The Adventure of a lifetime

Launchpad

AGES 14 - 18 (Opening 2026 - 2027)

Would you prefer a conventional high school or the adventure of a lifetime? Lauchpad (high school) is where learners prepare for their next great adventure, whether the next step is a selective college, launching their own business or a first job at SpaceX or Google. Extraordinary young leaders spend time doing something they love to do; inspired by world class coaches and experts; having fun with friends as they create lifelong memories.

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

What is your next great adventure? Prepare for Launch

Prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships, interviews with industry leaders, and deep reflection of how your gifts and passions align with a need in the world. Read deep literature; communicate clearly and powerfully; and tackle real world computational challenges. Wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas through Socratic discussions in Civilization and through studio governance. Dive deeply into college level biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions. Serve in leadership roles in lower studios, the community, and around the world in the Acton Network.

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Real world

Embark on challenging apprenticeships and cultivate industry mentors

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Find a calling

Reflect on how your gifts and passions align with a need in the real world

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Develop as a leader

Serve in leadership roles in lower studios and in the global Acton network

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Engage Deeply

Read deep literature, communicate powerfully and clearly, wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas and studio governance

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

What's your next step?

Discover the next step in your Hero’s Journey and launch into your next great adventure with a vision and a calling that could change the world
  • Showcase your accomplishments through a series of badges that will dazzle admissions officers
  • gain valuable skills, mastering them through apprenticeships, and launching real startups, businesses and projects – whether that’s in business, science, humanities, or the arts
  • Reach out to leaders in your field of interest and cultivate mentors and advisors
Watch a Day in the life at Acton Academy
Learning at Acton

A day in the life in Launchpad

  • Core skills - Mastering Reading, Writing, Math, and Civilization using computer simulations and Socratic Discussions
  • Quests: Competing and collaborating in a game-like series of real world projects to learn 21st Century Skills
  • Apprenticeships: Experimenting with entrepreneurs, scientists and community leaders to hone your most precious gifts and talents until you find your calling in life.
  • Mentors: Surround yourself with world-class entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and heroes in the field you're passionate about
Nurturing a philosophy of learning in Madison West, Blackhaw, Fitchburg, Middleton & Shorewood.
Our Philosophy of Learning

Clear thinking leads to good decisions. Good decisions lead to the right habits. The right habits lead to character and Character becomes destiny.

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

Rethink High School

​Your accomplishments will be showcased in a series of badges that will dazzle admissions officers at top notch universities or convince employees, partners and investors to join forces in a world changing start up.

  • Read deep literature, communicate clearly and powerfully, and tackle real world computational challenges

  • Wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas through Socratic discussions in Civilization and through studio governance

  • Dive deeply into college level biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions

A School for the 21st Century

Latest News, videos & updates from Acton Academy
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Rethinking Education: Geniuses & Heroes

A Tedx talk by Jeff Sandefer, Acton Academy Co-Founder
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Turn Learning Upside Down

An inside look at the Acton Academy Studio
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Disruptive Education

Watch the award winning short documentary about Acton Academy
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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…