The Evidence: Why Part-Time Acton Doesn't Work

Acton has grown to over 200 locations worldwide, with thousands of applications to open new schools. Some early owners attempted hybrid or part-time models, but the results were clear: these models didn’t last. They couldn’t provide the same rich learning experience that a full-time Acton studio offers.

After a decade of experimentation, the Acton network firmly concluded that full-time enrollment is essential for creating the deep, immersive learning environment that defines Acton.

The Real Question: Family Time vs. School Time

Many parents who ask about part-time Acton are motivated by a desire to spend more time with their child. This is a beautiful goal, and one that Acton fully supports—but in a different way than you might expect. Instead of focusing on the quantity of time spent together, Acton emphasizes quality time through intentional family engagement.

Why Full-Time at Acton is Actually Better for Families

There are two key reasons why full-time Acton serves families better than a part-time model:

Higher-Quality Family Time: Acton provides families with tools and resources to make after-school time more meaningful. Because the learning environment at school is highly efficient, there’s no homework. This means your child gets to fully enjoy their time at home, and you get to focus on connection instead of assignments.

A Purposeful Learning Environment: Acton isn’t just about academics. It’s a space for leadership growth, peer interactions, time management, and self-reflection. With full-time enrollment, your child gets to fully immerse in these skills, while you receive support to build a strong family culture at home.

What If You Need More Flexibility?

While Acton doesn’t offer a structured part-time model, flexibility does exist. There are no rigid attendance requirements, meaning if your family needs a special day together, you can take it. A vacation? A mental health day? A cozy day at home? That’s absolutely an option.

Acton isn’t about filling up hours in a schedule—it’s about providing the most valuable learning experience possible while also giving families the freedom to live intentionally.

The Parent Partnership: Why Full-Time is a Commitment for Everyone

Acton works best when families fully engage. This means not only enrolling your child but also embracing the Acton approach at home. Parent participation is essential. When parents don’t engage with Acton’s parent resources, the learner’s experience suffers, and so does the family’s overall journey.

But when both the school and parents work together, something incredible happens: entire families grow, not just the learners. Parents become more intentional, more present, and more connected to their child’s journey, as well as their own!

The Bottom Line: Be All In

If you’re drawn to Acton but hesitant about the full-time commitment, we understand. It’s a big decision. But the reality is that Acton is most effective when families go all in. And in return, families report that their home life, relationships, and overall growth as individuals and as a unit improve.

So, rather than asking, "Can Acton be part-time?" the better question might be, "How can full-time Acton help our family thrive?"

We’d love to talk more about your specific needs and concerns. Schedule a visit, take a tour, and let's explore whether Acton is the right fit for your family.