Learner-driven Communities
At Acton Academy,
we don’t follow a curriculum.
We use learning design instead.
What does that mean for your child?
MINDSET
A Hero’s Journey,
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Education
Young people thrive when they’re trusted to lead their own learning through meaningful, real-world challenges.
At Acton Academy, learners tackle quests that build character, spark curiosity, and empower them to take ownership of their own Hero’s Journey.
Every child is unique—why should they all learn the same way?
PREPARATION
Learning Should Be Joyful and Self-Directed
Reading: kids read what excites them—comic books, Harry Potter, and soon enough, even Tolstoy.
Math: Gamified platforms like Khan Academy, making math fun and engaging.
History & Culture (Civilisation): Learning comes through stories and interactive quests, not memorisation.
Writing & Speaking: focus is on making it enjoyable before worrying about grammar.
EXECUTION
A Learning
Journey That
Mirrors Real Life
At Acton, learning follows learning arcs, just like a story:
Life Learning Arc: Every child is a hero on a journey of growth.
Yearly Learning Arc: centered on a big question (e.g., Does the past determine the future?).
Session Learning Arc: students work toward a regular public exhibitions —showcasing what they’ve learned.
Weekly Learning Arc: follows a structured path to build knowledge and skills.
WHY?
Because real-life success isn’t about passing tests - it’s about solving challenges, thinking critically, and embracing lifelong learning.
A Learner-Driven Community
Our young heroes learn in tightly bound communities with extremely high standards of excellence, where self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily.
Learners create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms
Running Partners and Squads encourage younger and older heroes to listen, affirm, set goals, and hold each other accountable.
Servant-Leader badges celebrate warm-hearted and tough-minded decisions that build character.
A day at Acton Academy
A day in our Studio is an adventure in self-discovery, where young learners take charge of their journey.
With ample time for both work and play, they navigate a world of possibilities, guided by clear yet flexible boundaries.
They learn to manage their time, set meaningful goals, and track their progress, all while exploring their passions and shaping their own path.
Each work block offers a range of choices, empowering them to dive into projects that align with their personal dreams and commitments, all within a supportive, goal-driven environment.
The schedule is flexible to accommodate different learning needs. Students can rearrange work blocks and choose from a variety of work options based on personal goals, passions, and commitments.
21st Century Learning
Self-management & self-governance: Learners tackle real-world projects using 21st-century skills, inspired by heroes, in a high-standard, tightly-knit community.
Educational technology: Self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills.
Hands-on learning: Project-based quests to solve real-world problems with relevant tools and skills.
Socratic discussions: Deep conversations on heroes, history, and self-governance to develop critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills.
Professional tools: Art, engineering, tech, and storytelling tools replace traditional worksheets and busywork.
Community & relationships: Written promises and covenants foster authentic friendships and teach conflict resolution.