Helps K-12th Grade Students Discover and Grow Their Unique Strengths
Because The World Needs Them!
Helps K-12th Grade Students Discover and Grow Their Unique Strengths
Because The World Needs Them!
Our school was born different. Acton Academy is one of the newest and most innovative (and downright coolest) school designs in the world. Each Acton school was founded by parents who believe there is a better way to educate their children and help other like-minded families in their community.
We accomplish that by using the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork. As a result, we empower students to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners.
We believe students learn by doing. So, whether it’s launching a startup business, creating a tidepool habitat, playing a musical instrument, painting a mosaic, or programming a robot, Acton students are building real-life skills in the classroom every day.
We believe the learning experience is much richer when the teacher (“Guide”) offers insightful questions and facilitates hands-on learning. Acton Guides use the Socratic method, always responding to students’ questions with new questions. This exchange hones their critical thinking skills and helps us avoid the boring, “sit at your desk” lectures that stifle inspiration.
Acton Academy is “student-led.” Young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility, and embrace challenges. We equip them with the skills they need to bring their unique genius to the world.
We believe in the power of apprenticeships. Beginning in middle school, our students obtain summer internships in industries and work fields related to their passions. For example, Acton students have interned with doctors, entrepreneur bakers, plumbers, attorneys, and graphic designers. What will your child choose?
We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness, and empathy. Then, armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.
We believe each of our students will find a passion – something they love and have a gift to do – finding and pursuing this gift we call the Hero’s Journey. Our mission is to equip our students with the skills and tools they will need to find and pursue their life’s purpose.
We give young people autonomy and choice, a relevant curriculum, a supportive social environment, learning Guides that know each child well, a culture that encourages growth and risk-taking, and plenty of fun!! We are no ordinary school.
Our world is changing fast! Over 65% of elementary students will work in jobs not yet invented. Young people must not only focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic but also work to develop skills like collaboration, problem-solving, creative design, self-awareness, self-control, empathy, and curating a strong moral compass.
We believe you start with heart! Acton students are encouraged to be passionate about caring for others and developing a deep commitment to changing the world. We focus on real-world issues, ethical dilemmas, and leadership and social responsibility. We want our students to be independent thinkers who are change-makers.
Yes, our school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
We operate on an 10- month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.
Annual tuition is $9,500. An annual registration fee of $375 is due upon registration. Need-based financial aid is available for qualified families. Acton Academy oakland County is a 501c3 nonprofit.
1. Sign up for Info Kit
Review the Content and videos to see if we would be a good fit
2. Meet with decision makers
We would have you come in after hours for a tour and a conversation. We want to get to know each other more to see if we would be a good fit. Come with questions, we will have some for sure.
3. Immersion Day
For Acton Oakland to be a great experience there has to be a buy in from guardians, the learner and the Acton Tribe. If we feel it could be a good fit, we would schedule an immersion day for one learner from your family to visit at a time.
4. De-Brief
After the immersion day we would take feedback, learner, guides and the Acton Tribe and make a decision if it would be a good fit. If it is, we would send you Learner & Parent contracts to understand the role at Acton.
5. Admissions Decision
We will convey a preliminary decision on admission within a week after the visitor day. Admission to our school will be confirmed upon receipt of the registration fee, and signed enrollment documents. Ensuring a good fit between each student and family with Acton is essential. For that reason, admission remains subject to review of student school records, and the discretion of the school based on information obtained prior to the start of school.
While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of religion to the development of Civilization, we do not promote any one religion while respecting different religious beliefs.
Lunch will have to be provided from home, along with snacks.
Acton Academy will make reasonable accommodations for students, consistent with the American Disability Act. As a small not-for-profit school with no Federal funding, accommodations that might be appropriate in a public school environment might cause a fundamental alteration in the nature of services Acton provides or may cause undue burdens on Acton. Our student-led program design is not suitable for all students. Acton is not staffed to provide specialized support for children with special needs, such as autism or severe and unmanaged ADD/ADHD, behavior challenges, or sensory processing struggles. Children receiving out-of-school support for dyslexia or ADHD or other diagnosed conditions that impact educational needs could potentially do well in our program, provided parents are committed to getting their child the necessary help outside of our school program.
Children who are behaviorally challenged and need in-school counseling and intervention will not thrive in our student-led work environment. We do not provide one-on-one tutoring or screening as we are a small private school. Decisions as to whether a particular student will do well at Acton will be made on a case-by-case basis.
We invite you to get on a call with our Founder, ask lots of questions, and then come visit our campus when the time is right.