Where Joyful Curiosity Sparks Lifelong Learning
Acton Academy Columbus is an innovative, project-based, learner-driven school where learners grow through meaningful challenges and caring support on a journey toward discovering a calling that will change the world.
Empower your child to pursue their dreams and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
School for the 21st Century
Acton Academy is a school built for self-driven learners—children who are ready for more challenge, more independence, and more real-world opportunities.
In this new age, agency matters more than memorization. Our learners set goals, drive their own progress, make decisions, solve problems, and build character through meaningful work and challenges.
AI is here. This is the Age of Agency—and learners who own their journey will shape the future.
Is your child ready for a school that challenges them to take initiative and own their learning?
TAKE OUR SURVEY TO SEE IF ACTON MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT
Montessori meets Silicon Valley
Self-directed learning with modern tools for a modern world.
“Acton Academy is a school for learners who want more challenge, more independence, and more real-world opportunities.”
How Acton Builds Future-Ready, Self-Driven Learners in the 21st Century
Student-Centered EDUCATION
Self-Paced Learning
Focused on Real World Challenges
Guided learning, not Taught
Learning beyond the classroom
Acton Academy students prepare for real-world challenges rather than classroom exams.
Field Trips & Real-World Adventures
Outdoor Learning / Nature Exploration
Guest Speakers / Community Experts
Community Projects & Service Learning
Apprenticeships & Job Shadowing
Entrepreneurial Experiences & Market Days
Real World Challenges / Quests
Robotics
ARCHITECTURE
Personal Finance
Entrepreneurship
BAKING
Decision Making
STEAM
GARDENING
Electricity
ENGINEERING
WILDERNESS CRAFT
Communication
“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.”
Education for the Real World
At Acton, education goes beyond tests and worksheets. Learners build real skills through clear goals, meaningful work, and daily practice in thinking, doing, and becoming.
Learn to Learn
Self-paced core skills, goal setting, and reflection help learners understand how they learn best and take ownership of their growth.
Learn to Do
Quests, projects, and apprenticeships invite learners to solve real problems, work in teams, and create work they’re proud to share.
Learn to Be
Daily choices, studio contracts, and peer feedback help Eagles practice courage, kindness, responsibility, and integrity in community.
What makes Acton unique?
At Acton, learners who embrace responsibility, initiative, and effort thrive. This is a place for those who want to grow, push themselves, and lead their own journey.
Learner-Driven Community
Young people set goals, create rules, and hold each other accountable.
No Tests, Homework, or Grades
We focus on mastery and deep learning, not memorization or busy work.
Mastery-Based Learning
Students move at their own pace, strictly mastering skills before moving on.
Real-World Projects
Learning by doing: from starting businesses to robotics and gardening.
Positive Growth Mindset
We celebrate struggle and failure as essential steps to success.
Blended Learning
Combining adaptive software with hands-on Socratic discussions.
Multi-Age Studios
Younger students learn from older peers, who solidify knowledge by teaching.
Adaptive Core Skills
Game-based programs adapt to each child's level in reading and math.
Daily Outdoor Play
Unstructured play is critical for creativity and social skills.
ESTEAM Education
Entrepreneurship, Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math daily.
Guides, Not Teachers
Guides offer challenges and support, they do not lecture.
Critical Thinking & 4 Cs
Developing Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity.
Montessori Principles
Honoring the child's natural desire to learn with freedom within boundaries.
Socratic Discussions
Deep debates to develop clear thinking and powerful communication.
Character Development
The Hero's Journey builds kindness, integrity, and responsibility.
Exhibitions of Learning
Heroes celebrate their mastery and growth in public showcases.
Inspired by the Best in Child-Led Education
Our model is inspired by three transformational child-led philosophies that nurture independence, creativity, and a deep joy for learning.
Montessori
Reggio
Waldorf
Our mission is to inspire each child to find a calling that will change the world.
Skills for the 21st Century
The 3 R’s built the schools of the past. The 4 C’s build the leaders of the future. Today's world demands more than memorization.
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Creativity
Communication
Our Studios
Multi-age studios where learners grow through meaningful challenge, independence, and real-world work.
Spark Studio
Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf-inspired early years studio where independence, wonder, and joyful learning begin.
Growth Studio
Elementary studio focused on core skills, character, and building the habits for self-driven learning.
Discovery Studio
Upper elementary studio where learners take on deeper Quests, ownership, and real-world challenges.
Adventure Studio
Middle school studio blending joy and rigor through apprenticeships, Socratic discussions, and real work.
Launchpad Studio
High school studio for purposeful, independent learners ready to design their launch into the real world.
Learn more about Acton Academy
“If the purpose of education is to score well on a test, we’ve lost sight of the real reason for learning.”
Learning in Action
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.
Acton Columbus Family 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.”
Exploring Education BLOG: Insights, Ideas, and Innovations
Our Community
Frequent visitors, strong local ties, and a commitment to meaningful community service
