Starting with our youngest learners, we "follow the child," fomenting independence and autonomy so that they grow into self-reliant, responsible and empowered people.

We believe that school should be positive and productive and it should serve each learner. We believe in mastery over passing and in following your passions and developing the skills your child will need on his or her unique path.

We believe children are innately curious, and need a learning environment that cultivates their curiosity. Our focus at Acton is to create an environment where creativity is the fuel for learning.

Rather than follow a standardized curriculum, our learners chart their own course, setting goals each week and then working hard to reach them - which gives them the power of self-discipline and self-management - a key to being successful in the new economy.

We believe that people skills are the most important skills and that honesty, empathy, connection, kindness and vulnerability allow authentic friendships to grow and that holding each other accountable to be our best selves is an aspect of true friendship.

We engage children in real-world skills: from preparing food and cleaning up after themselves to learning how to manage conflict, collaborate with others, communicate effectively and even to build their own businesses.