Welcome to Acton Academy Silicon Valley! Our school is committed to empowering young learners to become self-directed leaders through an educational model that challenges the status quo and puts learners first. 

Here at Acton, your child will be in an environment where learners are encouraged to explore deeply, take chances, and make mistakes as they become the best version of themselves.

Maria Ferrari
Acton Academy SV Founder
Who We Are

What you need to know about Acton SV

Acton Academy Silicon Valley is not just a school; it's a dynamic learning community dedicated to nurturing young minds and empowering them to become self-directed learners. Our mission is to provide an educational experience that goes beyond the ordinary, focusing on personalized, mastery-based learning.
The Acton Difference
What sets us apart is our commitment to a revolutionary educational philosophy. No homework, project-based learning, and a focus on critical thinking are just a few aspects of the Acton difference. We believe in guiding learners to explore their passions, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
Student-Centric Approach
At Acton, learners are at the center of everything we do. Our self-paced progression model allows learners to advance at their own speed, ensuring a tailored educational journey. It's an approach that respects individuality and encourages learners to take charge of their learning.
Unique Campus Experience
Our campus is designed to inspire creativity and exploration. Mixed-aged studios, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment provide the ideal backdrop for intellectual growth. We believe in creating spaces where curiosity thrives and learners feel empowered.
Beyond Academics
Education at Acton SV goes beyond traditional academics. We emphasize holistic skill development, including effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It's an approach that prepares learners not just for exams but for life's challenges.
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Join our Team for a Virtual Campus Tour

Get a Tour from our Preschool Director
Nitty Gritty Preschool
Get a Tour from our Head of School
Elementary & Middle School
cultivating excelence

Meet our Team

At Acton Academy SV, our guides are more than educators; they are mentors on a journey of self-discovery and mastery. With a commitment to personalized learning, they guide learners to set audacious goals, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Drawing on diverse backgrounds, our guides inspire innovation and empower every voice. They ignite a passion for lifelong learning, preparing learners to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Maria Ferrari

FOUNDER

Maria is a Senior Product Manager and Strategist in Biotechnology, with a focus on Oncology R&D. She is the Founder of Acton Academy SV, reimagining education.

Meet Maria Ferrari

Muhammad Iqbal

HEAD OF SCHOOL & GUIDE

Mo is a former Wall St banker turned educator. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and is passionate about teaching and mentoring young learners.

Meet Muhammad Iqbal

Libby Galt

SPARK STUDIO GUIDE

Libby brings over 20 years of education experience, integrating her world traveler perspective. She believes in empowering learners and challenging the status quo.

Meet Libby Galt

David Healey

Head of Operations

David is a former product manager who transitioned from tech to education. Now Head of Operations at Acton Academy Silicon Valley, he is focused on school operations and program development.

Meet David Healey

Pedro Miola

DISCOVERY STUDIO GUIDE

Pedro is a naturally curious learner with a background in diverse roles, from pharmacology researcher to urban beekeeping manager. He is infectiously energetic and empathetic.

Meet Pedro Miola

Erika K. Clark

HEAD OF ADMISSIONS

Erika, a San Francisco native, has over a decade of global education experience. She is a speaker, consultant, and advocate for women in leadership roles.

Meet Erika K. Clark

Marlene Coe

DIRECTOR OF NITTY GRITTY PRESCHOOL

Marlene has 37 years of experience in child development, bringing empathy and patience to guide young learners. She founded Nitty Gritty Preschool and is dedicated to fostering a warm environment.

Meet Marlene Coe

Paula Tzoumbas

NITTY GRITTY STUDIO GUIDE

Paula has over 30 years of experience teaching music and movement, with a strong emphasis on music curriculum. She loves witnessing the "Light Bulb" moments in children's learning.

Meet Paula Tzoumbas

Clare Reger

MATH GUIDE

Clare, originally from England, has over 10 years of education experience. She believes in making math relevant, hands-on, and fun. Clare facilitates immersive math workshops at AASV.

Meet Clare Reger

Christiane Haase

ART GUIDE

Christiane, with a background in Architecture and Visual Art, brings a cross-curricular approach to teaching. She focuses on experiential learning, fostering creativity, and incorporating art into various subjects.

Meet Christiane Haase
UNLOCK YOUR HERO’S POTENTIAL

Explore the Studios of Acton Academy SV

PRESCHOOL

Nitty Gritty

Ages 2-5
A nurturing preschool program with flexible 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and half or full day options.
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PRESCHOOL

Nitty Gritty

Ages 2-5
Nitty Gritty Studio provides flexible schedule options tailored to your child's needs. Choose from our 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day programs, available in half or full-day sessions.

Our preschool is thoughtfully crafted to support the developmental milestones of young learners. Here, in a nurturing and stimulating environment, we ignite curiosity and cultivate a deep-seated love for learning.

Stepping into Nitty Gritty Studio marks the beginning of a child's educational journey. Beyond a traditional preschool, it's a place where young minds flourish, laying the foundation for future academic achievements and a lifelong passion for learning.
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Grade K-1

Spark

Ages 5-7
Spark Studio ignites curiosity, creativity, skills through quests, discussions, and play-based learning, preparing for academic excellence.
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Grade K-1

Spark

Ages 5-7
Spark Studio taps into the inherent love for learning, innate curiosity, and creativity within each learner. It provides an authentic, Montessori-inspired environment where learners engage in hands-on quests, age-appropriate Socratic discussions, team building challenges, and play-based learning. Within this environment, learners practice basic goal-setting and earn learning "badges." The Spark Studio lays the groundwork for reading, math, science, citizenship, and independent learning skills, preparing young individuals to excel in the Elementary Studio.
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Grade 2-5

Discovery

AGES 7-11
Elementary learners embrace hero's journey, mastering core skills, teamwork, quests, fostering growth mindset.
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Grade 2-5

Discovery

AGES 7-11
The Discovery Study is specifically designed for our Elementary-aged learners. Here, our learners accept their calling of a hero’s journey and embark on an adventure of learning and self-discovery. Through the mastery of foundational core skills, engaging introductory Socratic discussions, collaborative teamwork, and immersive real-world quests, our learners delve into the realms of arts, sciences, history, and the natural world. Integral to the Discovery Studio is a strong emphasis on character development, teaching decision-making skills crucial for a fulfilling life.  Our lactively cultivate a growth mindset, perceiving failure as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
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Grade 6-8

Exploration

AGES 11-13
Learners delve into challenges, fostering growth through Socratic discussions, practical application, and community-building.
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Grade 6-8

Exploration

AGES 11-13

In Exploration, learners are propelled into a distinctive realm of challenges that foster self-discovery and growth. Featuring deeper Socratic conversations and an emphasis on practical knowledge application, young heroes cultivate clear thinking, effective decision-making, and the development of positive habits. Navigating freedom within boundaries, these heroes become adept decision-makers and form a close-knit community valuing authentic friendships and honest resolution of interpersonal issues. The Exploration Studio empowers older students to seize control of their education, guiding them to learn, do, and be with purpose, strength, and meaning, cultivating kind, resilient, resourceful, and creative young minds prepared for the challenges of today's world. Within the Exploration Studio, learners engage in challenging real-world quests, push boundaries, and deepen their understanding of contemporary issues—a journey marked by growth and critical thinking.
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NOW ENROLLING

Admissions are now open

If you're seeking an educational experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where your child can embark on a journey of self-discovery, critical thinking, and real-world exploration, Acton Academy is the place to be! Join us in shaping the future of education and unlocking the unique potential within each child.