Find a Calling, Change The World…
Our school helps Pre-K-8th Grade students discover and grow their unique strengths.
Why Acton Academy?
How we are different from other traditional schools…
Learn By Doing
We believe students learn by doing. Whether it’s launching a startup business, creating a tidepool habitat, playing a musical instrument, painting a mosaic, or programming a robot, Acton students are building real-life skills in the classroom every day.
Students Take Ownership
Acton Academy is “student led.” This means young people take ownership of their education. Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility and embrace challenge. They are being prepared to bring their own unique genius to the world.
Change The World
We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.
If you would like to learn more about our story and see (in person) why Acton Academy is one of the newest and most innovative (and downright coolest) school designs in the world schedule a tour today!
Watch this short award winning documentary about Acton Academy
Are you frustrated with the old, traditional educational model that teaches students to spit out facts and pass state-mandated tests?
Our promise to your child
He or she will…
Frequently Asked Questions – Answered!
We currently serve ages 4 to 8 in our Montessori inspired Spark Studio, and 8-13 in our Discovery Studio (Upper Elementary/ Middle School Studio). We believe that children learn best when working with other children older and younger than themselves.
Our promise at Acton Academy is to have students well prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance. Once your student gets over the test-taking barrier at the university of their choice, their portfolio, and critical thinking skills will be a big boost during the application and interviewing process. Most importantly, students are well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full-time, part-time, or not at all.
Yes, our school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
Acton is the right place for your child if they… Wish traditional school was more challenging and engaging. Enjoy doing projects around their interests, build, create, innovate, or make art. See things differently. Care about their future, want to find a calling, and want to change the world. Are kind, hardworking, and committed to doing their best.
Annual tuition is $7,300. An annual registration fee of $450 is due upon registration. We also participate in several Tax Credit Scholarship programs. No matter a family’s income, anyone who has a child attending K-12 private school in Arizona should take advantage of these scholarship programs!
Class starts in July and ends in May with one to two week breaks between sessions. Our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, see our calendar for more details. 2021-2022 Academic Calendar 2022-2023 Calendar
We provide a 21st-century learning environment using the latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading, writing, elective courses, and math skills. Students are placed according to ability so that our program can meet the student right where they are. Students move on to the next level only after the content has been mastered, which ensures there are no learning gaps.
Although we do not offer formal team sports, many of our students participate in city league sports. Our school embraces a deep commitment to physical fitness and overall health awareness. Acton students explore a variety of physical activities that have ranged from boot camp, team building, and basketball.
We operate on an 11- month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.
From charcoal drawings, soft pastel, clay, and murals, our students experience varied and unique art and music workshops.
While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization, we do not promote any one religion.
We believe that students learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to an individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
Students celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios, and taking part in public exhibitions. Public exhibitions allow students to present work to experts, customers, or the public for a real-world test. Parents use our online platform JourneyTracker and school app to monitor progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math, and character development. Electronic and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative work. Once a year, we offer the Iowa standardized test, and you know what? Most of our students score 1-2 grade levels ahead of the national average.
As our learners grow, our school will grow with them! We plan to offer K-12 education in the near future!
1. Visit Us
Schedule a campus tour to learn more about our unique school.
2. Submit Your Application
Please complete our online application.
3. Visit Day
After we receive the completed application form, your child is invited to visit our school for a day. The visit day is an excellent way for us to get to know your child and allow them to experience learning at East Valley Acton Academy.
4. Admissions Decision
We will convey a preliminary decision on admission within a week after the visitor day. Admission to our school will be confirmed upon receipt of the registration fee and signed enrollment documents. Ensuring a good fit between each student and family with Acton is essential. For that reason, admission remains subject to review of student school records, and the discretion of the school-based on information obtained prior to the start of school.
A School for the 21st Century
Watch these two amazing TEDx talks about Acton Academy
The Myth of Average: Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty
Jeff Sandefer, Founder of Acton Academy, Austin Main Campus
Meet the team
Shari Miller
Founder
Ryan Miller
Co – Founder
Jude & Taryn Miller
Research & Development
Quality Control
Joseph Ashton
DISCOVERY GUIDE
Jill Dianne Bittinger
SPARK GUIDE