Adventure Studio: Empowering Middle Schoolers to Lead, Learn and Thrive

At Acton Academy Columbus, the Adventure Studio is a transformative space where middle school learners are empowered to embrace their independence, ignite their curiosity, and grow into capable, self-driven individuals. This studio is more than just a classroom; it is a dynamic environment where young people embark on a journey of discovery—about the world and themselves. Here’s an inside look at what makes the Adventure Studio a unique and life-changing experience for learners in their middle school years.

The Adventure Studio Culture: Trust, Accountability, and Growth

At the heart of the Adventure Studio is a culture built on trust, accountability, and growth. The learners in this studio co-create their rules and systems, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. From the beginning of the school year, learners set personal and collective goals, design contracts for behavior, and establish systems to hold themselves and each other accountable. This is not a place where adults micromanage—instead, the learners are in the driver’s seat, steering their education and personal growth.

The use of growth mindset language is a cornerstone of the Adventure Studio. Guides encourage learners to view challenges as opportunities and failures as stepping stones. Phrases like “What can you learn from this?” and “How will you approach this differently next time?” are common, fostering resilience and self-reflection.

A Day in the Life: Structure Meets Freedom

A typical day in the Adventure Studio begins with a morning launch. This is a time for setting intentions, reflecting on goals, and preparing for the day ahead. The launch might include a thought-provoking question, a short video, or a story designed to inspire and motivate. Learners then transition into core work time, where they focus on personalized learning in subjects like math and language arts. Using online tools like Khan Academy and Lexia PowerUp Literacy, learners progress at their own pace, mastering concepts and skills through deliberate practice.

The afternoon part of the day often involves collaborative quests. Quests are interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that challenge learners to tackle real-world problems. These projects range from creating video documentaries to designing and coding interactive games, and from exploring the science behind sustainable living to developing persuasive campaigns for social issues. Each quest pushes learners to think critically, work collaboratively, and bring innovative solutions to life.

For example, during our recent Personal Finance Quest, learners dove deep into practical life skills—calculating budgets, analyzing stocks and bonds, comparing mortgage options, and creating comprehensive savings plans. Another exciting quest, the Health Quest, saw learners exploring human anatomy, nutrition, and mental well-being while building interactive displays and educational videos to share their findings with others.

Afternoons in the Adventure Studio are a mix of independent study, discussions, and workshops. Learners might participate in Socratic discussions on topics ranging from historical events to ethical dilemmas, where they learn to articulate their thoughts and respectfully engage with differing perspectives. Workshops often focus on skills like effective writing, public speaking, or using tools like Google Sheets for data analysis.

The Children’s Business Fair: A Showcase of Entrepreneurial Spirit

One of the highlights of the year for Adventure Studio learners is the Children’s Business Fair. This event is a culmination of weeks of preparation, where learners develop a business idea, create a product or service, and bring it to market. From brainstorming concepts to crafting marketing strategies, every step of the process is a hands-on learning experience.

The fair is not just about selling a product; it’s about learning resilience, adaptability, and customer engagement. Learners face real-world challenges, like managing inventory or handling feedback from customers, and they emerge from the experience with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship. For many, the business fair is a stepping stone to larger aspirations and a powerful demonstration of what they can achieve through hard work and ingenuity.

The Power of Apprenticeships: Learning Through Real-World Experiences

Another hallmark of the Adventure Studio is the emphasis on apprenticeships. Learners are encouraged to explore their interests and passions by seeking out mentors in the community. Whether shadowing a graphic designer, interning at a local business, or learning from a skilled tradesperson, apprenticeships provide learners with invaluable real-world experience.

In 2025, the Adventure Studio learners will be working on a collective apprenticeship at Harrison Farm in Groveport, OH. This opportunity will allow them to immerse themselves in agricultural practices, learn about sustainable farming, and develop a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. The learners will not only gain hands-on experience but also reflect on how their work impacts their community and the broader world.

These opportunities allow learners to connect classroom concepts with practical applications, giving them a glimpse into potential career paths. Moreover, the process of finding an apprenticeship—from drafting a professional email to conducting an interview—teaches important life skills that will serve them well in the future.

Character Development: Building the Leaders of Tomorrow

Character development is woven into every aspect of the Adventure Studio. Learners are challenged to step outside their comfort zones, whether it’s by presenting in front of an audience, tackling a difficult math problem, or engaging in a candid conversation about their goals and challenges. The focus on trying new things and embracing discomfort helps middle schoolers build resilience and adaptability.

In addition to individual growth, learners develop a strong sense of community. They learn to navigate conflicts, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s successes. These experiences lay the foundation for compassionate, collaborative leadership.

Stepping outside our comfort zone in 2024 involved taking on a new series of challenges that the learners weren’t comfortable with—everything from public speaking to magic tricks to juggling.

Peer-to-Peer Learning and Mentorship

One of the unique aspects of the Adventure Studio is the emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. Middle school learners play a vital role in guiding and supporting the younger learners in the Spark, Growth, and Discovery Studios. By mentoring their peers, Adventure Studio learners reinforce their own understanding of concepts, develop patience and empathy, and hone their leadership skills.

For example, Adventure learners might assist Growth Studio learners with challenging math problems or help Discovery learners brainstorm ideas for their quests. In the Spark Studio, Adventure learners serve as role models, showing younger learners how to approach tasks with curiosity and persistence. This mentorship fosters a sense of community across studios and helps learners see themselves as capable leaders who can make a positive impact on others.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Middle school is a time of profound change and self-discovery, and the Adventure Studio provides the perfect environment for learners to explore who they are and who they want to become. Through reflective practices, learners set annual, monthly, and daily goals, learning to align their actions with their aspirations. They also explore their strengths, interests, and values, developing a clearer sense of purpose.

Guides play a crucial role in this journey, not by giving answers, but by asking the right questions. Whether a learner is struggling with a decision or celebrating a milestone, guides encourage them to dig deeper and take ownership of their choices.

Integrating Academic Rigor with Life Skills

While the Adventure Studio prioritizes self-directed learning and character development, it does not compromise on academic rigor. Learners are held to high standards and must demonstrate mastery of key concepts before moving on. However, the approach is holistic, integrating academics with life skills and personal growth.

For example, a project on historical events might include research, writing, and a creative presentation, blending academic skills with public speaking and collaboration. Similarly, our personal finance quest involved calculating budgets, analyzing stocks and bonds, studying mortgage options, and creating a savings plan, teaching practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The Adventure Studio and Acton Academy’s Mission

The Adventure Studio embodies Acton Academy’s mission to inspire each person who enters its doors to find a calling that will change the world. Learners are not passive recipients of knowledge; they are active participants in their education, shaping their paths and discovering their potential. This mission aligns closely with the broader goals of Acton Academy Columbus: fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Why the Adventure Studio Matters

In today’s rapidly changing world, middle school learners need more than traditional education. They need the skills, mindset, and confidence to navigate complexity, adapt to new challenges, and lead with integrity. The Adventure Studio provides a unique blend of structure and freedom, rigor and creativity, and individual growth and community building, preparing learners for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Parents of Adventure Studio learners often remark on the transformations they witness: their children becoming more confident, responsible, and curious. Learners leave the studio not only with academic knowledge but with a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

An Adventure Worth Taking

The Adventure Studio at Acton Academy Columbus is more than just a middle school program; it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Through a combination of personalized learning, collaborative quests, entrepreneurial experiences, real-world apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities, learners gain the skills and confidence to chart their own paths.

As they navigate challenges and celebrate victories, they are not just preparing for the future—they are creating it. The Adventure Studio is where middle schoolers become adventurers, explorers, and leaders, ready to make their mark on the world.