What does 21st century learning at Acton look like?

• The latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of math, grammar, and reading skills
• Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write, and speak
• Hands-on project-based learning to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world
• Written promises and covenants that form a tightly-bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems

Acton's Learner Driven Community

• ​Learners create and enforce a Contract of Promises defining desirable actions and consequences 
• Guides encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable
• Servant leader badges celebrate character and completing leadership challenges

Acton Measures Mastery

Learners celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.

• Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math, and leadership development.​
• Public exhibitions at the end of project-based learning in science and the humanities allow Acton learners to present work to parents, guests, and experts for a real world feedback.

Why mastery instead of grades? Watch below.

Personalized Tools

(A few of the adaptive software and online learning programs that AAM uses - not a complete list)

Studios for Learning

Acton learners are grouped by age rather than grade levels. Moving from one studio to the next is determined by a number of ​readiness factors rather than the calendar. 

The Explorer Studio
(ages 5-8)

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.
But for children play is serious learning.
​Play is really the work of childhood."
- Fred Rogers  

PLAY is an integral part of learning in the Explorer Studio. To this end, our youngest Eagles have extended outdoor playtime (2 hours daily) as well as learning through play while inside. Games, cooking, hands-on learning, creative projects, and experiential learning help maintain a sense of play while learning foundational concepts.

Acton Marietta takes inspiration from Maria Montessori, Loose Parts Play, and other methodologies in the creation of the Explorer Program's learning design.

Sample Explorer Schedule 
8:20         Free Play
8:30          Morning Circle (Calendar time and launch)
8:40          Mindfulness/Read Aloud
9:00          Open Montessori-based work time (math, reading, and writing)
11:30         Project-based learning time (science, social studies, SEL, art, music, etc.)
12:30        Lunch
1:00         Outside Playtime
3:00        Read Aloud
3:15         Pack Up/Studio Maintenance 
3:30        Dismissal

Explorers learn the importance of COMMUNITY - being a part of group means being a good friend and taking care of the space around you. Building a sense of COMMUNITY at this age sets the foundation for the next studio.

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The Adventurer Studio
(ages 8-12)

The Adventurer Studio is about PARTICIPATION - try new things, try hard things, and fall in love with learning in the process. The Adventurer Studio gives learners a chance to try and possibly fail but fail early and cheaply (without a major cost to their learning or wellbeing.)

Simultaneously, this studio places emphasis on the role of strong CHARACTER in a learner's life. Learners who have a strong sense of COMMUNITY and are building inner confidence through strong CHARACTER do better academically. The first years at Acton are devoted to making sure learners know that have a place, are known, and are willing to be a role model to their peers.

Sample Adventurer Schedule 
8:20         Mindfulness
8:25         Launch - Socratic Discussion
8:45         Core Skills Work (independent, self-pace work in math, ELA, writing, and reading)
11:15        Lunch & Recess
12:15        Read Aloud
​12:30.      Socratic Discussion
12:45       Project-based learning in science, humanities, and electives
3:10         Studio Maintenance 
3:20.        Landing - end of day discussion
3:30         Dismissal

Example of Acton studios from Acton Austin

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The Navigator Studio
(ages 12-14)

PREPARE is the word that defines the Navigator Studio. This studio builds on the strong CHARACTER and sense of COMMUNITY established in younger studios by adding a focus on COMPETENCY. Navigators work hard to meet deadlines with excellence in rigorous academic work to become true scholars.

Navigators are preparing for high school and the real world through hands-on project-based learning, summer apprenticeships, entrepreneurial pursuits, and independent studies designed to guide them in exploring their passion and purpose to eventually find a calling and change their world.

Sample Navigator Schedule 
8:20         Mindfulness
8:25         Launch - Socratic Discussion
8:45         Core Skills Work (independent, self-pace work in math, grammar, writing, target languages, and reading)
11:15        Lunch & Outdoor time
​12:30      Socratic Discussion
12:45       Project-based learning in science and the humanities
3:10         Studio Maintenance 
3:20.        Landing - end of day discussion
3:30         Dismissal

 Example of a launch (Socratic discussion) from Acton Austin

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The Pathfinder Studio
(ages 14-18)

OPENING FALL of 2024!

The Acton high school experience is truly unique and defined by a search for the Next Great Adventure (NGA). The NGA is whatever comes after high school - be it college, starting a business, interning with a mentor met during apprenticeships, trade school, the military, or other paths.

Learners in the Pathfinder Studio rely on the strong CHARACTER, COMPETENCY, and COMMUNITY built in their early years at Acton. The Pathfinder years are to designed to PROPEL learners into whatever comes next! While on campus, they work hard to complete academic requirements with excellence and serve as role models, coaches, and mentors in the younger studios.

Pathfinders additionally spend many hours off campus in internships, dual-enrollment, work study, and other avenues in preparation for their NGA. They meet with mentors and network to find the stepping stones to their NGA. The Pathfinder Studio is a powerful launchpad into the real-world!

Forbes Article:
​Acton Academy: Hero Launchpad Goes Global
(click to read)