Exploring Acton Academy’s radical approach in the evolving education marketplace.
“Acton is not a school…”
When Jake Thompson, founder of Heroes Academy (an Acton affiliate) in Boise, Idaho, and the new Director of the Acton Network, first said this to me, I was taken aback. As the co-founder of Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale and a Middle School Guide myself, I thought I fully understood our mission. But Jake’s statement made me pause and reflect.
What if our network of over 300 K-12 learning communities worldwide isn’t really about “schooling” at all?
In recent years, the education landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Families are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, leading to a burgeoning marketplace of innovative educational models. Among these, Acton Academy stands out with its unique approach to learner-driven education.
As the co-founder of Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale and the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), I often get the opportunity to meet peers and explore various educational innovations. I believe what sets Acton apart isn’t just its philosophy or methods, but its commitment to redefining the very concept of “school.”
If, as Jake says, “Acton is not a school,” then what is it?
I would interpret Jake’s words to mean that Acton is “less a school and more a training ground for the soft skills that fuel life’s greatest adventures.” But what does that really mean in practice?
At the core of Acton’s approach is a transformative belief: “Each person who enters Acton Academy is a genius who deserves to find a calling that changes the world.” This isn’t just an inspirational slogan—it’s a fundamental conviction that shapes everything we do.
This approach aligns with MIT Professor Douglas McGregor’s Theory Y, recognizing young people’s innate drive to prove their competence. Our role as Guides is to create an environment where learners can demonstrate their growing capabilities, earning genuine respect from peers and adults alike.
One of our key tools is Socratic leadership, which hands the keys to our learners and turns the learning environment into a real-world simulator. Rather than teaching, Guides strive to become increasingly invisible, creating space for learners to grapple with challenging ethical dilemmas and complex problems.
The Challenge of Unbiased Guidance
As my own journey continues, I find that one of the most challenging aspects of my growth has been the meticulous process of working to remove bias from my words.
For example, in our older studio primarily made up of 12- and 13-year-olds, the learners led 58 percent of the Socratic discussions this past week. The week before, it was just over 75 percent, as they continue to build their leadership skills with practice and peer feedback.
This approach isn’t without its challenges. I still fight that strong urge to inject wisdom or lead young people to what I think is the right answer. The most challenging aspect of my growth has been the meticulous process of learning to remove my own unintended bias. Despite dedicated effort, I still catch myself inadvertently influencing discussions through my choice of words or framing of questions.
A recent experience highlighted both the challenges and rewards of this approach. Over the last couple of weeks, we saw several minor discipline situations in our Studio. Instead of intervening, I watched as our learners managed these issues entirely on their own, using the guidance and guardrails they’ve been practicing.
These moments of stepping back are both terrifying and exhilarating, reminding me that true education is about creating an environment where young people can safely explore, fail, succeed, and ultimately grow into their fullest selves.
For educators interested in implementing more learner-driven practices, here are some actionable steps:
- Start small: Begin by incorporating open-ended questions into your lessons, encouraging learners to think critically rather than recite facts.
- Create opportunities for student-led projects: Allow young people to choose topics that pique their own curiosity and guide their own learning process.
- Implement peer feedback systems: Equip learners with examples of how to give and receive constructive criticism, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Practice stepping back: Resist the urge to provide immediate answers. Give young people time and space to work through challenges on their own.
- Reflect regularly: Set aside time to examine our own biases and how they might be influencing our learning environments. Be open to adjusting your approach based on these reflections.
While Acton’s model may not be right for everyone, its principles can be adapted to many learning organizations. As the private education marketplace continues to expand, families have more options than ever to find the right fit for their children’s unique needs and learning styles.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, our goal should be to equip learners with the tools to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Whether through Acton’s approach or other innovative models, the future of education lies in empowering young people to take charge of their own learning journeys.
