Frequently Asked Questions
At Acton Academy Amarillo, we know how daunting choosing the right school for your child can be. We strive to always be open and transparent about how we help children prepare for their future, so you can decide what’s best for your child.
Read some of the questions other parents like you frequently ask us below. And if you’re ready to learn more about Acton Academy Amarillo or to enroll your child, contact us now!
FAQ About Acton Academy Amarillo
How is Acton Academy Amarillo affiliated with Acton Academy?
Acton Academy Amarillo is part of the network of over 270 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model created at the original Acton Academy campus.
What ages do you enroll?
We accept Pre-K, elementary, and middle school-aged students, 1st to 7th grade. Launch Pad, what we call “High School”, is coming soon.
How long is Acton Academy Amarillo in session each year and what is the school calendar?
Our calendar may fluctuate a little, but generally, We are in session for 10 months with an 8-week break in the summers. Our schedule includes 6-week sessions, followed by a one-week break between sessions.
What is your tuition? How much does it cost to enroll my child?
Tuition is $8,500 per year, broken into 11 payments.
SPARK is $7,500/year and Elementary School and Middle School is $8,500/year.
We offer family discounts:
1st Child: Full Price
2nd Child: 15% off
3rd Child: 20% off
4th Child: 25% off
Is Acton Academy Amarillo a Montessori School?
While Acton Academy Amarillo is not classified as a Montessori academy, we respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy into our educational approach.
In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and the Socratic Method to allow our students to explore the world around them on a deeper level.
Does Acton Academy Amarillo serve special needs children?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities. However, we have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia who have received special training.
We believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed. When given the right learning environment and model, we have seen children who previously struggled in the traditional educational setting grow, develop confidence, find friends, and learn essential life skills.
Is Acton Academy Amarillo accredited?
Yes, the school is accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.
FAQ About Our Classrooms & Learning Centers
What is a learner-driven classroom?
At Acton Academy Amarillo, we believe in learning to be and learning to do. An important part of this is encouraging children to take responsibility for their own behavior and hold those around them to a high standard.
Learner-driven classrooms are designed to foster character growth as well as teach children core academic subjects. When something isn’t working, children work together to solve the problem, rather than look for an adult to solve it for them. This creates a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them well in all areas of life.
Will children be grouped together by grade?
We believe that children learn best when working with those younger and older than themselves, rather than split up into groups of children who are all the same age. We offer 3 studios where children will learn, grow, and play with other mixed-age children who support each other and collaborate daily:
• Spark: 4-6 years old
• Elementary: 6-11 years old
• Middle school: 11-14 years old
How do you use technology in the classroom without children having too much screen time?
At Acton Academy Amarillo, technology doesn’t mean social media videos or addictive games. We use technology to provide children with hands-on, interactive learning opportunities that help them grow academically and emotionally.
By utilizing the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar in about 90 minutes each day—while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.
Will Acton Academy prepare my teen for college?
We think that college is a tool that should be used when necessary. It’s not something that everyone needs to do once finishing high school. Our promise at Acton Academy is to have children well-prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance, if that's what they choose as their Next Great Adventure. Once your child 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, children are well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full-time, part-time, or not at all.
What are Running Partners?
Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening, and providing affirmation. They help children build confidence as well as leadership skills that set them up for a bright future.
FAQ About Our Approach & Philosophy
What is “The Hero’s Journey” and how do you use it in your educational approach?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
As a key principle in the Acton model, the Hero’s Journey helps your child build grit and determination to overcome problems in life. It teaches them that even though bad things will happen, you’re still a hero as long as you keep trying.
What is an “independent learner” and how will becoming an independent learner help my child in the long run?
Learning goes beyond tests and textbooks. Traditional schools teach children how to memorize, but they don’t teach them how to learn.
An independent learner is someone who can:
• Research questions
• Follow instructions
• Solve problems
• Admit that they don’t know something
• Figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock
• Participate in discussions
• Strive to be the best version of themselves
These skills won’t just help your child perform better in college or trade school. They will set your child up for success once they join the workforce, in their relationships, and as they navigate the challenges life throws their way.
What is a Socratic Discussion?
The Socratic Discussion is a type of discussion that teaches children how to communicate, express emotions, and look at situations from others’ perspectives. During a Socratic Discussion, a leader asks open-ended questions to help participants gain a deeper understanding of a topic. Participants then clearly articulate their positions or arguments.
Do you focus on preparing children for college, the workforce, or a combination of both?
We believe each of our learners will find a passion: something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world.
This may be by becoming:
• A scientist or doctor who uncovers something that helps change the world
• An entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity
• An artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives
• A coach who sees the light in a child's eyes and guides her to pursue a dream
• A father or mother who leads a family on their own Hero's Journey
• A shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love
We encourage every child to uncover their passion and then create a plan to bring their dream to life.
Could Acton Academy Amarillo Give Your Child the Skills They Need to Take on the World with Confidence?
Your child deserves a safe, engaging environment where they can learn and thrive. Whether you still have questions, want to hear more about our approach, or are ready to enroll your child in the next session, contact Acton Academy Amarillo to get started.
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.
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