The global attraction has been the Acton belief that each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way and a learning model focused on learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be. Acton Academy uses the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment that is designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork.Acton students are empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners. Start typing in the city or country in which you are interested. Reading goals are accomplished using Lexia, a literacy learning software, while writing skills are developed using Night Zookeeper, a playful, game-based platform that makes writing fun and engaging. The start-up was not just a school, but also an education technology company looking to create a personalized learning product to sell. 2. It asks you how many minutes you worked on math or reading. Uphold Acton Academy's mission, family promises, and beliefs. It seemed to INCREASE personality conflicts dramatically because they were always trying to catch each other in a mistake. Acton promotes authentic relationships through written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community around four character traits: Acton learners hold themselves accountable with public exhibitions at the end of each quest and a portfolio of quality work. Goal setting, points and badges motivate progress. In my opinion, the public school system sets a very low bar for academic progress. For Gregory, the chance to build a school from scratch that connects to a vision she believes in was enticing. Acton Academy Palm Harbor is an innovative learner-driven school serving ages 4-16. Great job Eagles! through deliberate practice and the latest educational technology, through written promises and commitments that form a tightly bound peer-led community. I love the mission of Acton Academy. Over the winter, I put together an extensive map of individuals and organizations in Texas that are operating in ed-tech, social impact, bio-tech, and human capital finance spaces. My children were doing okay in a public school but often coming home sad, discouraged, and frustrated. We cant build schools fast enough, he told me, adding that he is already outgrowing the buildings in his three locations which currently serve more than 300 learners, ages four to 18. These are Cato Institute libertarians who founded the school. We support every student to complete . Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility and embrace challenge. Finally! Acton students are empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners. I was told that I could trust them or go to a new school, and that only I could protect my children. While Dallas, Austin, and Houston are leaders in digital empire building, the playbook is the same wherever you go. To be fair, there are many reasons that a child can fall behind academically, so I couldnt say that the lack of academic progress was the fault of the school. Founded in Austin in 2010 by Laura and Jeff Sandefer, Acton Academy now has more than 250 affiliate schools in 31 states and 25 countries. These goals fall within the broad academic categories of reading, writing and mathematics, but the children, called heroes at Acton, decide how and what those goals entail, with help from their instructors, or guides.. We're Joe, Emily, Katelyn and Michael and weve decided to do school differently for our children and other children in our community! After a morning of self-paced, learner-directed academic work, the children take a long lunch break and spend ample time outside before reconvening for collaborative, project-based work in the afternoon. There are no wrong questions, and each and every child is supported and encouraged to reach their own, unique set of goals. The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty is an ecumenical, nonprofit research organization that promotes the benefits of free enterprise to religious communities, business people, students and educators. The Lip Dub is a full-length music video, with a well-known song "dubbed over." Eagles are responsible for 100% of the process. Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students and Affiliates. Acton Academy admits learners and affiliates of any race, color, Our excellent sports facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness suite, dance studio, netball and basketball courts as well as extensive outside playing fields for football, rugby, tennis and hockey. Below is a video of a site visit Jason and I filmed near The Slope School in Provo, Utah. I will be impartial and mention pros AND cons, but please dont lose the messagego to Acton. Acton Academy is student led. This means young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Every Acton Placer campus facilitates a powerful feeling of community and benefits everyone within Acton and beyond. Get inspired by the students, parents, and cofounders of Acton Academy of Washington, DC and hear what they love about Acton! Before Acton, the only time I had heard the term freedom level was to describe a social credit system where those with higher credits get greater access-a program that has been piloted on a wide scale under the guise of building trust with authoritarian governments. And, these 360 reviews are not written on paper or given any relational connection. Welcome to Acton CE Primary Academy. Some kids can earn bucks at a much faster rate, and others can be highly stressed. We found that this turned the kids against each other. Acton says these reviews are meant to normalize feedback. (Alison McDowell) You can review the information provided to Jeff and Laura Sandefer by the guest blogger mom here. With student led learning and self-pacing, my kids have been able to grow deeply in knowing themselves more, knowing how to work with a team of people different than themselves, receive constructive feedback and choose to become their best self. Your commitments to Acton. Open Your Own Acton Academy within a year from today. They are being prepared to bring their own unique genius to the world. Do you believe young people are capable of remarkable things? The first location we attended was wonderful. It's an innovative approach to education that celebrates personal responsibility, creative freedom, and the pursuit of one's life purpose. My open letter to Acton describes exactly how schools, institutions, and those set on 21st Century education reforms benefit from harvested data. Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner. I am referencing communication that is documented in writing through email exchanges. Acton Academy Madison West is a private, project-based and learner-driven elementary school. national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, I am the parent and will decide what is needed for my child is what I always want to say. Uncover why Acton Academy is the best company for you. For Gregorys two children, ages seven and nine, who are the initial students in The Wilder School, math goals involve completing several units each week using Khan Academy, the free, online learning platform that is used in many schools and homeschools across the country. It made a significant difference in our kids lives. Organizing learning as skill sprints, projects, and dialogs rather than discipline-based courses; Growth community: a commitment to individual and collective growth; and. In a world where most schools have mission statements about preparation for a fuzzy future, the Acton Academy promise is shockingly bold and full of agency. The company is aggressively purchasing Google ads to try and attract new owners of locations. I was told to trust them and that these systems were being used wisely. The ed-tech company closed all the schools after a few years and kept the tech product in creation. To Boost Kids Vocabulary, We Need To Build Their Knowledge, Entrepreneur On A Mission To Educate On Building Healthy Relationships, Four American Scholars Awarded Worlds Largest Prize For Outstanding Work In History, Catholic Schools And The Fabric Of American Education, We Need To Stop Seeing Skipping School As A Problem, And Recognize That For Some Its A Rational Choice. This includes teaching themselves math and English through books and online resources at school, but it also means self-learning to overcome obstacles, to deal kindly with others, and to develop motivation. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team's work-life balance. And, while all of these things are amazing, the absolute best part is our daughter LOVES going to school. through hands-on project-based quests that promote curiosity and problem solving. Acton learners earn Servant Leader Badges that celebrate the development of heroic character and signify earned freedom and responsibility. With an international scope, Acton manages a robust publishing and events outreach that argues for a moral foundation to the . Some of Acton Placers continued growth is due to parents seeking schooling alternatives after nearly two years of frustration with closed schools and ongoing coronavirus policies. If they succeed, they will earn a badge and will get paid bucks. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin Unlike a traditional teacher, the ways in which a guide can intervene in the studio are strictly limited., After adding 50 new schools this fall, the tiny. Each Acton affiliate is founded by entrepreneurial. Our first year was a little unexpected due to the pandemic however, it didnt hinder our learner because, virtual learning was already a part of the schools academics. Our learner transition from public school. But, because we felt there is also a lot that could be improved at Acton, we are opening our own private school and we decided not to be an Acton affiliate. It describes life at Acton where learners prepare for the challenges, opportunities, and adventures of the real world. The Forest School takes a more holistic approach to learning. 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