Middle School
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. During the transformative Middle School years, we inspire our young people to develop independent thinking, strong friendships, leadership skills, and pursue their work with integrity.
Our Middle School students take control of their learning
Engage deeply
Work on difficult real-world Quests. Learn to calculate, write and think more deeply.
Have fun
Students develop a positive self-identity surrounded by friends who will support them.
Find a calling
Learners explore their gifts and passions through apprenticeships which provide opportunity to develop real world skills.
Working hard. Having fun. Preparing to change the world.
Watch the Video
21st Century Learning
- The latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
- Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
- Hands-on project based Quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
- Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.
Apprenticeships
Each summer, our Middle School students obtain an apprenticeship. They experiment with entrepreneurs, scientists and community leaders, honing their most precious gifts and talents until they find a “calling” in life.
Learning Environment
- Field trips and guest presenters to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Peer Critique based Writers’ Workshops
- Socratic discussions to enhance ethical and critical thinking, the ability to express oneself, be a good listener and communicator.
- Varied sports and physical activities.
- No homework or frequent testing.
- Fun and enriching family activities to foster a strong school community.
A learner driven Community
Student Contract
- I am on a hero’s journey.
- Even through extremely hard times, I will not give up because I have courage.
- I will be honest with myself and others about the way I am leading my journey.
- I will try my hardest to reach all of my goals and I will make new goals as well.
- I will be kind to, respect, and never give up on my fellow travelers. I will win with honor and lose with grace.
- I will try new things I have never done before, even things I might not be good at, to discover new talents and things that bring me joy.
- I will use, but take care of, the things around me that help me learn and live.
- I will encourage other people on their journeys and support their dreams, but make sure they want and need my help when I give it.
- I will take care of my body, my brain, and my heart by giving them the things they need to be healthy and grow such as exercise, information, challenges, and love.
- I will take responsibility for my education and seek out help when I truly need it.
- I will never give up on myself.
Measuring Mastery
Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions.
1. Parents use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in “Learn to Be” Badges.
2. Electronic and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, video and other creative work.
3. Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers or the public for a real world test.
Why Audition for Acton Academy?
Acton Academy is a place for extraordinary people to focus on their passion and learn at their own pace. Learners work hard and play hard.
Most schools solicit applications; we’re a learning community that only accepts commitments from young people who believe they are going to change the world. Middle School applicants need to prove themselves because we only have a few spots, reserved for committed learners. We need a promise from each student that they will work hard and never give up.
Is your child willing to take control of their education, work hard, and challenge themselves?
Schedule a school tour to begin the audition process.
Schedule a Tour Today
