges, and support.
End-of-session public showcase — learners present work, projects, businesses, or growth to parents.
The belief that every learner is on their own path, facing challenges, learning skills, and becoming their strongest self.
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).
The earned levels of independence based on responsibility, work quality, and character.
The opening meeting or prompt that kicks off the day — usually a Socratic question.
A sustained block of focused work time without interruptions.
Eagles are what we call our students, named after the bird that soars independently.
A coach/facilitator — not a traditional teacher. Guides ask questions more than they give answers.
8:30–8:45 AM
3:15–3:30 PM
Sometimes for our youngest learners — but most kids beg to come full-time once they start.
Yes — our calendar aligns closely with public schedules.
Yes, lunch is brought from home daily.
No — learning happens in studio so home is family time.
No — progress is mastery-based, tracked through badges & portfolio evidence instead of letters.
The annual tuition fee is $11,500.
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.
When they complete their badge plan and demonstrate readiness through work quality, habits, and character.
Yes — but it’s choice-based, self-paced, and mastery-driven instead of lecture-driven.
Through natural consequences, accountability systems, peer feedback, and the Strike System when agreements are broken.
Spark: 4–7 • Elementary: 8–11 • Middle School: 12–15 • Launchpad: 16–18
Learners progress at their pace with support and accountability. There is no “behind,” but there are expectations for effort, growth, and meaningful work.
They can move ahead as fast as they’re ready — no ceiling on learning.
Badges, exhibitions, mastery checkpoints, portfolios, work quality, character growth, goal-setting.
Parents attend exhibitions and journey meetings, and can see their child's progress throughout the year.
Not casually. Learners deserve trust, not an audience. Parents visit during tours and exhibitions, with short, intentional studio viewing windows.
Acton Academy Pittsburgh, 3500 Brooktree Road Wexford, PA 15090 USA
Acton Academy Pittsburgh © 2023
