The Hero’s Journey begins in a whole new world…
In our one-room schoolhouse model, we have four studios of mixed-age learners who mentor and coach each other.
The Socratic guides in each studio model leadership and support them through the valleys and mountains of their adventure with thought-provoking questions and real-world choices with relevant consequences and gamified learning in the prepared environment. As soon as possible, leadership is handed off to them. Is it messy? YES!
And it is enriching.
-
Spark Studio: Learning to Be
Ages 4-7 Open and Accepting Applications
Starting with the preschool-age heroes, this Montessori-based studio incorporates student-led learning in a prepared environment. Guides spark curiosity through questions and inspiring launches. The heroes discuss real-world problems that are important to them and manage the environment, learning systems, and interpersonal government.
Most importantly, they learn character. Reflective listening, the peace table, conflict resolution, kindness, respect for self and others, and other social skills are the foundation for a joyful life and the foundation of Learning to Be Acton Academy Johnson City.
-
Discovery Studio: Learning to Learn
Ages 7-11 Open and accepting applications
Do you have a growth mindset? Or were you born with your gifts and talents? At Acton Academy, we have found that genius is in fact, NOT inherited. Nor is it IQ-based. Genius is determined by two main factors: a growth mindset and a passion for learning. These things are the focus of the Discovery Studio.
Heroes learn the power of YET - they have not learned it - yet. Like various types of rubber bands, a brain may have varying elasticity in each area, which changes with use. New science shows that working in an area where you are making mistakes stimulates your brain to make new and faster neural connections, which literally makes you smarter.
This means children need to be comfortable making mistakes, recovering from failures, and NEVER be shamed for them. Mistakes are where we learn the MOST.
Hereos in our Discovery studio are learning to learn through the science of a growth mindset.
Oh, and hands-on quests, gamified learning, and all that cool stuff you have already read a bunch of times already.
-
Adventure Studio: Learning to Do
Ages 11-14 - Enrolling now
As they continue refining reading, math, and other core skills, the Middle School studio starts adventures into apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and hands-on quests and adventures.
The rigor of middle school in a student-let environment is a proving ground that prepares learners for real life. Stakes get higher. Boundaries are more clearly drawn as heroes mature, and freedom is paired with responsibility.
Acton heroes learn to lead and to work as a team, supporting each other in a close-knit circle of collaborative learning. Learning to Do in the real world is the focus of this studio.
-
LaunchPad: Putting it all together
Ages 14-18 (Launching with the growing heroes)
The High School studio is LaunchPad. At Acton Academy Johnson City, we inspire heroes to find their calling to change the world. And in LaunchPad, this is where the rubber meets the road. Which path will they take? How will they pull their Learning to Be, Learning to Learn, and Learning to Do together for their next great adventure on their Hero’s Journey?
While still refining core skills in Literature, Math, Sciences, and the arts, Our LaunchPadders learn to see a genuine need in the world that fits their passions. They focus on finding internships and apprenticeships that match their passions. Sometimes, they find out it isn’t a good fit. Eventually, they find a world-changing, purposeful career path.
Our unique learning community can pair our learners with experts around the globe to mentor and guide them through the next steps in launching their Next Great Adventure - whether it is college, a business, or a full-time apprenticeship.
With their transcript of portfolio work and mastery learning in every subject, our heroes can pursue any path they choose.