Raise a Hero.

Change the World.

A learner-driven school in Johnson City for families who want their children to love learning, embrace hard things, build character and grit, and discover their calling to change the world.

Ages 3–14 · Accredited by Middle States Association · Tennessee EFS-eligible

A short, honest guide to help you choose the right education for your child.

Not Just a School

A Launchpad for Lifelong Success

Discover a revolutionary learner-driven model that awakens curiosity, builds grit, and helps Young People fall in love with learning again.

A short, honest guide to help you choose the right education for your child.

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What If School Didn’t Just “Work” But Inspired?

This guide will help you see what’s possible and why your instincts have been right all along.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • Why your child wasn’t born to fit into someone else’s mold, and how a different learning model can help them discover who they're meant to become.

  • Why education systems based around uniformity, centralized curriculum, age-based grouping, and the pressure to conform may be slowly killing your child's love of learning, and what to do instead so your child can flourish.

  • Why today's world needs problem-solvers, creators, communicators, and entrepreneurs (Because your child isn’t meant to follow a one-size-fits-all path).

  • A quick self-assessment to determine if your child's school is working for them, with a clear comparison of educational models — traditional, private, homeschool, and learner-driven.

  • How to choose the right school that unlocks your child’s purpose, not just their GPA.

Download

the Free Parent Guide

And take the first step towards igniting a love of learning in your child.

Acton Isn't for Every Family.

It Might Be Perfect for Yours.

At Acton, children set their own goals, manage their own time, and face real challenges. We equip them to solve problems rather than rescuing them from struggle. That takes courage from learners—and trust from parents. Here’s how to know if Acton is a good match for your family.

Acton is a great fit if you…

  • You'd rather raise a child who asks “How can I figure this out?” than “Will this be on the test?”

  • You believe your child is capable of far more than anyone has asked of them yet.

  • You want your child to discover work, ideas, and challenges that make them light up with curiosity and excitement.

  • You'd rather see your child attempt something bold and stumble than coast through something easy.

  • You're ready to trust your child with real choices—and watch them grow into the person those choices shape.

  • You can still trust the journey on the mornings when your child doesn't want to go.

Acton is probably not the right fit if you…

  • Want traditional homework, grades, and teacher-led lessons.

  • Expect an adult to step in quickly whenever your child is frustrated or struggling.

  • Are mainly looking for a traditional school experience with smaller classes.

  • Need your child to enjoy school every day in order to feel confident that the learning environment is working.

  • Are uncomfortable allowing your child to experience failure, conflict, or natural consequences before stepping in to solve the problem.

  • Want adults, rather than learners, to carry most of the responsibility for goals, time management, and motivation.

If the first list sounds like your family, we'd love to meet you.

What If School Felt Like a Place Where Your Child Was Truly Seen?

At Acton Academy Johnson City, education goes beyond worksheets and test scores. It’s about awakening purpose, unlocking potential, and guiding each child to discover who they are meant to become.

What Happens When Children Take Ownership of Their Learning?

You don’t need a brochure. You need to see it.

We could talk about independence, grit, or purpose.


But nothing compares to watching a child light up with confidence because they own their journey.


These videos aren’t scripted or polished—they’re real moments from real learners discovering who they’re meant to become.

  • Children launching real businesses before middle school

  • Learners leading exhibitions and presenting with poise

  • Goal-setting, peer accountability, and learning through discovery not lectures

  • A deep sense of purpose, courage, and self-direction

What They Love About Acton

Real Life Skills

I Didn't Do My Homework

Our Mission:

Our mission is to inspire each person who enters our doors to find a calling that will change the world.

Our Beliefs:

  • We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.

  • We believe in learning to learn, learning to do and learning to be.

  • We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.

  • We believe in economic, political and religious freedom.

Our Promises:

We promise, through Socratic guiding and experiential learning, to encourage your child to:

  • Begin a Hero's Journey;

  • Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner;

  • Develop a deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms;

  • Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on earth; and

  • Discover their most precious gifts and learn to use them to serve others.

Our Educational Philosophy:

We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character and character determines destiny.

Our Economic Model:

We believe self-directed, peer-to-peer learner-driven communities built by our young Heroes will deliver transformational learning at a cost all parents can afford.

The Philosophy Behind the Freedom

Self-paced learning. No TCAPS. No homework. No busywork.

It might sound radical—but every part of the Acton Academy Johnson City model is designed with purpose.

Want to see what makes Acton Academy Johnson City so different?

Discover how structure, freedom, and learning through discovery come together to create a truly transformative learning experience.

How is Acton Academy Johnson City affiliated with Acton Academy?

Acton Academy Johnson City is part of the network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.

What grades do you offer?

We currently offer:

  • Spark 3 to 6-year-olds

  • Discovery 7 to 11-Year-Old Learners

  • Adventure 11 to 14-Year-Old Learners

  • Launchpad Launching 2027/2028

Do you accept 3 and 4-year-olds?

Yes. We are fully accredited from preschool through 8th grade by Middle States Association and the state of TN.

Do you offer a childcare program?

No. AAJC does not operate a childcare program. We have a Preschool program accredited by the Middle States Association, starting at age 3, part-time or full-time.

Do you offer a full or part-time Homeschool program?

Please contact Acton Academy Johnson City directly for information about part-time or co-op type homeschool programs.

Where is your school located?

Our Campus is located at 1201 E. Unaka Ave Johnson City TN, 37601.

What is your tuition?

Tuition & Financial Information (2026–2027)

We believe each learner deserves an education that fits who they are becoming.

At Acton Academy Johnson City, tuition is more than a payment—it is an investment in your child’s independence, confidence, and future.


Full-Time Enrollment (Ages 3–14)

$873 per month (11-month year)
$9,603 annually

  • Monday–Friday
  • Includes Spark, Discovery, and Adventure Studios

Part-Time Enrollment (Ages 3–8)

$488 per month
$5,368 annually

  • Choose: Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
  • Available for Spark and younger Elementary learners

Enrollment & Supply Fee

  • Full-Time: $500
  • Part-Time: $250

Includes:

  • School-issued Chromebook
  • Learning platforms and subscriptions
  • School Supplies for hands-on Quests and studio work

Scholarships & Financial Support

We are committed to expanding access to Acton for families who are ready for a learner-driven environment.

  • Need-based scholarships may be available
  • Our Skills Exchange Program allows families to contribute to the school in meaningful ways
  • Additional scholarships are provided through Helping Acton Heroes, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner

Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS)

Acton Academy Johnson City is accredited by Middle States Association and qualifies as a Category III school for Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarships. EFS is available for learners entering kindergarten and up. Families apply directly through the Tennessee Department of Education.


Payment Notes

  • Tuition is spread over 11 months (no June payment)
  • Payments made by card or third-party services may incur processing fees (typically ~3%)

Tuition & Enrollment FAQ

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Tuition is divided into 11 equal monthly payments, making it predictable and manageable for families.


Are there any additional fees?

There is an annual Enrollment & Supply Fee, which includes:

  • a school-issued Chromebook
  • learning platforms
  • and supplies for hands-on Quests

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. We offer limited need-based scholarships for families who are a strong fit for Acton.

We also offer a Skills Exchange Program that lets families contribute to the school in meaningful ways.


What if we can’t afford full tuition?

We encourage you to apply.

Many families combine:

  • scholarships
  • Skills Exchange
  • and EFS funding

We are committed to helping families find a path when Acton is the right fit.


Is Acton worth the investment?

Acton is designed to help learners:

  • take ownership of their education
  • build real-world skills
  • and discover a calling

For many families, this is not just tuition—it is a long-term investment in their child’s future.


When should we apply?

As early as possible.

Spaces are limited, and applying early gives your family the best opportunity to:

  • secure a spot
  • access scholarships
  • and prepare for EFS

Next Steps

If you believe your family may be a good fit for Acton, we encourage you to apply early.

Spaces are limited and fill quickly.

👉 Apply Now to Begin the Process

Can my child use the Education Scholarship Funds from the State of Tennessee at Acton Academy Johnson City?

Yes. We are accredited through the Middle States Association. This makes us a Category 3 school in Tennessee, qualifying for EFS funds. Please apply directly to the State of Tennessee: Department of Education, to receive those scholarships for your family.

For the academic year 2027-2028, the application date for "renewals" will be in December. The "new application" date is January. The scholarships are first-come, first-served, so be ready at the first moment they open. Check our Facebook page for our ESF Parent Workshop to help you get ready.

These scholarships are for children entering Kindergarten through 12th grade in the fall of 2027.

What standardized testing to you do? Is it true you don't do TCAPS?

Yes, it is true. We are not required to do TCAP testing. We use the Iowa standardized test or MAP tests, but not for grading. We simply use it to compare a learner to themselves. We report the results to parents.

May I visit campus or get a tour?

In order to protect the learning environment of our current learners, we do not offer tours during school hours, but we do schedule Parent Info Sessions and campus tours as part of an audition process. Please click apply now in the top menu bar to start the audition process.

Is Acton Academy a Montessori School?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and the Socratic Method for discussions.

How long is Acton Academy in session each year?

We operate on an eleven month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.

Is Acton Academy Johnson City a religious school?

Acton Academy Johnson City is not a religious school.

We welcome families of all backgrounds—believers, searchers, and non-believers alike.

We recognize that questions about meaning, purpose, and belief are an important part of a young person’s development. Learners are free to express their beliefs respectfully, and personal practices such as prayer or scripture study are welcome.

At the same time, we believe that parents hold the primary responsibility for teaching their children matters of faith and belief.

When questions about religion or spirituality arise at school, our guides do not provide answers or instruction. Instead, they encourage learners to bring those questions home, often saying:

“That’s a great question—I bet your parents would love to talk with you about that.”

Our role is not to teach what to believe, but to support each learner in thinking deeply, asking meaningful questions, and engaging respectfully with others.

We also acknowledge the historical influence of religion—particularly Christianity—on Western civilization as part of a broader understanding of history and culture.

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, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.

What do you mean by Hero's Journey?

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

What is an "independent learner"?

Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.

Will children be grouped into 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.

Does Acton Academy Johnson City serve special needs children?

Acton Academy Johnson City is not a special education program and is not equipped to serve learners with significant or intensive learning needs.

However, we have successfully supported many learners with mild learning differences, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, who are able to engage in a learner-driven environment.

Because we do not provide specialized services, families are responsible for arranging any outside support their child may need.


We have found that in a learner-driven environment—where learners take ownership, work at their own pace, and are encouraged to persist through challenges—many learners grow in confidence and capability in ways they did not experience in traditional settings.

While we do not diagnose or treat learning differences, learners who:

  • believe they are capable
  • are willing to try
  • and are ready to take ownership of their learning

often thrive in the Acton model.

What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?

We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.

Why do you focus on teaching the "American experiment"?

We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.

What is your policy on public displays of affection (PDA) and romantic relationships?

We want Acton to be a place where every learner can build strong friendships with everyone in the studio. For that reason, we ask that romantic relationships, like "boyfriends" and "girlfriends," stay outside of school, and we don't allow public displays of affection such as kissing or hand-holding. We also ask learners not to tease one another about "liking" someone.

Our studios follow a simple rule: we don't touch others without their permission. Brief hugs are fine when both people agree, and so is contact that's part of an agreed-upon game, like tag, basketball, or flag football.

We believe childhood is the time to learn how to be a good friend to many people, and that exclusive relationships are best saved for when young people are older and ready for them. Full details are in our Family Handbook.

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