Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Our curriculum at Acton Academy Silicon Valley is designed to inspire a love of learning, cultivate critical thinking, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Grounded in research and innovative methodologies, our curriculum goes beyond traditional education to empower students to become lifelong learners and leaders in their own right.
Mastery-Based Learning
At Acton Academy Silicon Valley, learners engage with mastery-based software to develop their core skills in Math, Science, Reading, and Writing. This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, earning badges as they master each skill. The use of gamification keeps children excited and motivated to learn.
What Are Quests?
Quests are immersive learning experiences that blend education with adventure. Each Quest presents a series of challenges that students must overcome, all while following an engaging storyline.
When Do Quests Happen?
Quests take place each afternoon, with learners dedicating roughly 2.5 hours to these engaging activities. This dedicated time allows students to dive deep into the material and fully immerse themselves in the learning experience.
How Are Quest Goals Set?
Guides play a pivotal role in the Quest experience. They set the stage by providing a narrative framework, using Socratic discussions, decorations, role plays, and more to create an immersive environment. They also outline the series of challenges students will face and establish the points, badge requirements, and rules of the game.
How is Student Progress Measured?
Progress in Quests is measured through various means:
- Points are earned for completing challenges.
- Badges are awarded upon the completion of a Quest.
- Exhibitions showcase the finished work of students, highlighting their achievements.
- Portfolios allow students to compile and showcase work they are especially proud of, providing a comprehensive view of their progress and growth.
- Points are earned for completing challenges.
- Badges are awarded upon the completion of a Quest.
- Exhibitions showcase the finished work of students, highlighting their achievements.
- Portfolios allow students to compile and showcase work they are especially proud of, providing a comprehensive view of their progress and growth.
What Makes Quests So Unique?
Quests are a unique feature of Acton Academy's curriculum, offering an immersive and engaging learning experience. They are designed as four-to-six-week series of challenges bound by a compelling narrative, which sets them apart from traditional educational approaches. Quests not only teach academic concepts but also focus on developing real-world skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. This blend of education and adventure makes Quests a truly innovative and effective way to inspire learning.
Beyond Traditional Education
Crafting a New Model for Modern Learners
Unlock your child's potential with a curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, instill confidence, and foster a lifelong passion for learning.
Self-Paced Progression
What does it mean?
Self-paced progression allows each learner to advance through the curriculum at their own speed, mastering each concept before moving on to the next.
Why is it important?
It ensures that learners fully understand and internalize each concept before progressing, leading to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the material.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner is not rushed through the curriculum or arbitrarily delayed, but instead has the time and flexibility to truly grasp each concept. This promotes greater retention and long-term understanding. This approach also ingrains a sense of autonomy and responsibility for their own learning journey.
Project-Based Curriculum
What does it mean?
The curriculum hands-on projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Why is it important?
Project-based learning encourages students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering an experiential understanding of concepts.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner gains practical skills and experiences that are directly applicable to real-life situations, preparing them for future challenges and careers.
Portfolios & Exhibitions
What does it mean?
Instead of receiving traditional grades, students deliver regular exhibitions of their work and create portfolios to showcase their learning.
Why is it important?
Portfolios and exhibitions are rigorous, holistic assessments of a learner’s a progress, focusing on mastery and growth rather than letter grades.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner develops a strong sense of accomplishment and self-awareness as they see tangible evidence of their progress and growth over time.
Multi-disciplinary Projects
What does it mean?
Students work on projects that integrate multiple subject areas, allowing for a more interconnected and holistic learning experience.
Why is it important?
Multi-disciplinary projects mirror real-world challenges and help students see the interconnectedness of different fields of study.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner develops a more comprehensive understanding of complex topics, as they learn to apply knowledge and skills from various disciplines to solve problems.
No Homework
What does it mean?
There is no traditional homework assigned at Acton Academy, allowing students to have more time for self-directed learning and exploration.
Why is it important?
Eliminating assigned homework reduces stress and burnout, allowing students to focus on meaningful learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner has more time for activities they are passionate about (including the subjects they are learning in school!), fostering a love for learning and a sense of balance in their lives.
Guides, Not Teachers
What does it mean?
Instead of traditional teaching, Guides at Acton Academy facilitate learning by providing resources, asking questions, and guiding students on their learning journeys.
Why is it important?
This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop critical thinking skills.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner develops independence, self-confidence, and a lifelong love for learning, as they are encouraged to explore and discover knowledge on their own.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
What does it mean?
Students of different ages learn together in the same environment, encouraging collaboration, mentorship, and a sense of community.
Why is it important?
This environment reflects real-world dynamics and allows for personalized learning experiences.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner learns to appreciate diversity, develops empathy, and learns from peers of different ages, enhancing their social and emotional intelligence.
Small Classroom Sizes
What does it mean?
Acton Academy maintains small classroom sizes to ensure personalized attention and foster meaningful relationships between students and Guides.
Why is it important?
Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and a more focused learning environment.
How this benefit the student?
Your learner receives personalized support, feedback, and guidance, maximizing their learning potential and academic growth.
Our Daily Schedule
Welcome to Acton Academy Silicon Valley, where our daily schedule is carefully crafted to provide a balance of structured learning and creative exploration. Our approach focuses on empowering students to take ownership of their education, guiding them towards mastery in core subjects while fostering a love for learning through hands-on projects and real-world challenges.
Arrival
8:15 AM - 8:30 AM
Launch/Circle Time
8:30 am - 8:45 am
Free Activity Time, Art
8:45 am - 10 am
Clean up & Snack
10 am - 10:20 am
Small Group Activity
10:20 am - 10:45 am
Outside Play
10:45 am - 11:50 am
Lunch
11:50 am - 12:30 pm
Music Closing Circle & Dismissal for Half-day Students
12:30 pm - 1 pm
Quiet Story Time
1 pm - 1:30 pm
NAP / Afternoon Quest
1:35 pm - 2:30 pm
Clean-up & Snack
2:30 pm - 3 pm
Closing/dismissal
3 pm - 3:15 pm
After Care
3:15 pm - 5 pm
Arrival & Free Time
8 am - 8:25 am
Morning Launch (Socratic)
8:30 am - 8:45 am
SMART Goals & Core Skills
8:45 am - 9:45 am
Brain Break
9:45 am - 10:15 am
Core Skills
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Lunch & Free Time
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Afternoon Launch (Socratic)
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
Quests
12:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Report on Goals
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Studio Maintenance
2:45 pm - 3 pm
Closing (Socratic)
3 pm - 3:15 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Acton Academy Silicon Valley's curriculum designed?
Our curriculum is informed by the latest educational research and best practices. It is designed to be engaging, relevant, and challenging, ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Do students at Acton Academy Silicon Valley study traditional subjects like math?
Yes, our curriculum covers traditional subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies. However, we approach these subjects in a unique and innovative way, focusing on real-world applications and hands-on learning.
How does Acton Academy Silicon Valley ensure that students are meeting academic standards?
While we do not rely on traditional grades or standardized tests, we assess student progress through a variety of methods, including built-in assessments provided on the learning platforms we use to deliver core skills (Khan Academy, IXL, Aleks, and others), project-based assessments, portfolios, and exhibitions. This allows us to ensure that students are mastering the necessary skills and concepts.
Is Acton Academy Silicon Valley's curriculum aligned with state standards?
Though we don’t measure progress by traditional standards, our curriculum is designed to ensure students are well-prepared for future academic challenges. Because we go beyond compliance, supplying our learners with essential life skills and a love of learning, our alumni have not only easily transitioned to, but excelled in high school, college and beyond.
What makes Acton Academy Silicon Valley's curriculum different from other schools?
Our curriculum is designed to be student-centered, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. We emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and independence, preparing students not just for academic success but for success in life.
Have more questions about Acton SV?
Ask our Admissions team
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2024-25
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.
