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Is Your Child Ready to Thrive?

Acton Academy Calgary Central is not just a 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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Say goodbye to rote memorization and hello to hands-on projects, real-world challenges, and personalized learning journeys.

Project-Based Learning: Half of the day's learning occurs in our small pre-school and elementary school classes through immersive, hands-on projects, where learners engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary 'Quests' that connect academic concepts to practical, real-world applications.
A young boy laughing in his classroom
Elementary students observing another students science project
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.
A group of students hands stacked upon each other
Multiple elementary students doing schoolwork
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.
An elementary school student in music class
Three young students recycling plastic bottles
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.
Two elementary students trying to solve a problem on a computer
A teacher observing a problem to solve
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.
A group of books on a desk
Two elementary students reading from a laptop screen
‍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.
A teacher giving a speech
Three elementary students working together on a project

Beyond the Textbook: Our Three Pillars for Nurturing Holistic Growth

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.
A group of students all wearing rain boots in bright colours

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.
Students laughing and wrestling with each other
The Spark Studio
The Discovery Studio
The Wonder Studio

Learn how our unique studio model and self-paced curriculum empower young learners to take ownership of their education.

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.

Learn More About Our Studios
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01:21

The Hero's Journey

Discover a community where curiosity is celebrated, and children are encouraged to explore their passions and discover their callings.

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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A young student explaining her work to two teachers
"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