What if children are far more capable than we imagine?

Acton Academy Concord helps K-12th grade students discover and grow their unique strengths.

Tours

Information Sessions

What makes Acton Concord different?

Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.

Collaborating on real-world projects.

Earning points for effort and badges for mastery.

Sharing learning in a tightly bound community.

Using the latest technology to master reading, writing and math.

On a Hero’s Journey, with challenges, adventures, fellow travelers and guides.

The Hero's Journey

We offer a truly different approach to school.

Supported by the latest in technology and cognitive science, we move beyond the traditional tools of lectures, homework, high-stakes tests, and grades. At Acton Academy Concord, our students learn at their own pace and level in all academic areas.

Our flexible approach challenges each student with their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through
real-world projects and experiences.

‍Our learning environment is supported by learning specialists to assist children with learning differences.

Learner-driven communities run by heroes-in-the-making

Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who use 21st Century skills to tackle real world projects, inspired by classic heroes in a tightly bound community with extremely high standards.

Explore the educational contrasts:

Rows of desks and passive listening
Entire class moves at the same pace
Classes divided by age
Grades, report cards, homework, and standardized tests
Limited recess and exercise
School like a factory with a one-size-fits-all approach and little community involvement

Work collaboratively on hands-on projects
Individualized pace to achieve mastery
Mixed ages together
Set personalized goals and track progress
Lots of outdoor activities
School like a journey, setting big goals, traveling with a tribe of supportive peers, and connecting with the community

Our Studios

For ages 5 to 7

Spark Studio

Harness curiosity

Like Maria Montessori, we believe even the youngest child has important work to do, even if the work is imaginary play or working with wood scraps, ladders, and old tires to build a castle.

The Spark Studio is best imagined as a garden where learners embrace Montessori work and Spark Play to learn real-life skills and develop the independence, focus, and kindness needed to enter the Explorer Studio — each prepared to discover a calling that will change the world.

Spark learners:

Grow curiosity through hands-on projects and outdoor adventure "Spark Play".
Explore mindfulness, natural interests, and music, and have a LOT of fun.
Build the foundations of independent learning, reading, writing, communication, and math.

For ages 8-10

Explorer Studio

Accomplish important work and play well with others

An Acton Explorer Studio is like a close-knit neighborhood where learners tackle important work, solve problems, collaborate with peers, and engage in increasingly challenging games.

Elementary aged learners:

Ask great questions.
Have fun and welcome others.
Set and track goals.
Build a solid foundation in math, reading, writing, and Civilization.
Explore, are curious and develop a love of learning through hands-on project-based learning.

For ages 11-13

Discovery Studio

Learn to work hard

Acton Academy Discovery Studio is where young heroes learn to work hard, tackle complex computational challenges; communicate clearly and persuasively and develop the passion and real-world skills needed to make a difference in the world.

Middle School learners:

Master core skills (reading, writing, and math) through the latest technology.
Develop critical thinking and an appreciation for heroes and history through Socratic discussions.
Dive deeply into biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions.
Prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships.

Our Mission

We believe each person who enters our doors deserves to find a calling and change the world.

Learning at Acton Academy Concord

We believe that learning to be, learning to learn, and learning to do are more important than learning to know.

21st Century Learning

The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
Hands-on project based quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
Professional tools for art, engineering, tech and storytelling in place of worksheets and busy work.
Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

Learn to Learn

Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip young heroes to be independent lifelong learners.

Learn to Do

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

Learn to Be

The Hero’s Journey, relational covenants and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.

Measuring Mastery

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.

Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in Servant Leader Badges.
Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four to six week sprint.
Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session.