Acton Academy Pittsburgh PA
The School That Empowers Pre-K-12th Graders to Thrive In The Real World—Because Conventional Education Isn’t Working!
School, As We Know It, Was Designed In 1893
For 120 years, our public education system has prioritized memorization, standardized testing, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach to learning. In fact, because our schools mimic Industrial Era assembly lines so closely, they’ve earned the nickname “factory schools” by critics.
What Kind Of Results Do These Factory Schools Get?
Students are disengaged, unmotivated, and unprepared for life beyond school. Traditional education is failing to equip them with critical thinking and communication skills.
Employers are frustrated—many say young hires can't collaborate, solve real-world problems, or think independently.
Disconnection from learning is rampant—by high school, most students feel like they're just going through the motions, uninspired by a system that no longer challenges or engages them.
Practical life skills are lacking—students are not being prepared for the real-world challenges they’ll face beyond the classroom.
Worst of all, traditional schools rob students of the drive to own their learning—curiosity is stifled, creativity is limited, and personal growth is replaced by rote memorization.
A generation is being left unprepared for the future.
Dr. Jordan Peterson says: "Factory Schools Are Failing Our Students."
Discover why he believes Acton Academy is a positive force for change.
What Is Acton Academy?
What Exactly Is The Difference Between Acton Academy And Other Schools?
Acton Academy fosters responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork, helping students become independent, motivated learners ready for the real world.
We believe in hands-on learning. Acton students develop real-life skills by starting businesses, building habitats, playing instruments, painting, or programming robots.
At Acton Academy, Guides enrich learning by asking thoughtful questions and encouraging hands-on activities. Using the Socratic method, they respond to students’ questions with more questions, sharpening critical thinking. No boring lectures here!
Acton is student-led, meaning students take charge of their learning and relationships. They learn to think independently, take responsibility, and tackle challenges, preparing to share their unique talents with the world.
We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.
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
How It Works
Here’s how we help your child discover their unique strengths and develop the skills that matter most in today’s world:
Hands-On Projects: Your child will be involved in real-world, hands-on projects, from starting businesses to creating art or building machines.
Socratic Discussions: Our guides lead students in deep, meaningful discussions that sharpen their critical thinking skills and encourage curiosity.
Student-Led Learning: Heroes set their own goals and take charge of their education, helping them learn responsibility and independence.
Cultivating Character: Through a focus on personal virtues, your child will develop not only academically but as a person of integrity, ready to make a difference.
Personalized Learning Plans: Tailored learning journeys that focus on each child’s unique strengths.
A Supportive, Engaged Community: A nurturing, character-focused environment that helps heroes thrive emotionally and socially.
Daily Challenges & Milestones: Heroes set goals and work towards their personal best, both academically and personally.
Watch This Short Award Winning Documentary About Acton Academy
Are You Frustrated With The Old, Traditional Educational Model That Teaches Students To Spit Out Facts And Pass State-Mandated Tests?
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.
Don’t Just Give Your Child An Education.
Help Them Find Their Calling In Life.
"Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world. The story behind the ideas, the school, and the movement is a must read.”
Tom Van der Ark
CEO of Getting Smart
Stories of Growth and Success from Acton Pittsburgh Families!
"He is flourishing and thriving."
"She has never been happier at a school in her life."
"We fell in love right away."
"We couldn't be more pleased with their education."
"This is the greatest decision we EVER made for our child."
"Like-minded community that wants to build strong-minded children."
"Best of all the different models of education."
"Our children ENJOY school consistently."
"I have ZERO concerns when I drop our kids off in the morning."
"Acton has felt like home since day 1."
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. Find Out How Our Learning Design Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential.
Ages 4-7 Years Old
Spark Studio
The Spark Studio community is designed specifically for the child, and the entire environment is created to facilitate the primary child’s learning process.
Maria Montessori observed that children learn by doing and wrote that the “hand was the instrument of the mind”.
Independence, coordination, order, self-discipline and concentration are developed. Children work individually and cooperatively with materials that engage their curiosity.
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 10-14 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.
We Are Accredited To
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEARNER-DRIVEN SCHOOLS
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.
SEE LEARNING IN ACTION
Do You Want Your Child To Feel Like Life Is An Endless Stream Of Opportunities?
Are You Ready To Learn More About Acton Academy?
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.
ACTON PITTSBURGH FOUNDER: TALKING ABOUT "OUR WHY"
Contact Us
Acton Academy Pittsburgh, 3500 Brooktree Road Wexford, PA 15090 USA
Acton Academy Pittsburgh © 2023
