What makes Acton Academy unique?

Focus on discovering a calling, Hero’s journey, 21st-century learning, Multi-age classes, Self-paced, mastery-based learning, Project-based learning, real-world apprenticeships, Blended learning, Learner driven, Deep respect for the child, Learner self-governance, No homework, Guides rather than teachers, Socratic discussions rather than lectures, Portfolios rather than grades, Micro-school format.

Is Acton a Montessori school?

Our Acton is inspired by Montessori and we like to think of the Acton method as Montessori Plus+. In our youngest studio, Spark Studio (ages 5 to 7) we provide a Montessori-esque environment and set the foundation for the Acton method and culture. Our Discovery Studio (ages 8-12) incorporates many Montessori materials and principles—such as mixed-age classes, freedom within limits, large blocks of uninterrupted work time, learning through “discovery,” and freedom of movement—and combines them with the best 21st-century learning tools, real-world projects, and the Socratic method, which emphasizes asking and answering questions to cultivate critical thinking.

What do you mean by “hero’s journey”?

Acton has found the “hero’s journey” to be a powerful metaphor for children to think about their educational adventure. It is a lifelong orientation toward themselves and the world, a way of discovering their unique gifts, talents, and passions and then developing the habits of mind, character, and behavior that allow them to chase down their dreams with energy and joy. Who am I and where am I going? What makes me special? What gifts do I have? How can I use these gifts to do something great, even change the world? Every journey has twists and turns and requires hard work, even heroic effort, to overcome challenges along the way. Our mission is to help your child discover his or her own unique path. The hero’s journey begins in the Spark Studio, as children as young as 5 years old are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions, and discover what excites them.

What grades do you offer? 

Acton does not have specific grades but mixed-age studios. Currently, we have a studio of 5-11-year-olds and will be expanding to accommodate additional ages based on the need. 

Will children be grouped by grades? 

We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups. 

What is the Socratic method and why does Acton use it?

In the Socratic method, a Guide sets up scenarios and asks questions to stimulate critical thinking and independent learning. Acton uses the Socratic method rather than lectures because, through discussions and actively making arguments to support their beliefs, learners hone their critical thinking and speaking abilities and gain a better understanding of a topic than by passively taking notes during a lecture. Outside of discussions, Guides employ the Socratic method with learners throughout the day to build and reinforce independent learners who can answer their own questions.

How much homework is there?

We believe that children need time to play, relax, and be with family and friends. Homework is NOT assigned.

What resources do you have for special learning needs?

We take our commitment seriously when we promise to deliver a transformative education experience for young people at Acton Academy West End. Since we are a small school, we make sure that we have the resources necessary to keep this promise for each family that joins us. Currently, we have limited resources to assist young people who experience mild ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and mild neurodivergent diagnoses. We are not currently equipped to serve young people with other specific learning needs. Any child who needs significant 1-on-1 adult help or attention, would not be a good fit because it works against the whole effort to “get adults out of the equation as much as possible” to be learner-driven.

Is Acton a year-round school?

Acton Academy is in session for 10 months each year, with time off for holidays and winter and spring breaks. Please refer to our Admissions page for more information.

Is Acton accredited?

Yes! Acton Academy Greenville is officially accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.

Is Acton a franchise?

Acton Academy Greenville is an independent affiliate of the network of over 300+ Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that Jeff and Laura Sandefer helped create at the original Acton Academy campus over a decade ago. It has been perfected over the years and is continually updated to raise our own standards of excellence.

How do students progress at Acton compared to traditional public schools? 

Acton Academy students progress an average of 2.5x grade levels every 9 months and generally are 3 grade levels beyond traditional schools because of the self-directed nature. This is not guaranteed but a national average based on the learner-driven model. 

Who was Lord Acton?

Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At Acton Academy Greenville, we celebrate his defense of economic, political, and religious freedom.

How do you utilize technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time? 

At Acton Academy West End we believe in the power of balance. Using the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar in about 90 minutes each day, while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.

How do I know it’s the right fit for us?

Each family is unique, though there are some similarities we’ve seen between the families who are happiest and most successful in this model. We encourage families to be intentional about their decision to apply! Please read “Courage to Grow” by Laura Sandefer, and reach out to us to schedule a time to meet.

Where are you located? 

Acton Academy Greenville is located in Greenville, SC on Woodruff Rd only a few minutes off 385.  Please email us for additional details about the location.