Who does Acton Academy NOT work for?

“Sometimes getting clear about what you are NOT looking for is the best way to find what you ARE looking for.” - Michelle Bowen

Will Acton Academy work for my child?

If you are like most parents, you are on the hunt for a school that “fits” your child and your family.

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is:  Will Acton Leadership Academy work for my (insert unique character traits and age here←-) child?”

The answer to this question is nuanced, for sure (I will cover that another day!) …but there are some clear cases where the answer is simply “No.”  I hope that by sharing a bit about those circumstances with you today you will get closer to finding the very best school for your family!  

👊Who is Acton Academy NOT for?👊 

Generally speaking, Acton Academy may not work for families who prefer a more traditional, structured educational environment and who expect to see clear markers and measurements common in defining academic “success” and/or “failure.” 

For example, Acton Academy may not suit parents who expect:

Standardized Curriculum: Those who prioritize a conventional curriculum with strict grade levels, frequent testing, and teacher-led instruction may not be comfortable with Acton’s learner-driven approach.

Daily Homework and Grades: Families expecting regular homework, traditional grading, and standardized assessments may find Acton’s mastery-based, no-grade system unconventional or insufficient.

Passive Learning: Students who are used to or prefer passive learning (e.g., lectures, rote memorization, worksheets) might struggle in an environment that emphasizes self-direction, inquiry-based learning, and active participation.

Strong Focus on Competitive Sports or Extracurriculars: Families seeking robust competitive sports programs or a wide range of extracurricular activities might find Acton’s offerings limited compared to traditional schools. (More on this, specifically, coming soon).

Strict Discipline and High Structure: Parents looking for rigid discipline, highly structured environments, or more direct adult supervision may find Acton's model too flexible and open-ended.

Learning differences and special need accommodation: Some learning different children may not thrive at Acton, as traditional environments offer a wide range of resources and accommodations for learning differences. Acton does not offer IEPs in the traditional sense, even though each learner’s plan can vary and be customized in some ways.

At the end of the day, every child and family is different. Acton Academy might be a game-changer for some, but it’s not designed for those who need strict structures, traditional grading, or a highly adult-directed environment. If you’re looking for a space where curiosity, independence, and real-world learning are key, then Acton could be a dream come true. But if you thrive on traditional benchmarks, this might not be the best fit — and that’s totally okay! Finding the right school is all about what works best for your child.

Need help choosing the right school for your family?  Check out this FREE PDF resource:  

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A SCHOOL YOU AND YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE!