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 21st 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.
This is 21st Century Learning
Core Skills
Self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills through deliberate practice and the latest educational technology.
Character
Develop character, uncover personal gifts, and create genuine relationships with others as you learn about yourself.
Curiosity
Learn critical thinking and powerful communication skills through Socratic discussions on topics from heroes to history to self-governance.
Don't Listen to Us
Hear directly from Acton Pittsburgh families
"He is flourishing and thriving."
"We couldn't be more pleased with their education."
"This is the greatest decision we EVER made for our child."
"Our children ENJOY school consistently."
"I have ZERO concerns when I drop our kids off in the morning."
Acton Academy has grown into a worldwide movement
There are over 350+ schools across 30 U.S. states and 20 countries, offering innovative, learner-driven education.
Dr. Jordan Peterson says:
"Factory Schools Are Failing Our Students."
Discover why he believes Acton Academy is a positive force for change.
Here Are A Few FAQs We Get A Lot:
What grades do you offer?
Acton Academy Pittsburgh offers grades Pre-K to 12th.
How long is Acton Academy Pittsburgh in session each year and what is the school calendar?
We start Late August and close early June.
Is Acton Academy Pittsburgh a Montessori school?
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.
Is Acton a religious school?
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.
What do you mean by “a hero’s journey”?
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.
What is an “independent learner”?
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.
Does Acton Academy Pittsburgh serve special needs children?
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.
What do you mean by “every child can change the world?”
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.
What is a “running partner”?
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.
Will children be grouped together by grades?
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)).
Why a learner driven classroom?
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.
Is Acton Academy Pittsburgh accredited?
Yes the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools and we are also a Pennsylvania Licensed Private Academic School.
How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?
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.
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.
📘 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.
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.