The Joy of Learning

Empower your child to fulfill their dreams and ignite a passion for learning.

Acton Academy Columbus is a private, project-based, student-centered school where each child begins a journey to discover a calling that will change the world.

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2024-2025 Spots Open

why do families choose Acton?

How Acton Prepares Learners for the 21st Century

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Student-Centered EDUCATION

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Self-Paced Learning

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Focused on Real World Challenges

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Guided learning, not Taught

Is your child’s school setting her / him up for success?

Acton Academy students PREPARE for real-world challenges rather than classroom exams.

REAL WORLD CHALLENGES

Robotics

Entrepreneurship

STEAM

ENGINEERING

“We had escaped the trap of obsessing about homework, PTA policies, and grades on tests. Like freeing birds from cages, we were loosening our grip on our children and they were learning to fly.”
— Laura Sandefer

Learn to Learn

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

Learn to Do

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

Learn to Be

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

What makes Acton unique?

  • Modern one-room school house

  • Learner-driven community

  • No tests, No homework, No grades, No lectures

  • Real life experiences through projects

  • Positive, growth mindset environment

  • Blended learning (Online + In-Classroom)

  • Multi-age classroom

  • Cutting edge, adaptive technology for core skills

  • ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Education

  • Guides rather than teachers

  • Focus on 4 Cs (Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity) and Executive Functioning skills

  • Montessori principles to build independent learners

  • Socratic discussions to develop critical thinking skills

  • Personalized, self-paced, mastery-based learning

We are inspired by three child-led models of Education that foster independence and life-long learning

 

Montessori

 

Reggio

 

Waldorf

 

Our mission is to inspire each child to find a calling that will change the world.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTON ACADEmY COLUMBUS

 
 

“If the purpose of education is to score well on a test, we’ve lost sight of the real reason for learning.”

- Richard Feynman

Our Studios

Spark Studio

(Full Day Kindergarten+)

(Ages 4.5-7)

Elementary Studio

(Ages 7-11)

Middle School

(Ages 11-14)

Launchpad Studio

(Ages 14-18)

(Coming 2025)

 

Learning in Action

 
OUR BELIEFS AND PROMISES
OUR PROMISES

We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:

  • Begin a Hero’s Journey;

  • Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery;

  • Become a curious, independent, life-long learner;

  • Embrace the forging of a strong character;

  • Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life; and

  • Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.

OUR EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY AND BELIEFS

We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.

  • We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.

  • We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.

  • We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.

  • We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.

 

IALDS Accreditation

 

Acton Academy Columbus is an independent private school in Dublin, OH. We are accredited by the ​The International Association of Learner Driven Schools (IALDS). IALDS is an accrediting entity and organization that is focused on the learner-driven communities.

 
“Children come into the world exquisitely designed, and strongly motivated, to educate themselves. They don’t need to be forced to learn; in fact, coercion undermines their natural desire to learn.”
— Dr. Peter Gray

Skills for the 21st Century

The 3 R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) of education have always been a critical part of our schools. For the 21st Century, our children need to be equipped with the 4 C’s as well.

 

Critical Thinking

Collaboration

Creativity

Communication

 

Acton Columbus Family Testimonials

 
Testimonials

Acton has been amazing for our kids! We took them out of public school because they were bored and it wasn't challenging enough. I see why now - at Acton, they are learning at their own pace and moving much faster academically. The work and projects are so much more challenging and keeps them engaged. I also love their group projects where they get a chance to develop skills like communication, leadership, and conflict resolution. It's so great to hear them talk about school and how much they love going to Acton.

- Matt | Acton Academy Columbus Dad

We are proud to be a part of Acton's first year with our girls, 8 and 10. They've gone to a faith based school program and loved it, homeschooled and loved it, but nothing has encouraged their holistic development like the Acton environment has. I like that they can progress at their own pace in core skills (like homeschooling) AND can develop leadership skills, team-based skills and have fun in the small group setting. It's hard to get them to leave at the end of the day and they're always full of conversation about the day which says a lot!

- Paige | Acton Academy Columbus Mom

Our children ask to arrive early every single day and stay as late as possible as well. They love school at Acton and we are so fortunate to have found a school that encourages them in their interests and fosters excitement about lifetime education.

- Kari | Acton Academy Columbus Mom

I cannot believe how lucky we are to have found Acton Academy right here in Columbus!!! We were incredibly thoughtful and intentional - maybe even a little nervous- about our decision to send our two kids to Acton; yet, as we close out our first year at this school, I can confidently say I am thrilled we made this choice.

If you're looking for an educational experience for your children where they get to follow their passions, they are intrinsically motivated by what makes them come alive, and learning is fun and collaborative, then Acton would be a great fit for your family

Plus, the sense of community and connection among other Acton parents has been icing on the cake!

- Shelly | Acton Academy Columbus Mom

 

Do you want your child to feel like life is an endless stream of opportunities?

Perhaps ACTON COLUMBUS is for you and your family.