Discovery Studio

Ages 9 - 12

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.

Discovery Studio (Ages 9–12)

Ignite purpose. Build agency. Do real work.

Learner-Driven

Your Hero’s Journey

Discovery learners don’t wait to be “taught.” They learn to set direction, make choices, and take ownership—because agency is the new smart.

Quests

Real Work, Real Stakes

Big questions become projects worth showing. Learners build, test, revise, and present— so learning sticks because it matters.

Socratic Discussions

Think. Speak. Defend.

Learners practice asking better questions, disagreeing respectfully, and changing their minds when evidence is strong—because clear thinking changes everything.

Executive Function

Plan Like a Pro

Using contracts, goals, and project planning, learners build the skills behind success: focus, time management, organization, and follow-through.

Mastery

Earn It. Keep It.

We focus on mastery—skills you can demonstrate—not grades you can forget. Learners build portfolios that prove growth over time.

Culture

High Standards, Real Kindness

Learners learn to lead peers with encouragement and honesty—because strong communities aren’t controlled; they’re built.

Community

Learn Beyond the Studio

Field trips, guest experts, and real-world problem-solving remind learners that knowledge is everywhere— and they have something to contribute.

“The goal of the educational process is to produce self-directed, life-long learners.”
— Gary Schoeniger

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”
— Sir Ken Robinson

MONTESSORI + REGGIO EMILIA + SOCRATES

LEARN TO LEARN

Socratic Discussions and self-paced core skills challenges equip children to be independent lifelong critical learners.

Waldorf-inspired outdoor education at Acton Academy Columbus

LEARN TO DO

Hands-on Projects for Science, Entrepreneurship and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real world challenges.

Waldorf-Inspired Education: Acton Academy Columbus learners at Blendon Woods Park in Westerville, Ohio

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.”
— Ed Hanko

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

Real-world challenges at Acton Academy (homeschooling alternative)
“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.”
— Bernard Bull

Executive Functioning Skills

  • Learners commit to a Contract of Promises, setting clear expectations and building accountability within the community.

  • Mixed-age teams set goals, check in with one another, and celebrate progress, fostering responsibility and follow-through.

  • Using Agile Project Management, learners break down big challenges into manageable steps, track progress, and adapt along the way.

  • Through real-world projects, they strengthen the executive functioning skills that lead to success in school, work, and life: planning, organization, time management, communication, and collaboration.

“The way kids learn to make good decisions is by making decisions, not following directions.”
— Alfie Kohn

Mastery vs. Grades

badges.jpg

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.

  1. Core skill and character development badges.

  2. Electronic and hard copy portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, video and other creative work.

  3. 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.

Learning from our Community

We believe the community is one of our greatest teachers. Learners regularly:

  • Explore on field trips, visiting farms, businesses, engineering hubs, and nature centers to see real-world learning in action.

  • Welcome guest speakers and heroes into the studio — entrepreneurs, scientists, authors, artists, and local leaders who share their experiences and inspire new possibilities.

  • Build connections between quests and the world, linking what they learn in projects to the people, places, and stories in their own community.

By stepping into the wider world, our learners discover that knowledge is everywhere — and that they, too, have a role to play in making an impact.

“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.”
— Kathleen McClaskey

INSTAGRAM GALLERY

High-agency learners don’t wait to be told what to do. They notice. They choose. They ask questions. They lead. They take responsibility for their learning. You’ll see it in how they explore, collaborate, problem-solve, and follow their
Climbing higher. Trying again. Trusting their body and their thinking. Research shows that regular time in nature supports physical confidence, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. When children climb, balance, explore uneven ground, and tak
The future rewards thinkers, leaders, and self-starters. Our learner-driven environment empowers students who are motivated, resilient, and ready to take responsibility for their education. With freedom comes accountability—and students grow t
Hands-on learning gives learners time to think, try, fail, adjust, and try again. When children work with real materials, ideas become more concrete and start making sense. They remember more because they did more. They build confidence because th
Here’s to a year of curiosity that leads to better questions, courage that invites learners to try new things, and discovery that comes from curiosity and agency! We’re excited for another year of hands-on learning, meaningful challenges
Quest time, and the Eagles are all in. They are deeply invested in making gifts for the residents at The Convalarium. Lists were made to track who has a gift and who still needs one. Letters were written to be read aloud in person. On this day, so
Passion projects this session look a little different. Some learners are making books. Others are deep in drawing and illustration. The focus is not on following a writing process or checking boxes. It is on the desire to create. Learners choose t
Merry Christmas from the Acton Academy Columbus community. 🎄 Grateful for a season filled with joy, connection, and learning together. #MerryChristmas #ColumbusOhio
Cooking Quest in full swing for our Spark Heroes. Their challenge? Create a restaurant from the ground up. That meant writing menus, designing coasters, decorating tablecloths, creating food art, styling jars for table centerpieces, and of course c

Ready to Begin the Journey?

If you’re looking for a school that treats your child as a hero on a unique journey—not a number in a system—we’d love to meet your family.

Explore Next Steps Register for Open House Schedule an Info Call