Acton Academy ANACORTES

What Exactly Is The Difference Between Acton Academy And Other Schools?

SEE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ACTON LEARNER

HERO'S JOURNEY


We believe each of our learners will find a passion, something they love and are uniquely gifted to do. Finding and pursuing this gift is what we call the Hero's Journey.
STUDENT LED
Acton Academy is student led, which means that our students are involved in every step of the decision making processes from studio rules, scheduling, school systems, and even disciplinary actions. Age appropriate freedoms, within reason, are given to learners. They are responsible for setting their own goals, tracking their progress, navigating relationship, and reflecting on their experiences.
GUIDE
Acton Academy employs guides rather than teachers. A guide's role is not to be an expert but to help lead the learner to their own conclusions. Guides provide instruction with the goal for the learners to become intrinsically motivated and independent. We desire for our learner to have a "guide on the side" instead of a "sage on the stage." A guide is a game maker and a coach for each season of the learner's growth.
STUDIO
We refer to our classrooms as studios to encourage the idea of the environment of creative and personal expression. The areas are set up in a manner that promotes collaborate team work along with comfortable and quiet core learning.
QUESTS
All students engage in experiential learning expeditions we call quests. Participating in a quest allows a learner to explore a topic in-depth using a variety of hands on experiences in a multidisciplinary setting.
SPARK
The Spark Studio is an authentic Montessori environment of whole child development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. Learners freely explore learning materials in math, language, practical life, sensorial, culture and science, quest areas. The Spark Studio builds foundations of goal setting and independent learning skills that engage young people to soar in their next Discovery Studio (elementary).

Learning Environment

  • Field trips and guest presenters to extend learning beyond the classroom.

  • Outdoor space with playground, open grass area, and community garden.

  • Student led PE with different activities every week.

  • No homework or frequent testing.

  • Fun and enriching family activities to foster a strong school community.

Learning to Learn

We believe the learning experience is much richer when the guide offers insightful questions and uses the Socratic method by always responding to questions with new questions rather than with a direct answer. This exchange hones learners’ critical thinking skills. Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.

Learning to Do

As a learner-driven community, young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships and learn to embrace challenge. Hands-on quests for science, entrepreneurship, and the arts are designed to master the skills needed to solve real-world problems.

Learning to Be

We encourage our learners to develop habits and character traits that make for an abundant, joyful, and fulfilling life. Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our learners will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.

Helping young people learn to lead is an important part of Acton. Servant Leader Badges encourage and celebrate their efforts as they achieve important leadership milestones.

Learning to Know

Acton Academy Anacortes uses the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment that is designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork. Acton learners are empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners.

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions.