Our Educational Approach: Transforming Classrooms into Collaborative Studios for Learning
In the traditional educational system, children are stuffed in overcrowded classrooms that prioritize passing tests over long-term learning. Acton Academy Amarillo provides learners with studios where they work with others, challenge themselves, and develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Change the Way You (And Your Child) Think About School
As parents ourselves, we understand how frustrating it can be to see your child struggle academically or socially. Whether your child is having a hard time or you’re worried they may face these struggles later in life, there’s a better option for education.
At Acton Academy Amarillo, children learn in a collaborative studio of multi-age learners. These studios help children gain confidence, curiosity, and creativity by teaching them 3 simple principles:
Learn to learn
Learn to do
Learn to be
Your child will learn these principles through their own personalized learning plan, where they are inspired by real-world projects and experiences. Additionally, they’ll start their own Hero’s Journey, where they can find their calling and maintain personal goals for a happy life.
Why Do Parents & Children Love Acton Academy Amarillo?
Children become excited about school and can’t wait to return on Monday.
Families feel united and discover the joy of learning together.
Students master core academic skills with an average of 2.5 grade levels per year growth on the IOWA standardized test.
Children learn self-management, leadership, and how to take ownership of their learning.
Get to Know the 3 Primary Principles of Acton Academy Amarillo
Learn to Learn
Give Them the Core Academic Skills Needed to Think, Speak, & Act with Wisdom
Instead of one-size-fits-none teacher lectures, your child can develop self-paced mastery of necessary academic skills like math, science, English, and history. And their learning won’t stop there. They’ll have engaging Socratic discussions, cutting-edge personalized technology, and peer mentoring to help them deeply understand these topics.
For example, rather than simply memorizing WWII facts for a test, a student might participate in a discussion that looks like this:
Imagine you are Harry S. Truman. Do you drop the bomb?
Reflect on this video of Hiroshima after the nuclear force. Does this change your mind?
Reflect on this photo and personal account of a Japanese POW camp. Does this change your mind?
Which ethical approach is more important to you: a values approach — "We do not kill people" — or a utilitarian approach — "Fewest total lives lost"?
Learn to Do
Teach Them How to Stay Curious with Quests & Projects
Students are more likely to enjoy school when they have hands-on projects that help them master the skills needed to solve real-world problems. These quests help your child look at challenges from different perspectives and use their creativity to find solutions.
For example, instead of memorizing the periodic table, your child might participate in a studio project like this:
Your child will pretend they are an ER doctor in a 6-week simulation. They will learn the processes, tools, decision trees, and facts to triage patients.
On the final-day Exhibition, you and other parents will come with prepared "diseases." Students will then “order” an MRI, an X-ray, etc., to help identify and treat your “disease.” They’ll keep track of the costs for each test.
The winner of the simulation is the ER doc who saves the most lives with the correct diagnoses for the lowest cost.
Learn to Be
Watch Them Develop the Habits & Character Traits for a Fulfilling Life
Whereas most schools are designed to minimize behavior problems, we give young people the chance to lead by doing so. Learners receive Servant Leader Badges to honor their character growth and celebrate important milestones like:
Leading a conflict resolution discussion
Developing a mentor relationship with a personal hero
Completing deliberate practice of a skill they want to develop
Mentoring a team from a younger studio
Leading a team in accomplishing a big goal
Mastering a productivity skill like the urgent-important matrix
What Does the Hero's Journey Look Like
for Your Child?
A major focus of Acton Academy Amarillo is guiding learners through their Hero's Journey, a fundamental structure coined by American writer Joseph Campbell.
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that we must face with integrity and purpose, and a path we must find ourselves in order to live a life of meaning. Our mission is to prepare each child for his or her special journey using the Hero’s Journey framework.
This narrative equips our young heroes with the tools and skills they need to embrace challenges as they arise, solve them with confidence, and uncover their passion so they can live life to the fullest. With the Hero’s Journey, children will learn:
Failing is important in life, and it’s not something to be afraid of
Perseverance and character are more important than talent
Using your gifts to help others helps you as well
The treasure at the end of your journey is often the transformation you experience along the way
A Future Full of Excitement, Grit, & Passion Awaits Your Child
Real growth is hard work. But with the resources, encouragement, and learning activities provided at Acton Academy Amarillo, your child will have the support they need to become the best version of themselves.
We’d be honored to help your child start their Hero’s Journey, learn to learn, learn to do, and learn to be. Use the button below to reach out to our school now to learn more about our educational approach and start the enrollment process.
Acton Academy Amarillo admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school; it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
© 2024 Acton Academy Amarillo | Powered by ROI Online An Internet Marketing Company