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“Courage to Grow” - FREE!

Courage to Grow provides excellent ideas and tools for parents to use to help children take charge of their learning, grow their curiosity, and cultivate a love of learning.

We want to provide a FREE resource for parents who may feel “stuck” navigating their child’s current learning environment, or are seeking ways to help their child reach his or her full potential. Submit your information to receive your FREE copy of the book Courage to Grow.

courage to grow - how acton academy turns learning upside down
Courage to Grow

Acton Academy Madison West helps K-5 grade students discover and grow their unique strengths because the world needs them.

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Why Did this Madison Family Start an Acton Academy Private School?

We are the Palmer family, The Acton philosophy and learning design immediately resonated with us. We knew it was what we wanted for our six-year old son, and that it would equip him to flourish and succeed in the 21st century, while building character and integrity. We were driven to bring Acton to the community so that he and other children are able to find their callings and change the world.

As parents, there is nothing more beautiful and relevant than raising children who believe in themselves and find their purpose in the world so they can be thriving and successful. We are thrilled to be on this journey and invite you to join us by becoming part of the Acton Academy Madison West community.

Families who join Acton are entrepreneurs, scientists, creators, creatives and out-of-the box thinkers. Children who want additional time to pursue their passions beyond traditional after-school hours. People who believe habits, mindsets, and skills are more important than content knowledge. People who want to maximize their family time. Trailblazers and trendsetters. Families who value their freedom and want their child to develop a deep love for learning.

Project-Based Learning

We believe students learn by doing. Acton students are building real-life skills everyday.

New Technology

We use the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment that is designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting and teamwork.

Guides vs. Teachers

We believe the learning experience is much richer when when the teacher (“Guide”) offers insightful questions and facilitates hands-on learning. Guides use Socratic method, always responding to students’ questions with new questions. No boring sit-in-your-desk teacher-led lecture style learning at Acton!

Student Led

Acton Academy is “student led.” This means young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility and embrace challenge. They are bring prepared to bring their own unique genius to the world.

Apprenticeships

We believe in the power of apprenticeships. Beginning in middle school, our students obtain summer apprenticeships in a field they are passionate about

Character Education

We encourage students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy.

A School for the 21st Century

Latest News, videos & updates from Acton Academy

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…

Spark Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 9

This week’s focus was growth mindset. We explored questions like are you born smart or do you get smarter with hard work? We also discussed the word “yet” and explored how powerful it can be when we encounter a challenge, as in “I can’t do this……YET.” We’ve continued to explore weather through books and activities. Read more…

Discovery Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 8

This week, our Discovery heroes dove even deeper into the mysteries of the ocean with an exciting project on light and how it transforms underwater. They started by cutting out deep sea glasses and taping them onto file folders. Next, they taped blue film over the eye holes, allowing the glasses to filter light similarly Read more…