In the vibrant educational landscape of Lincoln, Nebraska, families seeking innovative and personalized high school options often turn to Focus High School Programs. These specialized programs, offered through partnerships like those with Lincoln Public Schools, emphasize experiential learning, career exploration, and hands-on opportunities tailored to students' passions. From science-focused initiatives at the Zoo School to health sciences collaborations with Bryan College of Health Sciences, Focus High School Programs provide a customized path that goes beyond traditional classrooms.

At Acton Academy Lincoln, we're proud to offer our Launchpad High School Experience as a standout Focus High School Program designed for learners aged 15-18. As Lincoln's fastest-growing private school, Acton blends Montessori-inspired principles with real-world preparation, creating an environment where students become leaders, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners. If you're searching for a Focus High School Program in Lincoln, NE, that prioritizes independence, skill mastery, and adventure, Launchpad might just be the perfect fit for your family.

Unlike conventional high schools, Launchpad at Acton Academy Lincoln operates as a learner-driven community. Here, students aren't passive recipients of information—they're active participants in their education. This aligns perfectly with the core ethos of Focus High School Programs, which focus on connecting academic pursuits with real-life applications.

• Real-World Projects and Apprenticeships: In Launchpad, high schoolers dive into hands-on projects that mirror professional challenges. Whether it's launching a micro-business, apprenticing with local leaders, or tackling community issues, students gain practical skills in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and collaboration. This experiential approach prepares them not just for college, but for the "adventure of a lifetime," as we like to say.
• Personalized Learning Pathways: Every student in our Focus High School Program crafts their own journey. With guidance from mentors (we call them Guides), learners set goals, track progress, and reflect on their growth. This customization ensures that whether your teen is passionate about technology, the arts, or social impact, their education is tailored to fuel that fire—much like the specialized tracks in other Lincoln Focus High School Programs, but with even greater flexibility.
• Preparation for College and Beyond: Graduates from Acton Academy Lincoln's Launchpad often pursue top universities, but our focus extends further. We emphasize servant leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making. As one of our recent heroes shared, "Acton taught me to serve others while chasing my dreams." In fact, our program has been recognized for producing well-rounded individuals ready for global challenges, echoing the career-readiness emphasis in Lincoln's public Focus High School Programs.

Lincoln families have access to a variety of alternative high school options, including public Focus High School Programs like Bay High (centered on digital media and marketing) or the Science Focus Program (with its immersive zoo-based learning). What sets Acton Academy Lincoln apart is our private, faith-neutral setting that combines the best of Montessori methods with 21st-century innovation. We're not just a school—we're a nurturing campus where physical activity, technology, and entrepreneurship intersect to foster holistic development.
Parents often ask: "Will an Acton diploma open doors to prestigious colleges like Harvard or Stanford?" The answer is a resounding yes. Our Launchpad alumni have successfully transitioned to higher education and meaningful careers, armed with portfolios of real achievements rather than just transcripts.

Join the Acton Community Today
If you're exploring Focus High School Programs in Lincoln, NE, we invite you to visit Acton Academy Lincoln and experience Launchpad firsthand. Schedule a tour of our campus, meet our Guides, and see how we're transforming education one hero at a time.

For more details, head to our Launchpad page - Let's launch your student's future together!

If you're a Lincoln, Nebraska parent searching "why does my middle schooler hate school," "my high school teenager doesn't see the point of school," or "teenager hates school Lincoln NE," you're far from alone. Many middle and high schoolers dread the daily grind—endless lectures, piles of irrelevant homework, social drama, and pressure that leads to burnout. Traditional public and private schools often leave teens disengaged, questioning "what's the point?" But at Acton Academy Lincoln, a top-rated Montessori-inspired private school for middle and high schoolers (ages 11-18), we're changing that narrative entirely. Located at 8400 Cody Drive in Lincoln, our learner-driven Launchpad program for high school and dynamic middle school studios turn "I hate school" into "I can't wait for the next quest." With real-world apprenticeships, Socratic discussions, no traditional homework, and a focus on finding a calling, Acton helps teens thrive as heroes on their own journey.
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Traditional middle and high schools stick to an outdated factory model from the 1800s: bells, desks in rows, teacher-led lectures, and grades that reward compliance over curiosity. The result? Widespread school burnout in teenagers and frustration for families. Acton Academy Lincoln shatters these stereotypes with a 21st-century approach rooted in self-paced learning, hands-on projects, and real-life preparation.

Common Reasons Lincoln Middle & High Schoolers Hate School—and How Acton Fixes Them - From conversations with Lincoln families, these are the top culprits behind "my teenager hates school":

• Irrelevance and Boredom: Traditional classes feel pointless. At Acton, quests connect to passions—like coding apps or running mock businesses—making learning addictive.
• Overwhelming Pressure: Homework wars and test anxiety spike burnout. We ditch homework entirely; mastery happens collaboratively in-studio.
• Social Struggles: Bullying or fitting in dominates. Our covenant-based studios teach conflict resolution and empathy, creating a bully-free zone.
• Lack of Autonomy: Teens crave independence but get micromanaged. Middle schoolers set goals; high schoolers lead studios and seek apprenticeships.
• Undiagnosed Challenges: Anxiety or learning differences go unnoticed. Guides personalize paths with compassion, integrating mental health tools.

Parents rave: "Acton has inspired our child to be more capable and inspired to learn." Another says, "No comparison to the growth we've seen—our kids love it!" With 25+ 5-star Google reviews, we're Lincoln's top-rated private school for a reason.

Reigniting Passion: Tips for Parents of Middle & High Schoolers Who Hate School

• Listen Without Judgment: Ask, "What feels pointless?" Then tour Acton Academy Lincoln—see the energy firsthand.
• Link to Real Life: Show how skills fuel dreams. At Acton, high schoolers pitch to pros; middle schoolers test ideas in apprenticeships.
• Prioritize Balance: Encourage downtime. Our no-homework policy frees evenings for family, hobbies, or side hustles.
• Seek the Right Fit: If traditional schools fail, explore alternatives like Acton. Schedule a visit at actonacademylincoln.com or call (402) 858-5151.

​As high school approaches, parents in Lincoln, Nebraska, face a critical decision: stick with the conventional system of rote learning and constant pressure, or choose a proven path that equips teens to launch successful careers and lives? Acton Academy Lincoln offers a premier entrepreneurial private high school in Lincoln, Nebraska, designed specifically for teens aged 15-18. Our Launchpad program delivers real-world readiness, total autonomy, and purpose-driven learning through project-based education and hands-on apprenticeships—preparing graduates not just for college, but to lead, innovate, and thrive as entrepreneurs.

At Acton Academy Lincoln’s high school studio, learning looks like the real world—because it is the real world. Teens secure actual apprenticeships with local businesses, launch their own ventures, and tackle complex, self-directed projects that build entrepreneurial mindsets and marketable skills. Instead of sitting through lectures, students drive their education with the support of expert guides who coach rather than control.
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This learner-driven approach gives teens the freedom to pursue passions in STEM, business, arts, technology, or any field that excites them. They develop sustainable solutions, create revenue-generating startups, negotiate with real clients, and present to authentic audiences. Our no-homework policy means evenings are free for family, rest, and personal pursuits—while deep, project-based learning replaces test prep and busywork. Outdoor challenges and community involvement keep everything dynamic, building the resilience and adaptability today’s fast-changing world demands.

High school at Acton Academy Lincoln is a true launchpad for leadership and entrepreneurship. Teens step into real responsibilities: managing studio operations, mentoring younger students, pitching ideas to panels, and running their own businesses. The Hero’s Journey framework guides each student through personal and professional quests, sharpening self-awareness, goal-setting, and the grit needed to turn ideas into impact.
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What sets Acton apart are the relationships. Alumni consistently say the deep, authentic friendships formed here far surpass typical high school connections. In this tight-knit community, teens support each other through wins and setbacks, creating a professional and personal network that lasts long after graduation.

If you’re looking for a high school in Lincoln, Nebraska that prioritizes independence, innovation, and real-world entrepreneurial success, Acton Academy Lincoln is unmatched. Families choose us to escape the burnout, disengagement, and irrelevance of traditional education. Limited spots mean our program fills quickly with teens ready to take ownership of their future.

Don’t miss out—request your FREE info kit or book a tour today to experience our entrepreneurial private high school in Lincoln, Nebraska. See firsthand how we equip young leaders to rise, innovate, and make their mark. Enroll now and watch your teen launch into an extraordinary future!

In Lincoln, Nebraska, parents are seeking alternatives to traditional education that truly nurture their child's potential. If you're looking for a Montessori-inspired private middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska, Acton Academy Lincoln stands out as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. Our Adventure Studio, designed for ages 12-15, transforms the middle school experience into a thrilling journey of discovery, leadership, and real-world application. Gone are the days of endless homework and rigid schedules—here, young learners thrive through hands-on projects, autonomy, and a community that celebrates growth.

At Acton Academy Lincoln, middle school isn't about memorizing facts; it's about applying knowledge in meaningful ways. Imagine your child tackling a physics quest to design and build an electric grid for a model city. This isn't just a classroom exercise—it's a collaborative challenge that sparks creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Our Montessori-inspired approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, flipping the traditional model where adults dictate every step. Instead, learners in our private middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska, experience radical trust, allowing them to explore passions, learn from failures, and build resilience.
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Parents often share how this environment fosters independence. One family noted that their child, once overwhelmed by conventional schooling's demands, now eagerly leads projects and mentors younger peers. With no homework policy, families enjoy more quality time together, free from the stress of nightly assignments. Outdoor activities and real-world excursions further enrich the curriculum, ensuring a balanced, joyful education.

Leadership is woven into the fabric of our private middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska. Students serve as servant leaders, guiding activities in other studios and honing skills like communication, empathy, and decision-making. This prepares them not just for high school, but for life. Our Hero's Journey framework guides each learner through personal growth, helping them identify strengths and pursue goals with purpose.
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What sets Acton apart is the community. Deep friendships form here, unlike the surface-level connections in traditional settings. Graduates reflect on how these bonds provided support during challenges, creating a "tribe" of like-minded peers and families. As a Montessori-inspired private school, we emphasize holistic development, blending academics with emotional intelligence and practical skills.

​Choosing the right middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska is crucial during these formative years. Acton Academy Lincoln offers limited spots in our Adventure Studio, where children fall in love with learning and emerge as confident leaders ready to change the world. If you're tired of the traditional system's shortcomings—like little outdoor time and high stress—our model provides a refreshing alternative.
Ready to embark on this adventure? Request a FREE info kit or schedule a tour today to see how our Montessori-inspired private middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska can transform your child's education. Join a community where heroes rise and thrive—spots are filling fast for Fall!

​At Acton Academy Lincoln, we believe in the power of curiosity, creativity, and challenge. Each year, we develop our learning design around a central, thought-provoking question that guides our learners through a transformative educational journey. This year at Acton Academy Lincoln, our learners will step into one of the most powerful and universal narratives ever told: the Hero’s Journey. Across seven sessions, they will live out this story for themselves,  facing challenges, discovering treasures, and returning transformed. Each Quest is a chance to live out the Hero’s Journey, giving our Heroes opportunities to grow in courage, creativity, and resilience.

Our journey begins and ends with the Status Quo. From there, Heroes are presented with the opportunity to accept their call to adventure. Along the way, they’ll meet mentors who provide guidance and encouragement, and then take the courageous step into the unknown.

To kick off the year, learners will explore these initial stages of the Hero’s Journey by “Building their Tribe” in an Oregon Trail–style Quest. They’ll develop survival skills, face obstacles, and discover what it means to come together as a strong, resilient community. The session culminates in a community wide campout!
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​A guest post by an Acton parent, Danielle Klafter

With so little to go on, my best mom-gut translation was that she was experiencing a lot of self-imposed perfectionistic anxiety, wanting to perform perfectly at school all day, which was not developmentally realistic. Perhaps she was holding everything together as long as she could all day at school and then melting down at home where it felt safe. But I couldn’t be sure. So I finally reached out to the guides.
 
There are specific guardrails for parents in how we are to communicate with guides. We aren’t supposed to try to intervene and fix things for our kids, or ask guides to take away their struggle. So I endured the struggle as long as I could at home but then felt desperate enough to reach out. I appreciated so many things about how that interaction went.

1. I didn’t ask for my hero’s struggle to be made easier. But I did let them know what was happening at home and asked if they could offer any observations or pieces of information I might be missing.
2. I was affirmed for the way I approached them and for holding the mindset of wanting to support rather than rescue.
3. They were grateful for the new information and they offered helpful choices and ideas, both for me as a parent and for my daughter as the hero, on how to keep navigating this stuck spot.
4. They ultimately honored the struggle for both of us, using emotionally intelligent approaches to present insight and suggestions, but leaving the autonomy of choice in our hands.

 
The guides said none of my hero’s behavior issues were manifesting at school. This confirmed my hypothesis that my hero felt she had to be perfect and held together while she was there. I don’t think this was in any way the fault or expectation of Acton or the guides. I suspect my daughter would’ve had to face this struggle no matter what school she had been at that year, and I have no doubt that sitting in a desk all day and being asked to conform to the pace of a standard classroom may have exaggerated her sense of perfection. With the onset of her first resets, the guides also wondered if she had developed a fear of being in trouble. Combined with her high expectations for herself, they could see how she might think only happy emotions could be shown at school since angry or frustrated emotions and the possible accompanying actions (i.e. talking meanly, hitting, etc.) equals “getting in trouble” for her whether that was a hero tattling on her, a peace table, or a reset. This, of course, was not the message they wanted heroes to have. The guides spent the rest of our communication attempting to puzzle this out with me and propose possible ways to approach conversations with my hero, beginning by giving her choices.

• Would you prefer to talk about this with us at home or with a guide? (if the latter, which guide?)
• If at home, would you prefer to talk about this with just mom? Just dad? Or with both of us?
• Would you prefer to talk about it at dinner? After dinner? Or right before bed?
• Would you prefer to draw about it or talk about it? 

 
My heart broke that my mere five-year-old was wrestling with a sense of insecurity over perfectionism. Was this my fault somehow? While self-blame wasn’t the solution, it did give me opportunity to reflect on ways I could better counter this mindset as her parent.

Session One: Clear Boundaries vs. Strong Connections
Quest | Build the Tribe - Survivor Style

Our journey begins with the age-old debate of boundaries versus connections. Which is more vital in creating a cohesive group? To explore this, our learners will be challenged to "Build the Tribe" in a Survivor-style quest. They'll develop survival skills, face challenges, and discover what it means to come together as a strong, resilient community.

Session Two: Personal Accountability vs. Peer Accountability
Quest | Shark Tank Entrepreneurship Quest

As we dive into the second session, the focus shifts to accountability. Is it more important for a hero to hold themselves to high standards, or to be held accountable by their peers? Learners will put their ideas to the test in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, honing their entrepreneurial skills and learning the importance of responsibility in both personal and collective success. Meanwhile, our Spark studio will focus on the principles of Servant Leadership.

Session Three: Shared Values vs. Noble Cause
Quest | Colonial America
  
In session three, learners will step back in time to experience life under the rule of tyrannical King George in our Colonial Acton quest. Through this immersive experience, they’ll explore the tension between shared values and the pursuit of a noble cause, examining how these elements shape the fabric of a heroic culture. Our Spark studio will turn its attention to the natural world, exploring North American biomes.

How the Project Started...
At the beginning of Session 5 last year, my studio created a motto: “Be The Change’. We, as a tribe, agreed that we didn’t contribute to the being the change in Session 4 and that we needed to recommit to our promise. 

When I think of being the change, I think of influence. A big thing that we, as Launchpad heroes, remind ourselves of is the influence we have on the younger heroes and the inspiration we can give to them. In my mind, we as a whole could do a lot more to better influence the younger heroes. Two ideas sparked in my mind, the first being the importance of connecting and building relationships with other studios, no matter the age difference, and the second as the desire to give back to communities that are in need. 

So with those two thoughts, I started the Be The Change project. This project contained a lot of different ideas to get involved in communities, but the main focus was on inspiring generosity in ways that aren’t normally thought of - being the change in not only the Acton community, but in surrounding communities as well.
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My "Why" Behind the Project...
Teaching heroes key life lessons like what poverty is, gratitude, and even selflessness is essential to truly understand why we are called to be world changers. I find it very important to instill these skills and values in your heroes' minds. This learning experience can happen in moments of intentional family time spent together growing these skills. ​

Looking Forward...
The “Be The Change” Project is moving forward and presenting itself to individual families. I am happy to introduce the "Be The Change" Family Badge that has just been launched! This family badge will allow all family members to serve while providing heroes leadership opportunities to grow servant leadership skills. I invite you to take the next step and check out this new badge which will help your family develop traits that will be used in many settings!​

At Acton, one of our main recipes for growth is to fail early, cheaply and often. How comfortable are you with seeing your child fail?

For some parents, it's as natural as breathing. They don't even see the struggle as struggle, they just see growth.

For some parents, it takes a lot of work, but they want to give their child the gift of struggle, so they accept that they (as parents) will have some struggle in the process, too.

For some parents, it is too uncomfortable. It is not where they want to be.

The reality is you cannot remove all failure and struggle from your child's life. Life will test them for the skills of independence and resilience at some point, even if you won't. It's coming. 

Adapting to new skills and experiences is easier when you are younger (early). The stakes are lower when you are younger (cheaply). Failure is guaranteed with some frequency if you participate in an environment that asks for independence, mastery and excellence (often).

With this as the backdrop, we wanted to share the following open letter written by a fellow Acton owner after a recent conversation with one of their 2023 high school graduates.

My point in sharing: This hero's simple question is a testimony that Acton Works. Of course, those brave owners and families inside Acton know it isn't any system that "works"--it is a hero that "works." We don't trust the Acton system or school, rather we radically trust our young heroes to do hard things.

A hero that answers the call, plays a game, is a friend, makes mistakes, has hard conversations, gets a strike, shares openly, finds the challenge zone, loses a badge, feels the fire of injustice and simply keeps doing it over and over and better and better as he shapes his character & habits to be more consistent with his innate potential. 

Acton does work to grow incredible humans who will not stop until they accomplish incredible "work" in the world, because that is what they have trained themselves to do. This, of course, most predictably happens while being supported in a system that offers guardrails and tools that foster the rising.

The complexity and the mess is why the work of Acton feels so hard and "the real world" feels so easy.

So my encouragement to parents and fellow owners alike... let those broken systems get created! Let the Hero Buck system be messy! Let the distraction monster rage (but not without some wonderful questions to serve as the most powerful arsenal we can offer) and finally, take a deep breath! This game is about humans, and humans are about becoming.  It is a process NOT a product.  It isn't your job to solve it. It is your job to hold a space for heroes to test processes as they practice the becoming. Eventually, they will ask... "Why is this so easy?"...and you?You'll get really good at solving something else. 

Cheering Your Beautiful Messes On,

Are you looking for an alternative private high school in Lincoln, Nebraska, that offers a rigorous and personalized education? Acton Academy Lincoln provides a unique high school experience that empowers students to take charge of their learning. 

​Visit our Launchpad page to explore our high school program and discover how we prepare students for college and beyond. Learn why Acton Academy Lincoln is a top choice for high school education in Lincoln, NE.

1. A Tailored Learning Experience
At Acton Academy Lincoln, we understand that each child is unique, and their educational journey should reflect that individuality. Our learner-driven approach ensures that every student has the ability to move at their own pace, helping them to reach their full potential. 

2. A Different Kind of Curriculum
Our curriculum goes beyond traditional education models. We prioritize real-world, hands-on experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, setting goals, and designing projects that align with their passions. This approach not only equips them with academic knowledge but also prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

3. A Community of Lifelong Learners
Acton Academy Lincoln is more than just a school; it's a close-knit community of students, parents, and educators dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Our tight-knit community encourages collaboration and support, allowing students to thrive in an environment that nurtures their intellectual and emotional development.

4. Technology-Enhanced Learning
In today's digital age, it's crucial to prepare students for the technology-driven future. Acton Academy Lincoln incorporates technology into the learning process, helping students become tech-savvy while maintaining a balanced approach that values face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities.

5. Preparing for the Future
Our ultimate goal is to prepare students not just for success in school but for success in life. Acton Academy Lincoln instills in its students essential skills such as leadership, self-discipline, and entrepreneurship. We believe that these skills are the keys to a bright and promising future.

If you're looking for a private school in Lincoln, Nebraska, that provides an exceptional and innovative educational experience, Acton Academy Lincoln is the answer. Our student-focused approach, unique curriculum, and commitment to nurturing lifelong learners set us apart from traditional educational institutions.

Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and growth. Request a FREE info kit here>> to learn more about our programs, curriculum, and admission process.

​Acton Academy Lincoln is not just a school; it's a community dedicated to unlocking the potential of each and every student. Give your child the gift of an extraordinary education at Acton Academy Lincoln, where possibilities are limitless.

While we won't be teaching anyone to catch a master angler this session, this proverb does sum up the spirit of Session 2 each year: Entrepreneurship!

While we don't believe each of our learners will end up owning their own businesses, nor do we believe everyone SHOULD be an entrepreneur, we DO believe in the lessons Entrepreneurship provides, from problem solving, to customer care, from seeing needs in the market to being able to sell products/ services or even ourselves in a job interview.
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Take a look below to see this year's take on "learning to fish"

• Company Formation (mission statement, roles, strengths assessments, heroes in entrepreneurship)
• Image (logos, slogans, psychology and behavioral economics, image creation)
• Markets and Consumers (Lemonade Stand-Off competition and customer surveys and market studies)
• Costs and Risks (unit economics, Four Rules of Cash, Snack Stand Stand-Off) 

The purpose of the E-ship Build-a-Business Quest is to equip the learners with skills, tools, and frameworks needed to start a business. The quest has two main goals: 

• To learn more about themselves; to become more familiar with their individual strengths within the framework of a team and within the context of heroes in entrepreneurship
• To learn as much about entrepreneurship as possible

​Civilization: After exploring "clans" and the building blocks of the first civilizations during session one, the Discovery Studio will be plunging into the first African Civilizations, exploring African heroes from history and experience the traits of these early civilizations!

Communication: Session two communication will focus on laying a strong foundation for future challenges. Learners will be given weekly communication challenges for skills they use daily in the studio such as giving character call outs, writing Birthday wishes, or having courageous conversations.

The Discovery studio will focus on building their “tribe”, themed around prehistoric clans! This will be accomplished through team building,  survival challenges, and a self-choreographed group dance. Through fun activities,  inspiring launches, and challenging games - the heroes will be equipped with the Acton systems and lay the foundation for a successful year in THEIR studio!

Over the course of this session the heroes will also roll out their various Core Skills programs and Meaningful Works, with Communication challenges & Civilization coming in session two!

This year the Odyssey heroes are going to dive right into building their tribe with our Prediction Tools Quest. This Quest will equip Heroes with the tools and confidence that will help them throughout the year and on their Hero’s Journey. Unique challenges will take Heroes through the process of exploring tools that may or may not be able to help determine outcomes. Throughout the session, they’ll be filling up their Acton “tool belt” with Studio Tools, Self-Knowledge Tools, Teamwork Tools, and Strategy Tools! On top of all of that, the studio will also be creating a new Studio Contract, playing lots of games, and designing Hero Boards that will be on display at Exhibition!
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For the second half of the session, Quest will be lead by the group of Odyssey Heroes who won the Create-a-Quest competition from Session 7 last year. They will be delivering their Native American Survival Quest, filled with many fun and adventurous outdoor activities!

Launchpad is a tightly committed group of high school-aged heroes, dedicated to finding a passion they can use to serve others, forging genuine relationships, mastering core skills like reading, writing and math, and delivering world-class projects – all to find a calling that will change the world. Strong knit cultures and world-changing adventures do not come easily.  This session they will be tackling the Build a Tribe & Free Agent Quest to boldly face the threshold into adulthood.

​They'll be working to explore their individual and collective why, creating a culture deck, and forging studio systems to match. In addition each Launch Padder will be challenged to begin planning for their Next Great Adventure and will be exploring what it will take to find an extraordinary first "real" job where they could:

• Use a “superpower” to earn enough money to survive independently of parents;
• Hone a deliberate practice that attracts fascinating opportunities; and
• Use the positive aspects of the REAL YOU to contribute to a culture.

This year's Build the Tribe Quest focuses primarily on the third and supports the position that while it is certainly an option to just let friendships happen as they may throughout one’s life, greater happiness and fulfillment can be attained by honestly reflecting on what one wants from friendships and consciously steering accordingly.

By the end of the Quest, the Launchpadders will have taken a deep and honest assessment of their current relationships, created a personal strategy for cultivating the type and quantity of friendships they want in their lives, and explored how to be a friend to others.

Who are my friends and what does friendship mean to me?

​Goals: 

• Explore what Friendship means to me
• Honestly assess the current state of my friendships
• Consciously decide what I want my friendships to look like, and what changes I need to make in my behavior to get there

QUEST: Growing Curiosity
Our quest this session has a unique twist…as the heroes were the ones to select our topics!

Rather than focusing on one theme each week, we will do a speedy deep dive into 3 different concepts throughout the session, allowing heroes to experience a wide array of hands-on activities in a short amount of time!

Week #1: INSECTS
Week #2: THE HUMAN BODY
Week #3: DINOSAURS/FOSSILS

HEROES OF THE WEEK: Frida Kahlo & Dolly Parton

CULTURE:
Our travels will take us to Australia this session as we explore the cultures and traditions of:

• SIDNEY
• TASMANIA
• VICTORIA

​QUEST: Growing Curiosity
Heroes have the opportunity to plan and lead a day of Quest of their choosing! In groups, heroes will choose a topic that they are interested in and plan out the launch, activity, and debrief for their topic!

Then for the second half of the session, each group will lead a day of Quest and share their passion with their fellow travelers. Some ideas that were brainstormed on the last day of Session 6 were video editing, music, survival, art, film-making, freestyle writing, and engineering! I can’t wait to see what activities the heroes plan!

WRITER'S WORKSHOP - Plan your Own Mini-Quest
Keeping with the theme of exploring your passion, Writer’s Workshop this session will allow heroes to design their dream Quest. For Quest this session heroes will be planning a delivering one day of a Quest, but what if they had the opportunity to design a 2-week mini Quest?! During Writer’s Workshop heroes will have time to research, design, and write out their vision of their Dream Quest and bring it to life! And the added bonus, the hero or group that creates a true Acton Mini-Quest, with planned launches, challenges, and debriefs, will have the opportunity next year to bring their Mini-Quest to life for half of a session!

One of the goals of the Adventure Studio is to provide meaningful opportunities and tools for uncovering and pursuing individual passions While this is baked into the learning design throughout the year, this is an area of special focus during session 7. The key question throughout this session is, “What am I passionate about & how can I channel or build that passion into something that will make a difference in my Hero’s Journey?”

QUEST: Independent Passion Projects
Heroes will have the freedom (and responsibility) to identify an area of learning they are passionate about. They will then be equipped with a recipe for creating and executing an independent 4 week plan of learning. As part of that recipe, they will explore and identify resources they’ll need to build their knowledge base and then channel that into practicing a meaningful skill, creating something new and unique, answering a difficult question, and/or serving others.

COMMUNICATION - Heroes have two choices for Communication this Session:

1. The first option is, similar to quest, to identify, plan, and execute an independent learning project that is focused on communication. This could be so many different things - just a few possibilities include:  drafting a graphic novel, writing a screenplay, developing a business plan, building a website, writing “letters to the editor,” or putting together a poetry anthology. Whatever path a hero chooses - they’ll follow a tried and true recipe for success including:
   +Pre-Write/Research/Explore
   +First Draft
   +Revise + Critique (& Repeat)
   +Edit
   +Publish
   
   
2. The second option for heroes is to go back and repeat a Communication badge from some time in the past two years. If they choose this route, the focus will be on developing excellence - identifying and executing on specific ways this second attempt will be better than the last time. Earning the badge will be dependent upon their ability to prove this growth.

CIVILIZATION
Earning a civilization badge will be optional this session. Heroes will have the choice of reading & reflecting on a definitive biography (and using this to plan and lead a discussion with the whole studio) or exploring a particular person, period, or topic within history/government/economics and attempting to answer one or more big, important questions in that same theme.
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Heroes will also have the option of forgoing the civilization badge this session in order to focus more time on Quest, Communication, or self paced core skill or learning to be badges!

Sending your child to Acton Academy Lincoln means that they’ll be developing skills that can’t be easily quantified — things like self-management, self-governance, character, high-level communication skills, learning how to learn and taking opportunities to dive deeply into areas of your greatest passions and gifts.

Badges (rather than traditional grades or report cards) are a way to showcase this work. It is their most important function.

Additionally, badges at Acton allow us to translate accomplishments into a traditional transcript so that our learners can compete with their peers in “college prep” environments if they so choose.
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Check out this quick 2-minute video to see what a group of learners at Acton main want parents to understand about badges!

So… what is a badge?

While the size and scope of the complete badge plan varies in size & scope from our Spark Studio to our upper studios, the basics of a badge itself doesn't change!

​Think of it as a long-term effort focused on a particular discipline. Each badge is a process. There’s a large quantity of work to be completed (usually broken down into a number of "challenges") and a process in which that work is reviewed several times by several people. (This review process becomes more important and a lot more intense in the upper studios!) 

In traditional academic language, a badge is comparable to completing a course. But, instead of getting a grade, a badge is awarded only when excellence is achieved.

How is a badge earned?

We are a competency-based learning environment. Mastery is the goal. Lions work until they master  their learning goals. Then, they progress to the next level.  If a badge is not completed, the grade is “Incomplete.”

This is why (especially in the upper studios) that last sprint to compile their work after completing the requirements of a badge is so critical to the Lions. It is the final step and is the proof of their hard work.

And this is where our parenting support comes in most fruitfully.

The place where we can give the most encouragement to our children is in the compilation stage of the badge experience.

For example, when all the required work for a badge is done, the badge is not yet achieved. It must be compiled and submitted. Ask your Lions about whether or not they’ve planned time to compile this work for badge approval; then check in on their progress; ask if they are excited about the work or worried they missed something. Finally, celebrate the hard work of compiling the badge.

What about transcripts?
Translating the work of a completed badge into traditional course content is necessary and is part of our learning design.  For example, a traditional school’s “English 9” in high school equates at Acton to 6 communication projects, 4 deep books and 1 No Red Ink badge (yes - that's 11 badges!). Each Lion at Acton has a badge plan that clearly maps out a learning plan that far exceeds the core requirements of high school graduates for acceptance to competitive colleges.

To be clear: At Acton the completion of a badge = mastery = A.

What's more, if a college admissions officer were to ask to see the work behind a letter grade on a transcript, our learners would have the opportunity to truly shine! 

Beginning in the Adventure Studio, each Lion begins creating a portfolio - a collection of excellent work from each and every badge achieved. This work goes above and beyond what is required from traditional courses in middle schools and high schools across America. 

What else do Badges show?

Unfortunately, the most important accomplishments at Acton such as Apprenticeships, Leadership, Project Management and Quest Creation don’t translate easily under traditional academic subjects like Math, Science, History and English, but badges present an important way to both see and celebrate this kind of growth.

In order to move up (to the next studio or to graduate), every Lion at Acton is expected to earn a certain set of badges. This "badge plan" covers traditional academic subjects (For example they might have badges for reading drawers, badge books, Khan or Beast Math) but it also includes a certain set of quest badges, leadership-focused badges and various other types. This means that some badges have very straightforward requirements (for example - complete the yellow reading drawers or achieve 100% Mastery of Algebra on Khan) but others are more nuanced - Lions might need to earn a certain average of weekly points over the course of a session, be elected to a leadership position, or lead a certain number of discussions. (In our studios using Journey Tracker, all of this is spelled out in detail in each individual badge!)

At Acton, we don’t believe that everyone must do this at the same pace or level. We know that it will take a unique amount of time and growth for each person to be able to hit these standards. But we believe that every child is a genius, and fully capable of doing the work in order to earn more freedom. That’s what Acton is all about.

Progress in each of the learning categories (learn to learn, learn to do, and learn to be) will be reflected in every Lion's badge plan. In addition, all learners work within a badge plan that typically spans 2-3 years of work. This approach offers choices and empowers them to work more effectively at their own pace. It also helps eliminate the illusion of “I am done with all of my work” - there's always the next thing to move on to!

Badges are about excellence and taking the time to unlock true potential!
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Some people believe that instead of requiring every learner to complete the same amount of work with the same level of quality, some should be allowed to do less work and lower-quality work. But what this mindset is really communicating is that ‘You are incapable. You are lesser. You aren’t required to do this because we believe you can’t do it.’

According to this idea, if a learner struggles with math, or has a lot going on outside of school, or says they are a ‘bad writer,’ or just doesn’t care, they shouldn’t have to do the work required of others. Let's face it, in today's public school system, you can essentially go through middle school and high school turning in poor work or doing very little work at all and still graduate.

But this is not how the real world works. If we want to be prepared for our true Hero’s Journeys, we cannot be accustomed to being pampered or making excuses. In the real world, success depends on getting the job done well. You have to be willing to work hard and hit standards. Results matter. Badges and badge plans allow us to both hold extremely high standards for our community while at the same time recognizing that individuals develop at different rates.

We are excited to announce our Quests and other focus areas for each of our four mixed-age studios for the upcoming session. This is our third of three science themed sessions, where learners have the opportunity to explore various scientific topics in a very hands on way. You can read more about our learning design here.

Imagine tomorrow you and your family decided to move to a farm in Idaho. This farm is over 6 hours from the nearest grocery store. Would you be able survive the winter and grow enough fresh food to stay healthy?

Imagine you and your family live in a large city where the cost of produce is too expensive to purchase large amounts of organic food regularly. All you have is a small patio in which to grow the organic food you desire. Would you be able to build a functional garden to meet your family's needs?

For the last two weeks, teams will get their own mBot Robot to build, program, and use to compete in different challenges! Throughout the Quest heroes will gain a basic understanding of programming concepts, hone and develop problem-solving skills through “debugging”, develop an awareness and curiosity about the role technology currently plays and will play in their lives, and learn about innovators and disruptors throughout history in various technology-related fields. 

​Due to the nature of this quest, this will be a more screen-intensive session. Because of this, we are inviting families to challenge themselves to limit screen time at home or even accept the challenge to have an at-home screen-free session!

We will also focus on incorporating as much outdoor time this session- we have two Wilderness Wednesdays, brain breaks and free times throughout the day, and we’ll go outside for core skills, DEAR, and Writers Workshop whenever the weather is nice! ​

Rather than complete traditional Quests, that are reserved for our Elementary and Middle/ High School studios, our Spark Studio explores a different theme each session. This session is all about transportation!

​I have experienced many things throughout my life, and Acton has remained most meaningful. I am here to share my story, my growth, and how I have changed for those who are to come.

To begin with, I have explored the academic world my entire life. I have seen many different perspectives on school all with ample opportunities. However, no school quite fit and I didn’t feel seen. Homeschooling left me lonely, and I felt my academic progress couldn’t be compared properly. I struggled socially, felt outcasted, and was consistently frustrated with how underwhelming the learning environment truly was.

One day I was introduced to a new idea. A school that worked with self-paced learning, and individuality while also working together in a tight-knit tribe. It piqued my interest and rekindled a spark of hope for learning that had been gradually fizzing out. Shortly after, I walked through Actons' doors and it became abundantly clear how different this school was. A spacious “studio” with high ceilings holding barely a dozen handpicked people, guided by this overarching idea. This newfound freedom had to be earned, requiring copious amounts of patience and work. I felt completely overwhelmed, convinced a year's worth of work had to be done in a day and my mind was overflowing with new knowledge and responsibility. 

However, I knew I wasn’t the only one. The other heroes in the studio were faced with similar challenges and it felt comforting knowing we were learning together. Unfortunately, though, life is never that uncomplicated. How do you navigate through a learning space without adult intervention? What happens when two don’t get along? I never enjoyed being in the foreground, but I felt I was forced to scramble to keep things together. I had meetings upon meetings to come up with strategies on how to handle the situation, but none of their suggestions seemed to take into account the game theory that was running rampant throughout the studio.

Things came and went as the year went by. But soon things crescendoed into suffocating arguments that rang on all day; every fleeting moment would fan the flames of a new problem. Tension grew stronger and every semblance of guidance seemed to fade into the background. I took things into my own hands (or at least tried to). I walked in knowing I would have my part in the tribe, but I wasn’t expecting to lead the charge.

I felt abandoned by the tribe and by the idea. I felt overwhelmed and in desperate need of a quiet space to hide with schooldays filled to the brim with chaos. My mother was the only one who seemed to understand the true extent this was affecting me. Eventually, things subsided for seemingly no reason. The experience pierced a hole in my perception of Acton and the people it holds. It felt like I saw first-hand how a little chaos could crumble a tribe to its knees. I felt immense pressure to be the authority that kept things intact, directly or indirectly, but that’s not who I am. My mindset, deepest desire, and seeming requirement to be the shining light, the guiding star for those in the studio clashed with my temperament.

The following blog is a follow up to a previous deep dive into the Socratic Method at Acton Academy.

​If you were to boil Acton down to its most basic, it's that Acton Academy Lincoln is a learner-driven community. 

We are learner driven in the sense that the energy for the learning journey flows from the responsibility of the learners to take on challenges and make choices and then own the consequences of their decisions. This is the heart of personal growth and character development.

We are a community in the sense that we are all heroes in the making, actively building a fellowship of heroes, parents, and guides all working together and supporting one another on a hero’s journey. No one journeys alone and individual choices impact the culture of the whole.

Both of these are essential to what we are building at Acton.

In an effort to build Acton into an authentic learner driven community, this past year the guides have focused in on the practice of remaining 100% Socratic all the time.  A part of this has to do with not answering questions directly, but it is even more about developing our own mindset and habits so we are more effectively equipping heroes with tools and recipes, connecting them to one another, and igniting curiosity and growth.

As we have doubled down on this part of Acton learning design, we’ve encountered the misconception (from both learners and parents) that Socratic Guiding means that guides aren’t here to help. That heroes are discouraged from asking questions or seeking help when they need it or that this commitment to remaining Socratic was chipping away at the sense of community at Acton.

There’s certainly a part of this that comes from the fact that we are still very much growing and developing as guides. We’re learning every day and making adjustments as we deepen our own understanding and skills.

But at the heart of this is the fear  that these two critical characteristics of Acton - Learner Driven & Community - are at odds with each other.

But this isn’t the case. Socratic guiding is certainly radical practice in education and a nuanced process. But as we have wrestled with it, both in theory and in practice, it's become clear that having guides who commit to always remaining Socratic is a cornerstone of both ensuring a learner driven environment and building a strong community.

To help challenge this misunderstanding at school, we played a game for the last two and a half weeks of Session 3. Over the course of 12 school days, heroes were challenged to document at least 1000 instances of either guides helping heroes Socratically, or heroes serving one another in a meaningful way. The specifics of the challenge were adapted to be understandable for each studio, but “documented helping” had to fall into these categories:

​Out of our family's journey has come a new journey, one in which we are challenge all our learners to push their challenge zone and live life outside. Being kids, building forts, playing games, scraping knees, simply learning to 'be' in nature. But the question remains, is there REALLY no such thing as bad weather?

“There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather…”

A phrase most of us have heard at one time or another…sometimes easier said than done but a lesson we’ve learned in our home is all too true. “There’s no such thing as bad weather…only bad clothing.” An old tide and true saying- an even better book. One that changed the way our lives look here in the Harsin household. I also credit the book “Balanced and Barefoot” as the initial catalyst for my desire to make outdoor, free play an absolute priority in our children’s lives.

 I could talk for hours about my inspiration, about the books and the blogs and the podcasts and ALL THE RESEARCH that says, “we go to nature to become our best selves”. But that’s a completely different conversation. 

The goal here is to simply share a few tricks and tips that have served us well over the last two years as our family has continue to embody this concept. We’re by no means experts on this subject but hopefully, you find something here that you can add to your toolbox to make cold-weather, outdoor time a bit more enjoyable!

1. Cold heads, hands and feet are a deal-breaker. Pay extra attention to these areas.
2. If you can dress to block the wind you’re already way ahead of the game.
3. Layers. Layers. Layers. There’s no such thing as too many. They can always peel them away. 
4. Tuck things in! Tuck shirts into pants and mid-layers into base layers and base layers into boots, etc. etc. Anywhere you can keep the wind from getting in always helps.
5. Hand-warmers are a game changer. Not only because they actually help keep hands and feet warm but also because kids love them, they think they’re fun and special and if you save them for the cold days- it gives them something to look forward to.
6. Checkout Goodwill or Facebook Marketplace for AMAZING DEALS on really great quality gear. Think base layer (wool) items or high-end brands like Carhartt.
7. This is a great time of year to search online sales as winter gear starts to really get marked down. One thing I wish I would have been better at doing early on is buying gender, neutral colors and patterns!!

We are excited to announce our Quests and other focus areas for each of our four mixed-age studios for the upcoming session. 

Traditionally, this is our "Civilization" themed session, where learners have the opportunity to explore various historical topics in a very hands on way. You can read more about our learning design here.

QUEST
This session the Spark Studio will be exploring the BIOMES OF THE WORLD.🌎 The heroes will get to explore the wonders of the Ocean🐠, Rainforest🦜, and Desert🌵 through hands-on challenges, books, and exploration!

HEROS OF THE WEEK
Each week of a session our sparks are introduced to a new hero from world history using the Ordinary People Change the World book series. This session the learners will meet: Helen Keller, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln.

CULTURE
On Fridays throughout the session the sparks also explore various cultures around the world. This session they will explore the South Pole, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Acton is a journey and there are simply so many layers to the Acton onion that we continue to roll various new pieces out throughout the first half of the year! This session is no different, the Discovery Studio will be experiencing Writer's Workshop challenges for the first time this year (see details below) AND will be launching a new Daily & Weekly SMART goal system!
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QUEST | US CITIZENSHIP

This session, the Discovery & Odyssey Studios will immerse themselves in U.S. Citizenship! The heroes will immerse themselves in the history of immigration in the United States, their family trees, and will experience what it’s like to be someone seeking to become a naturalized citizen, all while playing some games and reflecting upon the experience.

CIVILIZATION

This session, the Discovery Studio will take a break from 'The Story of the World' book they have been reading and instead shift to reading stories of Immigrants.

INTRODUCING WRITER'S WORKSHOP!

This session will be the first chance the Discovery Studio has experienced formalized writing challenges. This first session they will simply be journaling each day, taking time to write about their bricks (what's weighing them down) and balloons (what's lifting them up/ what they are excited about). In subsequent sessions they will have a station set up during meaningful works where they will be able to take on various writing challenges from writing and mailing a letter to a hero, to taking on typing challenges, and more!

Last session the heroes in the Odyssey Studio voted that they would like to attend Wilderness Wednesdays more often and therefore they will now be joining the fun at Shiloh more often! This issue was raised in townhall, discussed and voted on. Proponents of the move talked about how fun it was and how they really wanted to be outside even more, those in opposition discussed how this meant less time to work towards badges, especially in Core Skills. Ultimately, they all decided this was an investment worth making. 

We share this brief insight, because this is Acton at work! Giving them the freedom and space to raise issues, discuss, debate, and solve as they see fit.

QUEST | US CITZENSHIP

As mentioned, the Odyssey Studio will be joining the Discovery Studio for this engaging Civilization themed Quest.  The Odyssey heroes will immerse themselves in the history of immigration in the United States and will experience what it’s like to be someone seeking to become a naturalized citizen. Through a series of challenges, they’ll assume the role of an immigrant and prepare for a naturalization test, all while playing some games and reflecting upon the experience.


WRITER'S WORKSHOP | LETTERS OF GRATITUDE
Coming off of Thanksgiving and heading into the holiday season, Session 3 felt like the perfect time to continue practicing gratitude. Heroes will be writing letters to the people, places, and things they are grateful for.


CIVILIZATION
The Odyssey Studio will continue to make decisions as they walk in the shoes of heroes from History using the Story of the World series as their guide. This session they travel to the 17th and 18th centuries and hearing stories from the Mughal Empire of India, the Great Plague in England, the life of the Sun King, and the rise of Prussia.

I've already spoken at length about how the word Curriculum is a 4 letter word at Acton. And though it may seem trivial, I would argue the difference between Curriculum & Learning Design is just as vast as the difference between Academics & Education.

"Curriculum" stirs up feelings of administration staff, who have never worked a day in a classroom, selecting textbooks from a list of suitors all trying to sell their version of "what children need to know" in this specific subject at this specific age.

For me, it implies something that's being chosen for you and done to you and is in no way learner-driven.

"Learning Design" on the other hand is simply a series of invitations, challenges, and questions designed to peak your curiosity and actively engage you in the learning process. 

I also tell every family that tours Acton - "We are NOT an Academically driven school, rather we are a Learner-Driven Community that emphasizes character development and leadership (Learning to Be)."

But just because we don't emphasize Academics doesn't mean we don't see Math, Reading and Writing as foundational skills needed to lead a successful life. We still believe in Learning to Do & Learning to Learn (Education).

That said, we also believe we don't need to artificially push a child along, label them as ahead or behind, or add pressure to learn a specific skill by a specific age.

We believe every child who enters our doors possesses the ability to learn these skills on their own and at their own pace.  We desire to see learners establishing a true LOVE of learning, then continuing to take on more and more challenging work overtime. 
​

​The idea of focusing on MORE than simply academics can most easily be summarized in three words: Whole Child Development. Yes, Math and English are important pieces of the learning design, but they certainly are NOT our only focus:
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​Shifting gears slightly, here are some very brief thoughts on the more academically driven pieces of our Learning Design:

1. We regularly leverage the network of 300+ Actons and 20,000+ pages of learning design documents for everything from selecting Coreskill programs to building badge plans, from individual launches to Quests and Civilization. This is the beauty of the Acton network - though we have the ability to adapt and change things, we aren't having to create everything from scratch and can lean on experts from around the world!
   
   
2. Our basic learning design map for any given year (though it varies in scope based on the studio) is:
   
   

• Quests (7 Sessions): Quests are real-world projects to master 21st-century skills. Usually lasting four- to six-weeks, each Quest includes a series of challenges bound by a compelling narrative and is designed to deliver 21st century skills while simultaneously incorporating traditional topics like science, social studies, and history. 
  
  ​The annual formula we have adopted from Acton main : (1) Team Building/ Communication Focused Quest, (1) Entrepreneurship/ Psychology Focused Quest, (1) Civilization Focused Quest, (3) Science/ Design Logical Thinking Focused Quests, (1) Art/ Curiosity Focused Quest. 
  • For Example, this year the plan is for the Discovery Studio to complete the following Quests (always subject to change, but still following the formula above):
    • Build the Tribe/ Lip Dub (Communication/ Leadership)
    • E-Ship Quest (Entrepreneurship 101)
    • US Citizenship Quest (History/ Civilization)
    • Detective Quest (Science/ Logic)
    • Zookeeper Quest (Nature/ Science)
    • Community Garden Quest (Science)
    • Growing Curiosity Quest
      
      
• Writer's Workshops/ Communication Challenges (4-5 Sessions): This process varies greatly from studio to studio with our Discovery Studio building this into their morning work rotations and our Adventure Studio working to perfect their craft. These workshops/ challenges range from podcast creation to writing persuasive speeches, from crafting an email to secure an apprenticeship to fiction-based writing. 
  
  I must also note that they are learning to write/ communicate in many other ways too, it just doesn't look the same as it did for you and I in school. They write townhall slips and draft meeting agendas, write 360 peer reviews, write reflections on Quest Challenges, and most importantly learn to formulate thoughts and craft arguments multiple times a day during Socratic launches. 
  
  A great example of some non-traditional writing opportunities that the heroes have just this week are:
  • Writing a thank you note to a veteran on Veteran's Day
  • Just yesterday, I posted a request to all studios to start having 1-2 representatives from each studio handle weekly posts in the Acton app, updating parents on studio life, launches, etc whatever they feel is important for parents to know.
    ​

• ​Civilization Badges (5 Sessions): For Discovery & Odyssey this is utilizing the Story of the World books, while the Adventure Studio focuses on moral dilemmas and hard choices throughout world history.
  
  This is Acton's version of World History, Geography, Sociology, etc.
  
  Putting heroes in the shoes of citizens and heroes throughout world history and asking 'why'. Why do some societies rise, while others fall?
  
  We also complete one Civilization based Quest each year too (Acton Athens, Colonial Acton, US Citizenship, Cartography, etc).
  
  
• Core Skills (Daily 90-120 minutes): These are self-paced gamified programs designed to make the learning fun & engaging. The bulk of a learner's morning each day is spent building on these foundational skills as well as meaningful works & montessori works in the Spark & Discovery Studios.
  • ​Three facts, I often leave out with these programs and our mastery based system:
    1. We are asking heroes to MASTER each concept/ level. Not simply complete the work. This means we are asking FAR more of the learners than a traditional setting that pushes students along at an artificial pace set by the teacher, not the student. In short, we are asking learners to get an A+ on all their Math & English lessons. For some this means it will take them longer to move to the next concept, but you can be assured that the are building a STRONG foundation for what's to come next.
    2. The software programs we use go far more in-depth than a traditional textbook and worksheet method. Khan Academy for example (one of our Adventure Studio options for Math) covers 3x the material that a traditional Math curriculum would cover, because a traditional program simply doesn't have the time to go that in-depth and must continue to move on to cover all the material.
    3. As a fellow Acton parent, one thing I always come back to is a study that was done true self-paced learning in Math. The study found - if we waited until learners were truly ready & eager to learn math concepts they went from 2+2=4 to MASTERING Algebra in 75 hours!! In a traditional setting this takes 7-8 years of work!

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My hope is this blog post gives you a glimpse behind the curtain of our learning design.  (Even my wife, Heidi, said she learned something new in proofing this blog!). ​​We are always assessing and adjusting as we continue to learn more from everyone in the network.

​This constant state of assessing and learning is also why we changed math software this year. Dreambox wasn't as fun & engaging, nor did it provide the immediate feedback loops for self-correction like Beast Academy. Plus Beast is actually far more comprehensive in nature too with built in instructional videos for when learners get stuck. Beyond that, we are able to lean on the Acton network here too, Beast came highly recommended from the network/ learners at other Actons which made the decision easier for us.

We didn't even have the space to touch on things like independent reading, handwriting, typing, foreign language, PE, Servant leadership badges, our outdoor program, or really any of the Learning to Be & Learning to Learn concepts in the "Whole Child Development" graphic above. 

All of which play a VITAL role in the overall learning design and badge plans of each of our learners.


My questions for you are,

1. Are you willing to trust your child with their learning journey?  Trusting they can & will learn these basic foundational skills on their way to discovering their world changing passions...
   
   If the answer is yes, then ask yourself:
   
   
2. Is Acton's Learner-Driven Community the right setting for that journey to unfold for your family?
   
   No school is utopia, Acton certainly isn't either. But it is a place that affords EVERY learner that sets foot inside our doors the opportunity to learn to learn, learn to do, and learn to be. All on their own timeline. It's messy. It's hard. It's certainly not the same linear, well mapped out path that comes when curriculum is mapped out for students day by day, quarter by quarter, age grouping by age grouping. No the journey at Acton is FAR richer, and FAR more empowering for a hero on a journey of becoming a life long learner. 
   
   If the answer to both of these questions are yes, then ask yourself:
   
   
3. Given the time, space, and resources, Do I believe there is anything my child can't learn on their own that they need for their journey?
   
   If the answer is yes, I would love to hear your reasoning so we can dig into this together, before taking on the challenge.
   
   If the answer to the final question is no, then I want to leave you with a challenge to continue to equip you for the Acton parenting journey:

My challenge for you, should you desire to dig deeper on our Learner-Driven Learning Design is to complete one or more of the Learning Design Family Badges. There are badges for parents to learn more about: Writing at Acton, Quests, Excellence, Mastery, and more!

Onward!
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