Learn to Work Hard

Explorer Studio

Ages 11 - 14 (Launching 2025 - 2026)

The middle school Explorer Studio is where young heroes learn to work hard, tackle complex computational challenges, communicate clearly and persuasively and develop the passion and real-world skills needed to make a difference in the world.

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Acton Studios provide a modern approach to education for your childs journey.

EXPLORE DEEPLY

Middle school learners in the Explorer Studio master core skills (reading, writing, and math) through the latest technology, develop critical thinking and an appreciation for heroes and history through Socratic discussions, dive deeply into biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions, and prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships.

1

Engage Deeply

Work on difficult real-world challenges through project-based Quests

2

Have Fun

Develop positive self-identity surrounded by friends who support each other

3

Find a Calling

Explore gifts, passions, and apprenticeships so young heroes can change the world

4

Develop Leadership

Practice servant leadership while developing self-leadership as well

Acton Academy Madison West, is a community of learning where children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Shorewood and more get a modern educational developement.
Children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sherwood and other areas being taught educational goals by Acton Academy Madison West.
Learning at Acton

Joy + Rigor = Mastery

Embracing Rigor Is Part Of Saying 'Yes' To A Hero's Journey. Deep Learning Brings A Special Sense Of Joy, But The Mastery Required For A Hero's Journey Goes Even Further, Requiring Commitment, Discipline, And Hard Work Toward A Worthy Goal
  • Hands-On Projects, Exploration And Collaboration
  • Core Skills: Reading, Writing And Math
  • Goal-Setting And Accountability to Self and Others
  • Apprenticeships in the real-world to explore interests and capabilities
Watch a Day in the life at Acton Academy
Learning at Acton

Learner Driven Communities Run by Heroes-in-the-making

  • Young heroes learn in tightly bound communities with extremely high standards of excellence, where self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily
  • Learners create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms
  • Running Partners and Squads encourage younger and older heroes to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable
  • Servant Leader badges celebrate warm-hearted and tough-minded decisions that build character
Nurturing a philosophy of learning in Madison West, Blackhaw, Fitchburg, Middleton & Shorewood.
Our Philosophy of Learning

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

Acton Academy badges to help your childs journey in their education with Madison West Acton Academy.
Measuring Mastery

Earn badges to prove you've mastered skills

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions
  • Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in Servant Leader Badges
  • Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four to six week sprint
  • Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session

A School for the 21st Century

Latest News, videos & updates from Acton Academy
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Rethinking Education: Geniuses & Heroes

A Tedx talk by Jeff Sandefer, Acton Academy Co-Founder
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Turn Learning Upside Down

An inside look at the Acton Academy Studio
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Disruptive Education

Watch the award winning short documentary about Acton Academy
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Inside Acton Academy Madison West

Parents, heroes and founders at Acton Academy Madison West

Spark Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 10

The focus of the week was kind communication. We explored the idea of “invisible bandages,” the things we can do to help friends with hurt feelings like apologies, checking in, or hugs. We talked about icy, hot and warm forms of communications and how we can use the words, “I feel…..” to express ourselves in Read more…
Discovery Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 10

This week, Discovery heroes dove into the “Whale-Level Quest Challenge,” an exciting and thought-provoking task as part of their Marine Science Quest. The challenge calls on heroes to identify a significant challenge facing the ocean today and come up with creative solutions. Heroes began by brainstorming a variety of issues threatening our oceans, such as Read more…
Discovery Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 9

The Discovery heroes continued with their marine science quest this week! First, they examined a couple of real fish specimens. The heroes were fascinated by their scales and eyes. The next day, they explored marine food webs. Some were surprised to learn that humans are at the top of the marine food web, and explored Read more…