Acton Academy Opening Fall of 2023

An Education for the Modern World

Are your schools enabling your kids to reach their potential?

Children enter kindergarten full of curiosity. Year by year, their interest evaporates as they sit at their desk, staring at worksheets and preparing for standardized tests. By the time they graduate, they associate learning with school, and avoid it. Who can blame them?

School should spark curiosity, not extinguish it. Lifelong learners will not only thrive in a rapidly changing economy, but will approach learning and exploration (and life!) with the sparkle of a kindergartener.

Traditional schools were modeled after factories, treating kids like widgets. It’s time for something better.

What is Acton Academy?

The first Acton Academy was founded in 2009 and the Acton Academy Network now has over 200 affiliates on 6 continents.

Each Acton is founded by parents who believe there is a better way to educate their children and other like-minded families in the community.
The Acton Academy approach has been called “21st Century Montessori” as it combines the Montessori approach with educational technology and real-world projects.

“Acton Academy is on the leading edge of what it means to give students agency of their own learning.”

— Sal Khan, Founder, Khan Academy

Looking for more information?

UPDATE: We have a location!

We will open up enrollment for the fall shortly. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more about what we’re building.

Request More Info

Elementary Studio (Grades 1-6)

Launching Fall of 2023

Junior High Studio (Grades 7-9)

Launching Fall of 2024

Launchpad: High School Studio (Grades 10-12)

Launching Fall of 2025

Learning at Maryland Curiosity Lab

Engaging Projects

We plan to live up to our name by sparking kids’ curiosity until it’s a full blazing inferno! We’ll expose them to different ideas, activities, and skills through hands-on projects, adventure trips, books, and mentors.

Master Core Skills

In traditional schools, the class moves onto to the next subject as a group. If a student learns quickly, they get bored. If a student struggles, they don’t get enough time to figure it out (causing bigger issues later). By leveraging the latest in educational technology, a personalized learning plan ensures that students both stay engaged and master the skill before advancing.

Think Independently

Socratic discussions and self paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.

Strong Bodies

We believe that plenty of outdoor exercise and free play are a big part of growing up.

Real World Adventures

Unlike traditional schools, we’ll be leaving the building regularly. The real world is too interesting not to explore!

Six-Week Quests

In-depth projects give kids a chance to explore their interests and flex their creative muscles. Example quests:

Create a business for the Children’s Business Fair.
Design and build a battlebot — see how it fares in combat!
Write a movie, cast your friends, shoot it, edit it, and then exhibit it.
Code your own video game in Roblox.

Expeditions

These one-day adventures expose students to new ideas and activities. Example expeditions:

Spend a day on a farm
Hike to a historical place
Learn to sail and navigate
Learn outdoor survival skills
Build something at a makerspace
Test the water quality of our rivers
Help the vet care for animals

Traditional Schools

Acton Academy

Teacher Directs, Students Follow

Passive Listening

Classed Divided by Age

Rows of Desks

Homework

Lectures

Class Moves at One Pace

Grades, Report Cards, Standardized Tests

Limited Recess and Exercise

Learner Directs, Teachers Support

Hands-on Projects

Mixed Ages Together

Freedom to Move

No Homework

Socratic Discussions

Individualized Pace Using Technology

Mastery-Based Learning

Free Play and Outdoor Adventures

School Design Comparison

VS.

Community

Schools are a natural focal point for a community to rally around. Parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends are eager to help young people succeed and grow. In traditional schools, there is very little opportunity for them to contribute. Our doors are open!