FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn about our Calendar, Tuition, Philosophy, and more.
MAY I VISIT CAMPUS OR GET A TOUR?
We have an Open House each week! We require anyone applying to attend an Open House to get a feel of the studio and gain a better understanding of our model. Schedule your tour below. We are excited to meet you!
WHAT GRADES DO YOU OFFER?
We serve children as young as 3 years old through 8th grade. As we grow, we will add a high school level as the demand warrants. Since we do not have traditional grade levels within the studio, Learners are required to master specific criteria before moving from level to level.
IS THE ACTON ACADEMY A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. Our Discovery and Sparks programs incorporate Montessori materials daily. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
HOW LONG IS ACTON ACADEMY IN SESSION EACH YEAR?
We operate on a 9-month calendar with a 10 month option (June) . Our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.
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.
WHO WAS LORD ACTON?
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 Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
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.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A "RUNNING/ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER"?
Running Partners are peers 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 INTO GRADES?
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.
DOES ACTON SERVE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed. The based way to determine if Acton is a fit for your child is to schedule a tour and discuss your individual situation with our founder.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "EVERY CHILD CAN CHANGE THE WORLD"?
We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.
WHY DO YOU FOCUS ON TEACHING THE "AMERICAN EXPERIMENT"?
We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.
To find out even more about Acton, visit the Blog - On Being an Acton Academy Parent