Growth Studio (Ages 7-9)
Core Skills, Character, and the Habits of a Learner-Driven Life
The Growth Studio is a joyful space where learners build a strong academic foundation while exploring their creativity. This studio emphasizes strengthening reading skills, hands-on STEM challenges, and taking the first steps into the Hero's Journey.
The Growth Mindset
Mastery + Quests + Socratic Discussions
Learn to Learn
Self-paced core skills in Math and Reading. Learners set daily goals and learn that focus and effort are the keys to mastery.
Learn to Do
Through hands-on Quests—like Baking, Engineering, or Entrepreneurship—learners solve real-world problems.
Learn to Be
Character is forged in community. Learners practice kindness, conflict resolution, and holding one another accountable.
Learner Driven
There are no teachers at the front of the room. Guides propose challenges, but the Learners own the studio and the journey.
A Different Approach
How the Growth Studio compares to a traditional classroom
| TRADITIONAL APPROACH | ACTON ACADEMY APPROACH |
|---|---|
| Learn to Know Quizzes, Tests, Memorization | Beyond Textbooks Learn to Learn, Learn to Do, Learn to Be |
| Grouped by age | Mixed-age Studio Growth Mindset environment |
| Rows of Desks | Freedom to move around Movement fosters thought, creativity |
| Excessive homework | No homework Forced homework = loss of joy for learning |
| Teacher-Led Lectures | Socratic Questions Fosters critical thinking |
| One-size-fits-all curriculum | Personalized Education Self-Paced Learning |
| Teacher is authority | Learner-Driven Environment Student contracts, Peer-to-Peer Learning |
| Grades, Report Cards | Mastery-Based Learning Individual SMART Goals, Focus on Mastery |
MASTERY-BASED CORE SKILLS
In the Growth Studio, we move beyond "teaching to the test." Learners utilize adaptive technology to master Reading, Grammar, and Math at their own pace. They don't move on until they have truly mastered a concept. This creates a solid foundation of academic confidence and frees up the rest of the day for deep, project-based work.
REAL-WORLD QUESTS
Every 4-6 weeks, the studio embarks on a new "Quest." These are immersive, game-like projects that require learners to solve complex problems. Whether they are becoming chefs, entrepreneurs, or detectives, they are learning 21st-century skills—critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—by actually doing them.
STEM & PROJECT BASED LEARNING
Science isn't learned from a textbook; it is learned through experimentation. Our learners dive into hands-on STEM challenges, from robotics to biology. They work in collaborative teams to test hypotheses, build prototypes, and analyze data. This project-based approach ensures that they don't just memorize facts—they learn how to think like scientists and engineers.
CHARACTER & THE HERO'S JOURNEY
We believe every child is on a Hero's Journey. Through daily "Squad" meetings and reflection, learners practice the habits of honesty, hard work, and kindness. They learn that failure is not a dead end, but a necessary step toward growth. By defining their own moral compass, they prepare to change the world.
SOCRATIC DISCUSSION
Guides at Acton don't lecture; they ask questions. Through daily Socratic discussions, learners explore difficult choices, history, and character. They learn to listen deeply, think clearly, and speak with courage. This practice builds the "Learn to Be" muscles necessary for a life of leadership.
CULTIVATE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS
We explicitly teach and practice the skills needed to plan, focus, and juggle multiple tasks. Learners use tools like daily goal setting, project roadmaps, and self-reflection to build the "brain architecture" required for independence and long-term success.
Inside the Growth Studio
FROM THE BLOG & WHITE PAPERS
Skills for 2030
Read Post →Confidence isn't taught, it's built
Read Post →School for the 21st Century
Read Post →Education in the World of AI
Read Post →Are you ready for a different kind of school?
Come see the Growth Studio in action.