Academics, Application & Cost
A Day At Acton
A day at Acton Academy Peachtree Corners is creativity within constraints – large blocks of time for work and play with clear but broad guardrails, equipping learners to manage their time and eventually accomplish their goals autonomously. Work is completed through self-paced online platforms and hands-on, team-based challenges called quests.
Our guides function as game makers and provide interesting curriculum as well as launch the challenges and discussions. Guides inspire and ask questions to help deepen the learning but they are not the centralized source for knowledge and authority. In time, our heroes create a learner-driven community that celebrates curiosity and growth of character.
Enrollment for our inaugural year will begin in December 2024. We are currently planning on launching in August 2025 with learners ages five to twelve years old. The goals for these learners will be to:
1 – Ask great questions
2 – Have fun, be a good friend, and welcome others
3 – Enjoy reading books, playing math games, and creating, telling, or writing stories
4 – Explore, be curious, and develop a love of learning through hands-on projects and adventures
5 – Begin to set and track goals
The learning design for our hybrid school pulls from many educational philosophies. Similar to Montessori, we provide a blended-ages environment and believe in following the lead of the child, encouraging self-paced learning, and preparing the space so children can learn to be independent. From Waldorf, we celebrate and encourage creativity and imaginative play. An emphasis is placed on bringing subjects, such as history and science, to life through intriguing stories, hands-on projects, and games. The Reggio Emilia approach knows children are far more capable than we have ever imagined, they are full of potential, and their learning in not one size fits all – we agree! In our Exploration Studio, a love of learning is fostered through open-ended and individualized exploration, character is developed through collaborative project-based learning or play, failure is anticipated, agency is built, a community is created, and confidence grows.
Learning
Design
At Acton Academy, we believe that learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be are far more important than the emphasis placed on learning to know. The experience and achievement of excellent work is better than any grade on a test.
Learn to Learn
Self-paced mastery of core skills, such as mathematics and writing, equip our heroes to be independent, lifelong learners. Children are practicing personal responsibility and are rarely bored or overwhelmed because they are leading their learning.
Learn to Do
Hands-on collaborative quests help children to master the skills needed to solve real world problems. Teamwork is learned and subjects such as history and science are explored although the children are simply playing games and going on adventures.
Learn to Be
Deep Socratic discussions hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write, and speak. Character is built as difficult questions are asked and virtuous habits formed. We are reminded often that we are all on a Hero's Journey.
Ready to Apply?
Step 1:
Complete your research to learn more about our approach and decide if your child and family would thrive in our learner-driven hybrid school. Please visit our “About” page and read through our FAQs and then choose four or more resources to watch or read about Acton Academy’s approach to learning (found in the last section of our “About” page). Bring your child(ren) into the conversation. Show them some of the videos and see if this model interests and excites them.
Step 2:
Please complete our parent questionnaire to provide us with information about your child’s educational history, future goals, and your family’s interest in Acton Academy Peachtree Corners. Within 1-3 business days we will be in touch to schedule an interview.
During our phone or in-person interview we will:
- Learn more about your family’s interest and goals
- Discuss your questionnaire responses and research
- Answer any questions or concerns
- Determine if our community is a good fit for your family
Step 3:
Following the interview, if we believe our hybrid school will be a good fit for your family an invitation, enrollment forms, and handbook will be provided. If you accept then your family will join us on this educational adventure!
What is the cost?
Our hybrid school is in session from mid-August through late-May. We are opened three days per week – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM. We have six sessions that are on average six weeks long, followed by a week break. Yearly tuition is as follows:
Wednesday, science adventure and practical skills – $2600
Tuesday and Thursday, foundational skills and nature free play – $5200
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – $7800
Tuition can be paid in full, with a 5% courtesy or paid in 10 equal payments from August through May, due the fifth of each month. In addition, a $200 (for one child) or $300 (per family) materials fee will be due upon acceptance. Payments can be made via check or ACH. A sibling courtesy of 10% off each additional child’s tuition is given to families with multiple learners at Acton Academy Peachtree Corners.
Enrollment for 2025 opens in December! Want to learn more? Enter your email & we will be in touch soon!
