Learning is a Hero’s Journey—a path of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Every child embarks on a unique adventure to uncover their talents, passions, and purpose.
Rather than lecturing, our teachers facilitate, using thought-provoking questions to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and empower students to take ownership of their education. We emphasize independence and responsibility, equipping students to navigate difficult conversations, lead discussions, and resolve conflicts.
Entrepreneurship and real-world experiences are woven into the curriculum, with students launching their own businesses and engaging in apprenticeships to explore careers. These hands-on opportunities help them discover their strengths and passions, giving them clarity and direction long before university.
Our mastery-based approach allows students to progress at their own pace while developing essential life skills like leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking.
At Acton Academy Calgary Central, students chart their own course, build resilience, and emerge as capable, compassionate leaders ready to shape the future.
We currently serve children aged 3–9, with our studios spanning Wonder (ages 3-6) and Spark (ages 6-9). The school will eventually go to Grade 12, but for now we are focusing on Pre-School to Grade 4, and will add a grade per year as that cohort progresses.
No, we are not affiliated. Acton Academy Calgary Central is uniquely accredited by the Alberta Ministry of Education and is registered as a non-profit organization with Alberta Registries.
As a registered non-profit, Acton Academy Calgary Central is required to be governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to ensuring our mission thrives, in addition to requiring that we comply with licensing requirements, City of Calgary Bylaws, Health & Safety Codes, accountability in governance, and financial transparency.
At Acton Academy Calgary Central, the academic year is structured into multiple 5- to 7-week sprints, each centered around an immersive learning experience and theme known as a Quest. These focused learning periods are strategically aligned with Alberta’s statutory holidays, allowing families the flexibility to travel during off-peak times. Between sprints, we offer optional recreational-focused child care, ensuring a balance between structured learning and leisure activities.
This sprint-based model is grounded in research showing that spaced learning enhances long-term memory and retention by allowing time for reflection and consolidation between learning sessions. Similar educational structures are practiced in Japan, where the school year is divided into terms with interspersed breaks, supporting deep learning and sustained engagement.
By integrating these principles, Acton Academy Calgary Central’s sprint-based approach optimizes learning, fosters personal growth, and provides students with focused periods of challenge, reflection, and celebration—preparing them to thrive in both academics and life.
A typical day at Acton Academy Calgary Central is dynamic and learner-driven, balancing academic mastery with hands-on projects and personal growth. For elementary level students and higher, the day often begins with a community meeting or Socratic discussion, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. Learners then focus on core skills like math, reading, and writing through personalized, gamified tools at their own pace.
The second half of the day is typically dedicated to interdisciplinary Quests, where learners engage in hands-on, real-world projects that connect academic concepts to practical applications. Throughout the day, learners set and review SMART goals, reflect on their progress, and participate in team-building activities. The day concludes with a reflection period, allowing learners to celebrate their achievements and identify areas for growth. This flexible, engaging structure encourages curiosity, independence, and a love for learning.
A typical day in the Wonder Studio at Acton Academy Calgary Central is filled with hands-on exploration, play-based learning, and activities designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and independence. The day begins with a welcoming circle time, where children engage in songs, stories, and discussions that build community and introduce themes for the day.
Morning activities include sensory play, art, and foundational skill-building through age-appropriate games and challenges. Learners also explore early literacy and numeracy concepts through playful, interactive methods. Outdoor time is a key part of the day, encouraging physical activity, exploration, and connection with nature.
In the afternoon, children engage in collaborative projects, free play, and activities that foster social-emotional development, such as group problem-solving and role-playing. The day concludes with a reflection circle, where learners share their experiences and celebrate their accomplishments.
This nurturing and stimulating environment is intentionally crafted to support developmental milestones while fostering a deep love for learning and a sense of wonder in each child.
At Acton Academy Calgary Central, learners take ownership of their educational journey by tracking their progress through a combination of personalized tools and practices. Each learner follows an Individualized Learning Plan, which includes SMART goals tailored to their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Progress is marked by earning mastery badges that reflect achievements in core skills, projects, and character development.
Daily goal setting and end-of-day reflections allow learners to assess their accomplishments and identify opportunities for improvement. Gamified learning platforms provide real-time feedback on academic skills, while 360° peer reviews and exhibitions of work offer opportunities for self-assessment and constructive feedback. This system fosters accountability, intrinsic motivation, and a clear understanding of their progress, empowering learners to celebrate milestones and tackle new challenges with confidence. Educators also gather and present both qualitative and quantitative data three times annually to share with learners and their families, which helps inform the learners’ Individualized Learning Plans.
At Acton Academy Calgary Central, leadership is intentionally woven into every aspect of the learning experience. Learners practice self-governance by participating in decision-making within their studios, co-creating community agreements, and managing shared responsibilities. Through collaborative projects, they take on roles that require teamwork, problem-solving, and accountability, building both confidence and empathy.
Feedback circles encourage learners to reflect on their actions, give and receive constructive feedback, and develop emotional intelligence. Public speaking opportunities, such as presenting during exhibitions or facilitating Socratic discussions, develop learners’ ability to articulate ideas clearly. By embracing these practices, learners develop the resilience, communication skills, and integrity needed to lead with purpose in any setting.
Acton Academy learners have demonstrated their ability to seamlessly transition to conventional high schools and university settings since the inception of the model in 2009. At Acton Academy Calgary Central, our focus on critical thinking, self-direction, and a strong academic foundation equips learners with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in any educational environment.
For families seeking additional support, we offer optional additional transition preparation to ensure a smooth shift into the conventional system. This includes guidance on test-taking strategies, schedule adjustments to align with traditional school hours, and strengthening organizational skills. Learners also practice adapting to traditional learning methods, such as active listening in lectures, reading comprehension techniques, and note-taking strategies.
To support social transitions, we help learners build confidence in navigating larger, less personalized environments, address social dynamics like forming new friendships, and prepare them to handle challenges such as bullying with resilience and emotional intelligence. By focusing on both academic and social readiness, we empower learners to excel in their next chapter and approach new experiences with confidence.
At Acton Academy Calgary Central, technology is introduced gradually and intentionally. In the early years, learners focus on developing independence, creativity, and curiosity through hands-on learning and collaborative projects without the use of technology. As they grow and demonstrate readiness in mid-elementary grades, controlled gamified learning platforms are thoughtfully integrated to enhance engagement, foster autonomy, and provide real-time progress tracking. These tools empower learners to build confidence, master skills, and stay motivated, connecting their learning to meaningful, real-world applications.
Acton Academy Calgary Central and Montessori both emphasize student-driven learning, but Acton takes a more entrepreneurial and technology-integrated approach. While Montessori relies on teacher-guided, hands-on materials for individual exploration, Acton Academy Calgary Central is learner-driven, encouraging students to set their own goals, engage in Socratic discussions, and work on real-world projects. Instead of traditional materials, once age-appropriate, Acton incorporates adaptive technology for core skills, allowing students to progress at their own pace through mastery-based learning.
Additionally, Acton Academy Calgary Central places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and apprenticeships, helping students develop real-world skills beyond academics. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, collaborate with peers, and build resilience through challenges, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
Mixed-age studios at Acton Academy Calgary Central create a vibrant, learner-driven community where children of different ages and abilities thrive together. Older learners mentor younger ones, strengthening their leadership, empathy, and communication skills. This mentorship deepens engagement, reinforces mastery of subject matter, and develops higher-order thinking as teaching becomes a powerful tool for learning.
Younger learners benefit by observing and interacting with experienced peers, building confidence and finding relatable role models. This dynamic environment fosters collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility while allowing every learner to progress at their own pace. By mirroring real-world scenarios, mixed-age studios prepare learners to work effectively in diverse teams, cultivating skills that transcend the classroom and empower them for lifelong success.
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