Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We're located at 71 Caledonia Avenue, in the heart of downtown Nanaimo.  Nestled on the quiet end of the terminus of Caledonia Ave, this idyllic location boasts nearly one acre of green space, mature oak trees, and is bordered on two sides by a gentle section of the Millstone River.

Question 2

Can we enrol mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have year-round enrolment. Please reach out through our "Ready to Apply" form - we look forward to welcoming you!

Question 3

Are you accredited?

Accepted Answer

We are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools (IALDS).

At this time we are not accredited within BC, however our application to meet the requirements to become certified as a Group 3 Independent School through the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare is in process for the academic year 2026-2027.

Question 4

What is a Group 3 Independent School?

Accepted Answer

A Group 3 Independent School is inspected by the Ministry of Education every two years to ensure the school meets the legal requirements in the Independent School Act. Group 3 Independent Schools do not receive government funding and are not obligated to follow the BC curriculum, nor to hire BC Certified teachers. Curricular review is not part of the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s inspection process for Group 3 schools.

This designation enables us to remain independent and innovative, and allows us to stay aligned with Acton’s stated mission: to guide young people to pursue their unique Hero's Journey, and to change the world in a profound way.

Group 3 Schools are not permitted to offer the BC Graduation Certificate. For parents wanting additional information on this subject please contact us directly.

Question 5

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

The Acton model serves children up to 18 years of age, however at this time we are able to accept children ages 5 to 12 years old.

Question 6

Do you offer a part-time program

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We're able to offer a 3 day/week program for kindergarten aged learners for $700/month.

Question 7

Will children be grouped into grades?

Accepted Answer

We believe that children learn best when working with children 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 groups.

Question 8

Do you use technology or e-learning programs in the Spark Studio?

Accepted Answer

We do not use e-learning programs in our Spark Studio. It is a tech-free zone.

Question 9

How do you use technology in the Discovery Studio without having too much screen time?

Accepted Answer

Our Discovery Level 1 Heroes (approximately 7 - 9 years old) follow a tech-free Montessori badge plan for core skills. Discovery Level 2 Heroes (approximately 10-12 years old) use incredible, self-paced eLearning tools, and are able to achieve the rigour 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. We believe in the power of balance, and the two are highly complementary.

Question 10

How are you affiliated with Acton Academy?

Accepted Answer

Acton Academy Nanaimo is part of the network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that Jeff and Laura Sandefer helped create at the original Acton Academy campus. As an Acton affiliate we have access to their comprehensive selection of learning resources and lesson plans.  We also engage in regular meetings with other Acton Academies worldwide to learn from each other's experiences.

Question 11

Is Acton Academy a religious program?

Accepted Answer

We are open to Believers, Searchers and Non-Believers alike. We expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of religion to the development of society, but we are not a religious program.

Question 12

Do you serve children with special needs?

Accepted Answer

We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been successful serving young heroes with dyslexia and mild ADHD.

Question 13

What is an "independent learner"?

Accepted Answer

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. The guides are always present to offer support and Socratic questioning to assist learners as needed.

Question 14

What does "Acton" mean (i.e. Who was Lord Acton?)?

Accepted Answer

Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At the Acton Academy, we celebrate his defence of economic, political and religious freedom.

Question 15

What do you mean by a Hero's Journey?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost is $8500 per year ($850 per month) plus a yearly registration fee of $500 per learner.  We receive no government funding for this program.

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