A Day at Acton Academy
A Learner-Driven Community
Our young heroes learn in tightly bound communities with extremely high standards of excellence, where self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily.
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Learners create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms
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Running Partners and Squads encourage younger and older heroes to listen, affirm, set goals, and hold each other accountable.
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Servant-Leader badges celebrate warm-hearted and tough-minded decisions that build character.
Spark Studio
ages 5-7
Our mission is to inspire every child who enters our doors to find a calling that will change the world. The Spark Studio is the beginning of this journey, and its purpose is to spark curiosity through hands-on experiences and play-based challenges to develop the independence, focus, and kindness needed to enter an Acton Discovery Studio. Our Spark Studio uses Montessori learning materials and is a tech-free space.
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Learners in our Spark Studio will:
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grow curiosity through hands-on projects and outdoor adventure "Spark Play"
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build the foundations of independent learning, personal responsibility, reading, writing, conflict resolution, and kindness
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explore mindfulness, natural interests and art, and have a LOT of fun!
Spark Studio Daily Schedule
8:00 Drop off / Free Time
8:30 Circle time (Daily Launch & Socratic Discussion)
8:45 Studio Time (Core skills (reading, writing math), play-based learning, loose parts play, art, etc)
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Spark Play (Unstructured Free Play)
2:15 Studio Maintenance
2:30 D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read)
2:45 Daily Close & Reflection
3:00 Pick-up
Discovery Studio
ages 7-11
An Acton Discovery Studio is like a close-knit neighborhood where learners tackle important work, solve real problems, collaborate with peers, and engage in increasingly challenging games.
Discovery Learners will:
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Set and track goals, and ask great questions
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Explore, be curious, and develop a love of learning through hands-on project-based learning
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Build a solid foundation in math, reading, writing, and Civilization
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Explore real world projects in science, entrepreneurship, nature, physical education, and more
Discovery Studio Daily Schedule
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Varies daily to include Physical Development, Art and other programming
8:00 Drop off / Free Time
8:30 Daily Launch (Socratic Discussion)
8:45 Core Skills: Goal setting, math, writer's workshop, reading, civilization discussion, "Brain Breaks" throughout
11:30 Lunch / Free Time
12:30 Quest Launch (Socratic Discussion)
12:45 Quest: Hands-on work, team-based challenges, sciences, coding, entrepreneurship, art & music, history, report on goals
2:30 Studio Maintenance
2:50 Closing Group (Socratic Discussion)
3:00 Pick-up
Exploration Studio
ages 12-14
Learn to work hard.
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Our Exploration Studio is where young heroes learn to work hard, tackle complex computational challenges, communicate clearly and persuasively and develop the passion and real-world skills needed to make a difference in the world.
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Explorer Learners will:
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Master core skills (reading, writing, and math) through the latest technology
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Develop critical thinking and an appreciation for heroes and history through Socratic Discussions
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Dive deeply into biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance, and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions
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Prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships
Launchpad
ages 15-18
Would you prefer a traditional high school, or the adventure of a lifetime?
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Launchpad is where learners prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, whether the next step is a selective university, launching their own business, or a first job at SpaceX or Google.
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Launchpad Learners will:
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Prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships, interviews with industry leaders, and deep reflection of how your gifts and passions align with a need in the world
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Read deep literature, communicate clearly and powerfully, and tackle real world computational challenges
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Wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas through Socratic discussions in Civilization and through studio governance
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Dive deeply into university level biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance, and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions
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Serve in leadership roles in lower studios, their community, and around the world in the Acton Network
FUTURE PLANS
Our Year Ahead
We're in session Monday to Friday from September 3, 2025 to June 12, 2026. Special events and breaks are marked on the calendar below. Click on an image for more detailed information.
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November 2025
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A Day in the Life of the Original Acton Academy
Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.