There are three major reasons why we chose Acton over continuing to homeschool, even when we were giving it our all

1. The Power of Socratic Discussions

Acton’s "secret sauce" is Socratic discussions—structured conversations where there are no right or wrong answers, only well-reasoned arguments. The example we always use is the classic question: "Which is better—cats or dogs?" There’s no single answer, but through discussion, learners refine their reasoning, defend their viewpoints, and practice changing their minds when new evidence emerges.While you can have Socratic discussions at home or in a co-op, it’s nearly impossible to replicate the diversity of thought, perspective, and challenge that learners experience in a studio environment. In a home setting, it’s easy for discussions to become echo chambers, where children unconsciously reflect their parents' beliefs rather than developing their own. And as parents, it’s almost impossible to separate our roles as discussion facilitators from our roles as authority figures and caregivers.At Acton, learners are surrounded by peers with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. They wrestle with big ideas in a safe space where they can test their beliefs, hear opposing viewpoints, and refine their critical thinking skills—all without fear of disappointing a parent or pleasing an authority figure.

2. Accountability & Ownership

One of Acton’s core missions is fostering self-accountability and peer accountability. Learners hold each other responsible for upholding community agreements, challenging one another when they fall short, and offering support when needed. This is a skill that takes practice, courage, and consistency.In a homeschooling environment, accountability primarily comes from parents or siblings. But the sibling dynamic comes with its own challenges. If a younger sibling calls out an older one, the natural power imbalance can make it difficult for that feedback to be taken seriously. Meanwhile, when parents step in, the focus shifts from peer accountability to parental authority.At Acton, accountability is built into the community. If a learner isn’t upholding their commitments, they aren’t just answering to a parent—they're answering to their peers. This helps them develop the crucial life skill of holding themselves and others accountable in a constructive and respectful way, something that’s difficult to replicate at home.

3. The Complexity of Roles

In a homeschooling environment, a parent has to juggle multiple roles—teacher, facilitator, disciplinarian, nurturer, and sometimes even "boss." At Acton, roles are intentionally divided:

Guides inspire curiosity, foster independent learning, and hold learners accountable.Learners drive their own education, set their own goals, and support one another.Parents serve as supporters and cheerleaders rather than instructors.

This separation of roles is essential. At home, when a child presents an idea, a parent has to evaluate it through multiple lenses—Is it safe? Is it educational? Is it practical? In contrast, at Acton, learners have the freedom to pitch ideas and take ownership of their experiences without those added layers of parental concern.For example, just the other day, a group of learners came to pitch an idea: starting a fire outside. They had considered all the safety precautions, made commitments, and presented their case. The proposal was approved because they had taken ownership of their idea and demonstrated responsibility. In a home setting, that same pitch might be met with a quick "no" simply because, as parents, we have other immediate concerns.

Conclusion: Why We Couldn't Do Acton at Home

Even as dedicated homeschooling parents, we realized that we couldn’t replicate Acton’s core elements—true Socratic discussions, peer accountability, and distinct role separation—at home. The experience of learning alongside peers, engaging in meaningful discussions, and being held accountable by a community is something unique and powerful. Homeschooling is an amazing option for many families, and we have the utmost respect for parents who take on that challenge.

But for us, we wanted something more—something that would push our children beyond the comforts of home, challenge their thinking, and prepare them for real-world leadership. And that’s exactly what Acton provides.

If you’ve ever wondered why a parent would choose Acton over homeschooling, this is our answer. It’s not about what we could do—it’s about what we couldn’t do alone.