Learning Design

At Acton Academy Amador, our children learn in a collaborative studio of multi-age learners. Our flexible approach challenges each student with their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects and experiences. Our Learner Driven Community puts children at the center of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals and relational covenants, as they Learn to Learn, Learn to Do, and Learn to Be.

Learn to Know

            Self-paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills. Our learners use a blend of hands-on and online learning tools.
          

Learn to Do

            Hands-on Quests for Science, Entrepreneurship and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real world challenges.
          

Learn to Learn

            Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.
          

Learn to Be

            The Hero’s Journey, relational covenants and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.
          

"My kids love going to school everyday because Acton is built to help them find their voice, take charge of their education, and practice collaboration and self management with a fun group of peers that is truly a community."

The Hero's Journey

Learning at Acton Academy Amador is an invitation to a Hero's Journey. We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a life of meaning. Our mission is to prepare everyone for his or her special journey.

Outcomes

Above all, we believe in delighting families with a school experience you're thrilled about.

One of the great experiences of life is the feeling of learning something challenging and worthwhile. Real growth is hard work – just like developing a muscle. It's often even harder for parents than it is for children. It's not easy, but few meaningful things are.

For those up for the challenge, some of the outcomes we've observed are:

Young people who love school Students who can't wait for summer break to be over, want to come to school on weekends, and sing on their way to school.
Families feeling more unity and purpose Families discover the joy of learning is a shared journey. As one parent described: "Acton Academy has transformed our family, inspiring each of us to find a calling and discover a Hero's Journey."
Mastery of core academic skills While only a small portion of the day is spent on Core Skills, and there is zero "teaching to the test," over the 9 years of Acton's history we've seen an average of 2.5 grade levels per year growth on the IOWA standardized test.
Self-management and leadership The result parents likely appreciate most is seeing their children take ownership of their learning. Meeting an Acton student speaks for itself: they look you in the eye, ask powerful questions, are curious about the world around them, and have plans they're passionate about.

"The thought of a learning environment that incorporates active learning, includes all the senses, and emphasizes a pursuit personalized to your individual gifts, sounds amazing. What kid doesn't deserve that?"