Choice with Limits: How Freedom Plays an Important Role at Acton Academy St. George

Freedom with Responsibility at Acton Academy St. George

Ah, freedom—a word we throw around like candy at a parade. We all love the idea that freedom means we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, but does it?

As children, we couldn’t wait to stay up late, eat and watch whatever we wanted. But as we grew older, we realized that freedom wasn’t what we first imagined. Instead, we learned that freedom is delicate and comes with trust and responsibility. Without careful attention, it can fade away, reminding us that choices have consequences.

At Acton Academy St. George, we believe that even young children, as young as three, can understand this truth: freedom comes with responsibility. We trust that children are far more capable than most adults realize. With the right boundaries, they can be entrusted with real freedom. This idea underpins our learner-driven community, where freedom and responsibility are woven into every moment of the day.

With deep respect for Dr. Maria Montessori’s pioneering work, we take this concept further by layering in what we call “freedom with responsibility.” In its simplest form, we describe this as “choices with limits.”

Personal Power to Make Choices at Every Turn

When children walk into an Acton studio, they enter a space designed to empower them with the freedom to make choices throughout their day. They hold the personal power to decide:

• Will I read this book or that one?
• Will I sit at my desk or on the floor?
• Will I start with math or focus on grammar?
• Will I engage in conversation with friends, or will I turn inward with headphones on?
• Will I snack now or later?

Every decision gives them a sense of autonomy, yet within the framework of responsibility.

Each Choice Has Limits or Consequences

Freedom, as we often remind ourselves, doesn’t mean the absence of rules. It lives in the delicate center between tyranny and anarchy, holding inherent boundaries. Each choice students make has limits and consequences, both natural and constructed.

For instance, there are contractual boundaries that students agree to and natural consequences that emerge from their actions. Perhaps a friend becomes upset if someone interrupts their work time, or a student realizes that choosing not to complete assignments delays their progress. Recently, during a conversation with our elementary school Eagles, I asked if we should impose consequences for students who choose not to work during designated times.

One nine-year-old insightfully replied, “There already is a consequence: those who don’t work won’t move through elementary school as quickly. It will take them longer to get to middle school, and that’s their choice.”

Real Freedom is Not Impulsive Behavior

What we strive to teach at Acton and what parents who embrace this philosophy at home understand is that real freedom is not impulsive behavior or simply getting whatever one desires. True freedom requires a deeper sense of self-control. It’s the ability to respond thoughtfully to circumstances, which leads to an authentic connection with others and the world around us.

Through this balance of freedom and responsibility, students are placed firmly in the driver’s seat of their learning—and ultimately, their lives.

To learn more about Acton Academy St. George, download our free info kit and schedule a tour.