What does learning look like at Acton Academy?
Acton Academy turns learning upside down by focusing on self-directed, experiential learning that empowers students to take ownership of their education. Here are a few ways Acton Academy does this:
Learner-driven education: At Acton Academy, while we offer amazing launches, quests, writers’ workshops, faith-based discussions, and more, every child takes responsibility for their own learning. They set their own goals, design their own projects, and collaborate with their peers to achieve their objectives. This approach encourages our learners to become independent thinkers and problem-solvers, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Mastery-based learning: Acton Academy emphasizes mastery of core skills, such as reading, writing, and math. Our learners work at their own pace and advance to the next level only when they have demonstrated a deep understanding of the material. This ensures that every child is challenged and supported at the appropriate level.
Real-world relevance: Acton Academy's system is designed to connect every child with the real world. Our learners tackle real-world problems and challenges through projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. This approach helps every child develop skills relevant to the 21st-century workforce, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Socratic dialogue: Acton Academy's approach to “teaching” involves Socratic dialogue, a method of inquiry that consists in asking questions and challenging assumptions. Our Guides act as facilitators, guiding our learners to think deeply and critically about the topics they are studying. This approach encourages every child to develop their ideas and opinions and engage in respectful, thoughtful dialogue with their peers.
Acton Academy isn’t som radical way to educate children. It is the way children should be educated. Telling children what’s right vs. wrong and testing them on how much they memorized teaches them what to think, not how to think. The world is unforgiving and ever-changing, so why is school still the same game of checkers most of us played growing up when the world demands mastery in chess? The boards look the same, so it takes people a long time to realize they spent too much time and money playing the wrong game. That is how we end up with so many Ivy League graduates who look brilliant on paper, but have no real-world knowledge or skills while lacking a basic foundation of character and values.
It’s about time we put children in the driver’s seat of their education and create a dynamic, engaging learning environment that prepares them for success in the real world.