Our Studios
SPARK "MONTESSORI" STUDIO
Our "Spark" Studio. An education for ages 3-7 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).
ELEMENTARY STUDIO
Our "Discovery" Studio. An education for ages ~ 7-11 (2nd to 5th grade).
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDIO
Our "Adventure" Studio. An education for ages 12-14 (6th to 8th grade).
HIGH SCHOOL STUDIO
Our "Launchpad" Studio. An education for ages 14-18 (9th to 12th grade).
For ages 3-7
The Spark Studio
Preschool & Kindergarten
Harness Curiosity
Like Maria Montessori, we believe that even the youngest children have important work to do, whether that is academic in nature or building an imaginary world in our outdoor natural playscape.
The Spark Montessori Inspired Preschool & Kindergarten studio is designed to spark curiosity through hands-on experiences and play-based challenges to develop the independence, focus, and kindness needed to enter an Acton Elementary Studio — each prepared to discover a calling that will change the world.
- Grow curiosity through hands-on projects and outdoor adventure "Spark" play
- Explore mindfulness, natural interests, music, and have a LOT of fun
- Build the foundations of independent learning, personally responsibility, reading, writing, communication, math, grace and courtesy, kindness, etc.
Available Schedules
All the Learners, ages 3-7, in the Spark "Montessori Inspired" studio, are combined in a mixed age studio.
Ages 3-4
Both part time and full time options are available for our 3 and 4 year old Learners. However, if a family wants a 3 year old to go full time, they will typically start part time until they are ready, at which point we have a discussion with the family to make sure everyone is in agreement that full-time is the right thing for the Learner and family.
Ages 5-7
Typically beginning around age 5, if not before, we begin discussions about moving learners to full-day Kindergarten so they can get the full experience of our outdoor space and begin to prepare them for our Elementary "Discovery" Studio.
Our Spark studio has a few schedule options available as indicated above. However, we are a 5-day a week program with part time option for our youngest learners.
For ages 7-11
The Discovery Studio
An Elementary School
Accomplish important work and play well with others
An Acton Elementary Studio is like a close-knit neighborhood where learners tackle important work, solve real problems, collaborate with peers, and engage in increasingly challenging games. This environment fosters a culture of respect, hard work, and character development.
Elementary age learners learn to:
- Have fun and be kind
- Set and track goals
- Ask great questions
- Build a solid foundation of Math, Reading, Writing, and Civilization
- Explore and be curious to develop a love of learning through hands-on project-based learning
- Real world projects in science, entrepreneurship, nature, physical education, etc.
We replaced external motivators like high-stakes test scores and grades with an intrinsic growth mindset, so our learners are motivated to work hard and have fun. Respect is the foundation for every other skill we learn at Acton Academy St. George. We respect our time, our fellow learners, our space, and our materials. The learners work together to create rules for their studio. Some areas might be off-limits for play, while others are more flexible. Ultimately, the learners come together to agree to those ground rules and promises—all based on a key promise to not distract themselves or each other during times of work.
For ages 11-14
The Adventure Studio
A Middle School
Learn to Work Hard
The "Adventure" Middle School Studio (ages 11-14) at Acton Academy St. George is where students learn to work hard, develop real-world skills, and literally adventure into the real world. We believe each of our students will find a passion, something they love and have a gift to do. Finding and pursuing this gift is what we call the Hero's Journey. Our mission at Acton Academy St. George is to equip our students with the skills and tools they will need to find and realize their life's purpose. During the transformative Middle School years, we inspire our young people to develop independent thinking, strong friendships, leadership skills, and pursue their work with integrity. As you immerse yourself in this journey, you:
- Learn to work hard
- Manage your work and lead your studio
- Master core skills (reading, writing, and math)
- Dive deep into quests; explore the real world through apprenticeships
- Prepare to change the world
For ages 14-18
The Launchpad Studio
A High School
Committing to Your Next Great Adventure
Launchpad (High School) at Acton Academy St. George is where learners prepare for their next great adventure. Whether that next step is a selective college, launching your own business, or your first job at SpaceX or Google, Launchpad will help prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.
Extraordinary young leaders spend time doing something they love to do, inspired by world class coaches and experts, and having fun with friends as they create lifelong memories.
Launchpad heroes:
- Read deep literature; communicate clearly and powerfully; and tackle real world computational challenges.
- Wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas through Socratic discussions in Civilization and through studio governance.
- Dive deeply into college level biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions.
- Serve in leadership roles in lower studios, their community, and around the world in the Acton Network.
A day at Acton Academy St. George
Each day in our studios balances creativity with structure: extended blocks of time for focused work and play, supported by clear but flexible boundaries. This approach empowers young people to manage their time, set meaningful goals, and, above all, enjoy the learning journey.
As learners demonstrate readiness, they earn increased freedom and responsibility. In the Montessori-inspired "Spark" studio, mornings begin with a traditional work cycle, while afternoons are dedicated to purposeful "Spark" play outdoors. Our part-time Spark learners, start the day outside and then come in to finish the day doing various works. In our older studios, mornings focus on Core Skills and interactive games, while afternoons are focused on hands-on projects, civilization (history), and time for deep reflection, critical thinking, and peer connection. Throughout the week, Art, music, and Physical Development are incorporated into the day.
During each work block, students choose from a wide array of activities aligned with their individual goals, passions, and commitments.
Every day begins and ends with a group discussion — a “launch” to set intentions in the morning and a reflection to close out the day.
A Learner-Driven Community
Our Learner Driven Communities are primarily led by our Eagles, where families of lifelong learners come together, bound by clear covenants. Here, “Learning to Do” and “Learning to Be” take precedence over “Learning to Know.”
Each student helps create and signs a Contract of Promises, outlining how they will uphold community values and the consequences for stepping outside these norms — much like a shared constitution. Mentor teams foster collaboration among students of all ages, encouraging them to listen actively, affirm each other’s efforts, set meaningful goals, and hold one another accountable.
"Learn to Be" badges celebrate milestones in character growth and recognize achievements in servant leadership challenges, emphasizing the importance of building character alongside academic growth.