A new session – Astronomy. The Heroes are so excited to study our galaxy, exploring the planets, the stars, and so much more! ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
April 20, 2026•1 min read

The Heroes were focused and intent on preparing for Exhibition this week. Emphasis on focused. I saw, firsthand, that when these Heroes want to accomplish something, all I had to do was get out of the... ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
April 13, 2026•1 min read

Heroes explored physics by building creative marble runs, learning about chain reactions, and earning rewards through a new memory game. ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
April 04, 2026•1 min read

This week, students explored Leonardo da Vinci’s inventive ideas by building bridges and towers, learning the value of adaptation and resilience. Through hands-on challenges and thoughtful discussions... ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
March 25, 2026•1 min read

After losing four days of Quest to snow, the studio jumped back in with startup-level energy as they prepare to Exhibition. Imspired by the Ferris Wheel at the World's Columbian Exposition, Me & the B... ...more
Sparks Blog
February 15, 2026•2 min read
This week the Upper Elementary Studio focused on adapting to change. Despite a snow day, the Heroes stayed flexible, continued learning, and made progress toward the Grand Lemon Bazaar and Exhibition ... ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
February 05, 2026•1 min read

A week of pivots, perseverance, and cookies! Heroes adapted, stayed diligent, and learned why details matter--proving progress happens anywhere. ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
January 26, 2026•1 min read

The Grand Lemon Bazaar is underway! Heroes settled into a new space, built connections, and began turning creative ideas into action. ...more
Discovery (Lower ES Studio)
January 11, 2026•1 min read

With a new beginning comes growth--heroes are embracing civility, responsibility, and empathy, creating a more peaceful and productive studio. ...more
Discovery (Upper ES Studio)
January 11, 2026•1 min read

Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms.
Mentor teams encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable.
The latest in educational tools and technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
It’s not a brochure. It’s a perspective-shifting tool that helps you ask better questions about your child, your values, and what kind of education truly prepares them for the future.
You'll also get helpful insights via email to support your journey, no pressure, just clarity.

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.
We currently offer:
Spark OR Homeschool Enrichment Studio 4-5 year old Part-time Homeschool Enrichment Studio, OR 5 - 7 Year Old Full-time Spark Studio
Discovery 7 - 11 Year Old Learners
Adventure 11 - 14 Year Old Learners
Launchpad Launching 2027
Yes. We are fully accredited from preschool through 8th grade by Middle States Association.
No. AAJC does not operate a childcare program. We have a Preschool program accredited by Middle States Association starting at age 4.
Please contact Acton Academy Johnson City directly for information about part-time or co-op type homeschool programs.
Our Campus is located at 1201 E. Unaka Ave Johnson City TN, 37601.
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.
$873 per month (11-month year)
$9,603 annually
$488 per month
$5,368 annually
Includes:
We are committed to expanding access to Acton for families who are ready for a learner-driven environment.
Beginning in Summer 2026, Acton Academy Johnson City plans to participate in the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship program.
These scholarships are expected to cover a significant portion of tuition for eligible families.
We are also in the process of becoming an approved IEA school in Tennessee.
Yes. Tuition is divided into 11 equal monthly payments, making it predictable and manageable for families.
There is an annual Enrollment & Supply Fee, which includes:
Yes. We offer limited need-based scholarships for families who are a strong fit for Acton.
We also offer a Skills Exchange Program, allowing families to contribute to the school in meaningful ways.
We plan to participate in the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program beginning in Summer 2026.
We will guide families through the process as details are finalized.
We encourage you to apply.
Many families combine:
We are committed to helping families find a path when Acton is the right fit.
Acton is designed to help learners:
For many families, this is not just tuition—it is a long-term investment in their child’s future.
As early as possible.
Spaces are limited, and applying early gives your family the best opportunity to:
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
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 2026-2027, the application date for "renewals" is Dec. 9th, 2025. The "new application" date is Jan. 13, 2026. The deadline is Jan. 30th, but 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 2026.
Yes, it is true. We are not required to do TCAP testing. We use the Iowa standardized test, but not for a grade. We simply use it to compare a learner to themselves. We report the results to parents.
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.
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.
We operate on an eleven month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.
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 religious 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.
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.
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.
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.
Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.
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.
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:
often thrive in the Acton model.
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.
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.
We discourage "boyfriends" and "girlfriends" of any gender at Acton Academy Johnson City and do not allow for public displays of affection - kissing and hand-holding, etc, or teasing about liking each other, etc. Brief hugs are acceptable if they have permission from the other person. Our "no touching" policy means we don't touch others without permission, or it is an agreed-upon appropriate game, like basketball, tag, or flag football.
Guiding Beliefs
We believe that when individuals are not old enough to be married, it is not healthy to enter into exclusive romantic relationships. Many studies support this as well. Early pairing off discourages the healthy relationships with all boys and girls that they should be learning to maintain. It also causes premature emotional trauma when relationships cannot be sustained and breakups occur. Trauma is not healthy at any time in life, but it is especially damaging in childhood. The time for exclusive pairing is when they are old enough to support an independent relationship. This will vary for all children, but regardless, Acton Academy will expect all romantic relationships to happen away from school at every age, lol! (I hope you can appreciate the humor here!)
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