Session 1 Wrap-Up: Building Community, Skills, and Independence

The first session of the school year at Acton Academy Columbus has wrapped up, and it’s been an exciting, energetic start! Across all our studios, Eagles have been exploring, creating, and collaborating—laying the foundation for a year of meaningful learning.

At Acton, education is about more than academics. Our learners develop the skills, habits, and mindset to take ownership of their learning, build strong communities, and pursue their passions. Session 1 has been dedicated to establishing the systems, routines, and studio culture that support a learner-driven environment, empowering Eagles to take initiative and work together toward shared goals.

Reggio Studio: Our Community Quest

In the Reggio Studio, Eagles embarked on the Our Community quest, which asks them to consider what it means to belong to a community and how each individual contributes to the group. This week’s focus was on self-expression and collaboration, with learners creating art, props, and personal projects that reflect their interests and identities.

Through activities like designing and sewing their own stuffed animals, building miniature cities, and experimenting with construction and crafting materials, learners explored the balance between personal creativity and collaborative problem-solving. Open studio time allowed Eagles to take initiative, share materials, and support one another in developing ideas.

A central component of this quest is reflection. Eagles practiced pausing to evaluate their work, considering what went well, what challenges arose, and how to adjust strategies moving forward. These reflective practices help learners develop critical thinking and adaptability—skills that are essential not only for creative projects but for life-long learning.

By the end of the session, Eagles had established studio systems to manage resources, practice routines, and maintain a supportive environment. They learned how shared guidelines and agreements allow a community to function smoothly, making space for everyone’s contributions. These foundations prepare learners to take ownership of their learning and foster a culture of empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Montessori Studio: Literacy, Math, and Studio Systems

In the Montessori Studio, learners focused on building strong academic habits while establishing routines and studio agreements. Younger learners worked on phonetic skills, letter sounds, and CVC words, while confident readers engaged with Montessori Grammar, exploring parts of speech such as articles, nouns, and verbs. Math instruction emphasized concrete materials like Golden Beads and the Bead Cabinet, providing hands-on experience with concepts like skip counting, place value, and operations.

Beyond academics, the Montessori Eagles practiced following multi-step directions, collaborating with peers, and contributing to studio organization. Learners helped one another during work periods, supporting peers in developing independence and competence. This peer learning fosters a sense of community and accountability, encouraging learners to reflect on both their work and the ways they contribute to the studio environment.

Studio systems and processes were a major focus as well. Eagles began drafting Rules of Engagement, establishing routines for materials, and exploring ways to manage shared spaces. These agreements help learners understand expectations, navigate conflict, and collaborate effectively—all critical components for building a strong, supportive community.

As learners continue to engage with Montessori materials and extend their literacy and math skills, they are also developing the habits and structures that will allow them to take ownership of their work and thrive as independent learners throughout the year.

Growth Studio: Build the Tribe

The Growth Studio’s first weeks centered on Build the Tribe, a quest designed to help Eagles understand community, leadership, and accountability. Learners participated in team-building activities, collaborative games, and reflective discussions that highlighted the value of communication, cooperation, and trust.

A highlight of the week was drafting the studio contract. Unlike traditional rules set by adults, this contract was created collaboratively by the Eagles themselves. Through debate, negotiation, and compromise, learners determined the expectations, responsibilities, and shared values that would guide the studio community. This process cultivates critical thinking, empathy, and leadership skills—learners learn not only how to express their own perspectives but also how to listen and integrate the perspectives of others.

Growth Eagles also explored the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Through discussions, role-playing, and storytelling, learners practiced language and strategies to persevere through challenges, resolve conflicts respectfully, and celebrate effort and progress rather than just results. These lessons reinforce the belief that learning is a journey and that resilience and self-awareness are as important as academic skills.

In addition to team-building and mindset work, learners began their Passion Projects and Hero Boards, reflecting on personal strengths and setting goals for the year. These projects allow learners to pursue interests while practicing time management, planning, and self-assessment. All of these experiences together lay the foundation for a productive, collaborative, and learner-driven studio culture.

Discovery Studio: Homesteading and Civilization

In the Discovery Studio, learners focused on the Homesteading quest, a hands-on, practical exploration of sustainability, planning, and life skills. Eagles worked on designing and building models of homesteads, thinking critically about food sources, energy, water flow, and efficient design. This project emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking, giving learners a tangible way to see how planning and decision-making impact outcomes.

Learners also engaged in practical skills such as woodworking, sewing, and fire-making, applying hands-on techniques in a safe and supervised environment. Each task required planning, teamwork, and reflection, helping learners develop agency and independence while fostering a sense of accomplishment and competence.

Alongside the Homesteading quest, Eagles continued their Civilization studies. Learners researched historical events with a focus on context, causes, and impacts rather than memorization alone. They analyzed how decisions and actions influence communities and societies, connecting this understanding to the collaborative skills and systems they are building in the studio.

The Discovery Eagles also participated in drafting their studio contract. Through thoughtful debate and negotiation, learners discussed the right balance of clarity and flexibility, mirroring the real-world processes adults use when creating agreements. By establishing these systems together, Eagles take ownership of their environment, learn responsibility, and understand how their actions affect the larger group.

Field Trip to Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm

To deepen their understanding of homesteading and historical communities, the Growth and Discovery Studios embarked on a field trip to Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm. This immersive experience allowed learners to step back in time and engage with 19th-century farming life.

The day began with a guided tour of the farmhouse, where learners explored rooms furnished as they would have been in the 1880s. They observed period-specific items like wood-burning stoves and oil lamps, gaining insight into daily life without modern conveniences.

Next, learners visited the farm animals—pigs, horses, ducks, and chickens—learning about their roles in sustaining a homestead. They also participated in hands-on activities such as woodworking and rope-making, connecting directly with the skills they had been studying in their quest. This field trip provided a tangible context for their learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Guest Visitors: Enriching Learning Experiences

Throughout the session, Acton Academy Columbus welcomed several guest visitors who brought specialized knowledge and skills to enrich the learners' experiences.

A sewing expert (and Acton parent) led a workshop, teaching learners the basics of machine sewing. This hands-on session allowed Eagles to create their own projects, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

A woodworking expert visited to demonstrate techniques and safety practices. Learners had the opportunity to use tools under supervision, building confidence and understanding the craftsmanship involved in creating with wood.

Additionally, Shelly Robinson, a wellness coach and educator, facilitated a discussion on emotional well-being. She guided learners in exploring the connection between feelings and values, helping them develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness. This session emphasized the importance of understanding and managing emotions, contributing to personal growth and community harmony.

These guest visits complemented the studio quests, providing learners with real-world applications of their studies and broadening their perspectives.

Looking Ahead: Exhibitions and Beyond

As Session 1 comes to a close, all studios are preparing for Exhibition week. Families will have the opportunity to see the Eagles’ work firsthand, experience the results of collaborative problem-solving, and celebrate the growth and progress that has occurred over the past weeks.

Exhibitions at Acton Academy are learner-led, authentic showcases of progress. Eagles coordinate presentations, demonstrate projects, and share insights into their process. They reflect not only on what they have created but also on how they approached challenges, collaborated with peers, and applied the systems and skills they have developed.

Session 1 has been about laying strong foundations: building community, creating systems, developing independence, and sparking curiosity. The skills and habits formed now will support Eagles as they dive deeper into their quests, pursue Passion Projects, and continue growing as capable, confident learners.

By investing in relationships, systems, and reflective practices from the very beginning, we set our Eagles up for a year filled with exploration, creativity, and meaningful achievement. We can’t wait to see how these foundations continue to grow and shape the rest of the year.