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Empowering Children to Lead Meaningful Lives Through Curiosity, Mastery, and Leadership.

Acton Academy Calgary Central is not just an elementary school, it’s a fresh approach to education designed to nurture children’s curiosity, unique talents, and ability to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our mission is to cultivate curious minds through hands-on learning experiences and personalized attention. Our dedicated educators guide learners to build strong academic foundations while nurturing leadership and life skills, empowering each child to thrive authentically.

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“I am confident that any randomly-selected ten-year-old from Acton would have succeeded instantly where at least some MIT graduates failed.”Matt Greenfield, Rethink Education

“The most amazing outcome at Acton is that young heroes there are genuinely enthralled with learning. Simply said, they LOVE school.”Heather Staker, Ready to Blend

"Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world."Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart

Play
Play

Experience how we're transforming education in this documentary.

“The most amazing outcome at Acton is that young heroes there are genuinely enthralled with learning. Simply said, they LOVE school.”Heather Staker, Ready to Blend

“I am confident that any randomly-selected ten-year-old from Acton would have succeeded instantly where at least some MIT graduates failed.”Matt Greenfield, Rethink Education

"Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world."Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart

What Makes Our Elementary
School in Calgary Unique?

Project-Based Learning: Half of the day's learning occurs in our small class sizes through immersive, hands-on projects, where learners engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary 'Quests' that connect academic concepts to practical, real-world applications.
Kids learning at Acton
Acton Campus in Austin
Intrinsic Motivation: We believe this is the foundation of lifelong success. By focusing on personal growth rather than external rewards, our approach nurtures confident, self-motivated learners who embrace challenges and strive for excellence.
Girl in Acton Campus
Teachers don’t lecture: Through thoughtful facilitation, they spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and encourage deep learning. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their education, leading to lasting understanding rather than rote memorization.
Personalized Learning: Each learner creates an Individualized Learning Plan and sets SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tailored to their strengths, interests, and growth areas.
Growth Mindset: Learners are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Through daily reflections, 360° peer feedback, and SMART goal reviews, they build resilience and learn to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
‍Leadership and Responsibility: Leadership is built through self-governance, where learners co-create studio and school norms, mediate peer conflicts, facilitate discussions, and take ownership of shared responsibilities.

Our Pedagogy:
Learning to Be, Learn, and Do

Learning to Be

Learning to Be emphasizes personal growth, emotional intelligence, and character development by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
Learners engage in practices like journaling, gratitude exercises, and daily goal reviews to reflect on their values, align actions with their goals, and build emotional resilience. These activities instill discipline, clarity, and a positive outlook, helping learners develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
To cultivate confidence, leadership, and empathy, learners step into real responsibilities through self-governance and peer feedback, growing their autonomy and accountability as they navigate decisions and actions.
Collaborative challenges build active listening and mutual respect, while leadership opportunities empower learners to guide, inspire, and resolve conflicts with compassion. Through group discussions and meaningful projects, they gain a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives, strengthening their ability to connect, collaborate, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Learning to Learn

Learning to Learn focuses on equipping learners with the tools and strategies needed to take ownership of their educational journey and adapt to new challenges with confidence.
Learners develop crucial skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance by creating and working through Individualized Learning Plans tailored to their unique strengths and needs. By progressing at their own pace, they gain a deeper understanding of how they learn best and develop the ability to set realistic objectives, prioritize tasks, and track their progress effectively. This self-directed approach fosters resilience and adaptability, as learners overcome obstacles and refine their strategies to achieve their goals. Through consistent practice and reflection, they build the skills and mindset required for lifelong learning and personal growth.
At later ages, technology and gamified learning tools such as Khan Academy and Lexia are thoughtfully introduced to enhance engagement, make core subjects enjoyable, and personalize learning to each learner's unique needs.

Learning to Do

Learning to Do transforms knowledge into action, empowering learners to build meaningful, real-world skills through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Practical Skills Through Real-World Projects: Learners engage in dynamic Quests and real-world projects designed to develop skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. These experiences challenge learners to think creatively, take initiative, and collaborate effectively, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Real-Life Experience Through Apprenticeships: Starting around age 10, learners dive into apprenticeships with local businesses, where they explore career interests and gain invaluable hands-on experience. From shadowing professionals to contributing to meaningful projects, these opportunities inspire a sense of purpose, foster independence, and provide a glimpse into the possibilities of their future.
The Spark Studio
The Discovery Studio
The Wonder Studio

Learner-Driven Communities Run by Heroes-in-the-Making

Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who use 21st Century skills to tackle real world projects, inspired by classic heroes in a tightly bound community with extremely high standards.

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Play
Play

01:21

The Hero's Journey

Rethinking Education for the 21st Century

At Acton Academy, we believe in a learner-driven model that puts children in the driver’s seat of their education. In this interview with Dad Saves America, Laura Sandefer shares how Acton Academy gives responsibility and agency to young learners, allowing them to develop independence, resilience, and a love for lifelong learning.

Listen to this interview and discover why Acton Academy is redefining what it means to learn.
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"I would never have believed children could learn so much from each other...
...until I saw it with my own eyes. The lessons of self-management and self-governance have prepared our fifth-grade daughter to be a lifelong learner.”
Parent, Discovery Studio

Begin Your Family's Journey

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Acton Academy Calgary Central Society is a not-for-profit organization (2664484 Alberta Society) registered with Alberta Registries.
Calgary, AB, Canada