Acton Academy, Explained
Everything parents usually ask us, in one place: a 6-minute overview, how a day works, our four studios, straight answers, and the words we use.
Prefer to talk? Call 724-201-3655.
Start here: a 6-minute walkthrough of how Acton works.
How a Day Works
Three short videos walk through the morning, the afternoon, and how learners track their progress over the year.
Morning at Acton
How learners start the day with focus, goal-setting, Core Skills, and meaningful independent work.
Afternoon at Acton
Hands-on projects, Quests, collaboration, and applying learning in real-world contexts.
The Acton Journey
How badges, Journey Meetings, and self-reflection guide each learner's growth, confidence, and accountability.
Morning
- 8:30Drop-off and free time
- 8:50Daily Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 9:05Core Skills: goal setting, math, Writers' Workshop, reading, and civilization discussion
- 11:30Lunch and free time
Afternoon
- 12:30Quest Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 12:45Quest: hands-on work, team challenges, science, coding, entrepreneurship, art and music, history, and reporting on goals
- 2:45Studio maintenance
- 3:00Closing Group (Socratic discussion)
- 3:15Pickup
The schedule is flexible: learners can rearrange work blocks and choose from different work options based on their goals and commitments. Each studio's page shows its own day in more detail.
Find Your Child's Studio
Learners are grouped in mixed-age studios, not grades. Each studio builds on the one before it.
Elementary
- I can manage myself.
- I can contribute.
- I can learn from mistakes.
Middle School
- I can take on difficult challenges.
- I can communicate.
- I can test myself in the real world.
Launchpad
Opening 2027Our high school studio opens in 2027. Middle School learners move up first, and learners from outside Acton who are a very good fit can join.
- I know myself.
- I can lead myself.
- I can create value.
Not sure which studio fits, or whether Acton fits at all? Tell us a little about your child.
Questions Parents Ask
Straight answers to what we hear most. If yours isn't here, ask us.
Prefer to talk? Call 724-201-3655.
What are the hours?
Drop-off is 8:30–8:45 AM. Pickup is 3:15–3:30 PM.
Do you follow public school holidays and breaks?
Yes. Our calendar follows public school schedules closely. The school year runs from early September to the end of May.
Do learners bring lunch?
Yes, lunch comes from home each day.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
Sometimes, for our youngest learners. Most families choose full-time.
How much is tuition?
Annual tuition is $11,500.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. Our scholarship program offers up to $6,000 off tuition for eligible students. Scholarships are limited and awarded based on eligibility and availability. Call us at 724-201-3655 to ask about the application process.
Are there grades or homework?
No letter grades: progress is mastery-based and tracked through badges, portfolio evidence, and exhibitions. No traditional nightly homework: learning happens in the studio, so home is family time.
Is there a set curriculum?
Yes, but it's choice-based, self-paced, and mastery-driven instead of lecture-driven.
What if my child falls behind, or is advanced?
Learners progress at their own pace, with support and accountability. There's no "behind," but there are clear expectations for effort, growth, and meaningful work. A learner who is ready for more can move ahead as fast as they're ready.
How do learners move up to the next studio?
When they complete their badge plan and show they're ready through their work quality, habits, and character.
Does Acton use Montessori?
Yes. Core skills are built with Montessori and other hands-on materials, along with direct lessons, hands-on projects, and Socratic discussion.
How is discipline handled?
Through natural consequences, accountability systems, and peer feedback. When studio agreements are broken (for example disrespect, disruption, unkindness, or unsafe actions), a clear strike system helps protect the studio's culture.
What ages are in each studio?
Spark 4–7 · Elementary 8–11 · Middle School 12–15 · Launchpad 16–18 (opening 2027).
How will I know how my child is doing?
Parents attend exhibitions and journey meetings, and can see their child's progress throughout the year. Progress is measured through badges, exhibitions, mastery checkpoints, portfolios, work quality, character growth, and goal-setting.
Can I visit during the day?
Yes, during tours and exhibitions, and during short, scheduled studio viewing windows. We don't do casual drop-ins, because learners deserve trust, not an audience.
The Words We Use
Acton has its own vocabulary. Here's what the words mean.
Learning
- Civilization
- A Socratic discussion and deep dive through history, literature, cultures, and big questions.
- Core Skills
- Reading, writing, math, and foundational academics, done through self-paced work rather than lectures.
- DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)
- Independent reading time where learners choose books and build focus and comprehension.
- PDP (Personal Development Project)
- A project a learner chooses and works on individually, based on their interests (filmmaking, robotics, art, business, and so on).
- Quest
- A hands-on, project-based learning experience where learners build something, solve real challenges, collaborate, and present their work publicly.
- Socratic Discussion
- A question-based conversation. Learners think, debate, and reason, and Guides don't hand them the answer.
- Studio
- What we call a classroom: a mixed-age environment driven by peers, not teachers.
Progress
- Badge Plan
- A progress roadmap showing what a learner is working toward and the skills needed to move to the next level or studio.
- Exhibition
- A public showcase where learners present their work, projects, businesses, or growth to parents.
- Freedom Levels
- Levels of independence that learners earn through responsibility, work quality, and character.
- Journey Tracker
- The visual tool learners use to track progress through badges, core skills, and personal goals.
Community and the day
- Contract & Agreements
- Studio promises where learners agree to show effort, respect, kindness, and responsibility.
- Eagles
- What we call our learners, named after the bird that soars independently.
- Guide
- A coach and facilitator, not a traditional teacher. Guides ask questions more than they give answers.
- Hero's Journey
- The belief that every learner is on their own path, facing challenges, learning skills, and becoming their strongest self.
- Launch
- The opening meeting or prompt that starts the day, usually a Socratic question.
- Running Partner
- A classmate a learner meets with regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable. Running Partners encourage each other by asking good questions, listening, and giving affirmation.
- Squad
- A small group for collaboration, check-ins, challenges, and support.
- Strike System
- A clear accountability structure that protects the studio's culture. Strikes are given when agreements are broken (for example disrespect, disruption, unkindness, or unsafe actions).
- Work Cycle
- A sustained block of focused work time without interruptions.
Prefer to Talk First?
Some parents would rather ask their questions out loud. That's fine with us.
Call us
Book a call
What Happens Next
There's no pressure. Each step is a chance for both of us to see whether Acton fits your child.
Book a call.
Connect with us and get your questions answered.
Book a tour.
Visit our campus and see Acton in action.
Application form.
Complete the application to begin the journey.
Learner's visit.
Your child spends time in the studio to see the fit.
Enrollment decision.
Together, we decide whether Acton is the right fit.
See If Acton Is Right for Your Family
Acton is different from a traditional school, and we know it won't be the right fit for every learner or every family. Tell us a little about your child and what you're looking for. We personally review every inquiry and will reach out to learn more.