Discovery Studio
Ages 9 - 11
Ignite a lifelong passion for learning
In the Discovery Studio, learners tackle challenging Quests, honing critical thinking, self-management, and collaboration skills. Through collaborative projects, Socratic discussions, and real-world applications, they begin to explore their personal interests and passions.
This phase emphasizes the development of personal responsibility and a sense of purpose, setting the foundation for success in Middle School and beyond.
“The goal of the educational process is to produce self-directed, life-long learners.”
How is Acton Academy different?
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 |
“If you can light the spark of curiosity in children, they will learn without any further assistance”
HOW TO GET STARTED
MONTESSORI + REGGIO EMILIA + SOCRATES
LEARN TO LEARN
Socratic Discussions and self-paced core skills challenges equip children to be independent lifelong critical learners.
LEARN TO DO
Hands-on Projects for Science, Entrepreneurship and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real world challenges.
LEARN TO BE
Learners discuss and celebrate character traits—such as hard work, growth mindset, integrity, persistence, kindness, and gratitude.
“The power of self-driven education & real world work stick harder than a scantron.”
Real Life Skills for a 21st Century Education
PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
Deep Socratic discussions hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
Hands-on project based Projects to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
Focus on the 4 Cs: Communication skills, Collaboration, Critical thinking, and Creativity
“I’ve visited and studied hundreds of innovative models of schooling over the past decade, and Acton continues to be one of the most promising models…. Acton is a truly inspiring and exceptional school.”
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS
Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing community norms.
Teams encourage younger / older students to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable.
Teams use Agile Project Management to break down tasks to complete larger projects
Executive Functioning Skills include time management, teamwork, collaboration, communication, delegation, design, organization, and planning to bring together a project to completion.
“The way kids learn to make good decisions is by making decisions, not following directions.”
MASTERY vs. GRADES
Learners work at their own pace to achieve mastery in the core skills of reading, grammar, and math rather than to earn grades or pass tests. This personalized approach to learning allows them to zoom past topics they quickly grasp and to be more deliberate in other topics.
Core skill and character development badges.
Electronic and hard copy portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, video and other creative work.
Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers or the public for a real world test.
“Personalized learning is not what is done to the learner or about tailoring the learning. It is about helping each learner to identify and develop the skills they need to support and enhance their own learning so that agency and self-advocacy can be realized.”
INSTAGRAM GALLERY
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“The primary goal of real education is not to deliver facts but to guide students to the truths that will allow them to take responsibility for their lives.”