A Day at Acton Academy
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.
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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)
11:00 Lunch / Free Time
11:30 Studio Maintenance
11:45 Outdoor Unstructured Free Play
2:45 Daily Close & Reflection
3:00 Pick-up
Discovery Studio
ages 7-10
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
2:45 Studio Maintenance
3:00 Closing Group (Socratic Discussion)
3:15 Pick-up
Exploration Studio
ages 11-14
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 14-18
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
COMING SOON
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.
A Day in the Life of the Original Acton Academy
Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.