A Foundation for Their Dreams:
Discover Our Elementary School Curriculum

We believe in learning to be, learning to learn, and learning to do. As an Alberta Education accredited and funded elementary school in Calgary, we meet and exceed Alberta curriculum standards—empowering students to think critically, take ownership of their learning, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Here’s what a typical week looks like in Acton Central's elementary classes (ages 6-11):
- 10–15 hours of hands-on, real-world projects
- 5 hours of critical thinking through Socratic discussions
- 15 hours of inquiry-based, self-paced learning in core subjects
- Daily physical movement to support focus, wellness, and energy (outdoors or at onsite gymnasium)
- Weekly experiential outings that connect learning to the world beyond our walls
- 100% gamified learning experience, driven by intentional systems that make progress, accountability, and responsibility fun

Young students outdoors in the forestYoung students observing another students science presentationStudent’s hands stacked upon each otherA group of young students with their arms around each otherA small class of kids learning the school curriculumTwo young students using gearThree young students giving the thumbs up and smiling together

Building Your Child's Future: Essential Skills for a Changing World

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    The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills.

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    Daily hands-on project-based quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.

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    Multiple times each day, learners engage in deep Socratic discussions on heroes, history, and self-governance—sharpening their critical thinking skills and developing the ability to think, write, and speak with confidence and power.

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    Professional tools for art, engineering, tech, and storytelling in place of worksheets and busy work.

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    Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

Where Your Child's Learning Comes Alive: Ā Our Holistic Educational Philosophy

Mastery-Based Learning: Personalized Goals and a Plan Just for Them

Is your child thriving, or are they held back by a one-size-fits-all education? At Acton Central, we understand that every learner is unique. Unlike conventional Alberta schools where progress is dictated by time, our Mastery-Based Learning ensures your child advances only when they truly grasp a concept. This means no more frustration for those who need extra support and no more boredom for those ready to soar ahead. We build a foundation of genuine understanding, empowering your child to reach their full potential, confidently and at their own pace.

Progress Built on Mastery

Learners advance only after fully mastering a skill or concept, ensuring they have a solid foundation for tackling more complex material in the future. This approach eliminates gaps in understanding and fosters deep, meaningful learning.

ā€SMART Goals and Individualized Learning Plans

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. Regular reviews of these tools provide guidance, accountability, and opportunities to celebrate progress.

Their Voice Matters: Developing Confidence Through Communication and Clarity

Acton Central's approach transcends the standard Alberta curriculum, placing paramount importance on the development of essential soft skills. These vital qualities – including leadership, strong interpersonal abilities, emotional resilience, and a positive mindset – are the bedrock of a fulfilling life. Through intentional cultivation, your child will build unshakeable confidence, bounce back from challenges, and develop keen emotional intelligence. These aren't just skills; they are the core of how we empower your child to become a compassionate, adaptable leader, ready to make a significant impact on the world around them.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Every day, learners work together on hands-on, interdisciplinary projects, practicing effective communication, conflict resolution, and cooperative problem-solving. These experiences foster empathy and teach learners how to navigate diverse perspectives.

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. Older learners mentor younger learners, developing a sense of purpose and reinforcing their leadership skills and learnings.

Public Speaking and Communication

Regular Socratic discussions and public exhibitions empower learners to articulate their ideas with clarity, think critically, and engage in respectful, meaningful dialogue and debate.

Resilience and Growth Mindset

Learners are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Through daily reflections, 360° peer feedback, and SMART goal reviews, they build perseverance and learn to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.

Hands-On Projects: Bringing Learning to Life

Imagine your child not just learning, but doing. At Acton Central, our Hands-On 'Quests' transform abstract concepts into tangible realities. These immersive, interdisciplinary projects connect learning to the real world, culminating in proud public exhibitions. This isn't just about memorization; it's about ownership, application, and building the confidence of a true problem-solver. See how we bring learning to life:

Civic Engagement Quest

Learners explore how communities operate, how policies are shaped, and how they can drive meaningful change.

Activities include:

  • Designing solutions to local issues, such as improving recycling programs, rescuing abandoned pets, or enhancing community safety.
  • Participating in mock city council meetings, where learners debate policies, present proposals, and vote to simulate real-world decision-making.
  • Volunteering or shadowing local leaders to witness civic leadership in action.

Financial Literacy Quest

Learners develop essential money management skills through engaging, hands-on activities, such as:

  • Budgeting for needs and wants using personal or family finance simulations.
  • Exploring concepts like saving, investing, debt, and responsible spending.
  • Participating in a classroom marketplace simulation, where they earn, save, invest, and spend ā€˜Hero Bucks,’ gaining practical experience with debt, loans, and credit.

Entrepreneurship Quest

Beginning as early as age 6, learners design and launch their own businesses, developing key financial and organizational skills.

Activities include:

  • Writing business plans, creating budgets, and designing marketing strategies.
  • Exploring concepts like saving, investing, debt, and responsible spending.
  • Participating in a classroom marketplace simulation, where they earn, save, invest, and spend ā€˜Hero Bucks,’ gaining practical experience with debt, loans, and credit.

Renewable Energy Quest

Learners explore the basics of renewable energy and create hands-on projects to understand how it works:

  • Building simple energy models, such as solar-powered cars or wind turbines to learn how renewable energy is generated, integrating principles of engineering and physics.
  • Analyzing energy efficiency by collecting and interpreting data on the performance of their prototypes, encouraging scientific inquiry and iterative problem-solving.
  • Testing and improving designs, using experiments to see which methods work best.
  • Showcasing their projects in a class exhibition, presenting their discoveries to families and peers.

Fueling Their Inner Drive: Cultivating a Lifelong Love of Learning

What if your child was driven by an inner desire to learn, not just external pressure? At Acton Central, we believe Intrinsic Motivation is the key to lifelong success. We focus on personal growth, nurturing confident, self-driven learners who embrace challenges and strive for excellence. Our Guides and curriculum are designed to ignite and sustain this inner fire, fostering independence, curiosity, and resilience.

Mastery and SMART Goals

Learners regularly set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—tailored to their strengths and growth areas. Progress is marked by earning mastery badges, making achievements personal, tangible, and deeply rewarding.

Hero Bucks System

To foster accountability and financial literacy, learners earn ā€˜Hero Bucks’ by meeting goals, contributing to the community, and demonstrating positive behaviors. This currency can be exchanged for privileges, teaching responsibility in a fun and engaging way.

Freedom Levels

As learners show leadership, accountability, and effort, they earn increased independence and privileges, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and build self-discipline.

360-Degree Peer Reviews

Regular feedback from peers encourages self-reflection, helping learners identify strengths, address challenges, and develop teamwork and empathy.

Celebrating Your Child's Success: How We Measure Growth and Mastery

At Acton Central in Calgary, we believe in celebrating every milestone. Our curriculum tracks your child's progress in tools, skills, and character through the rewarding experience of earning badges and showcasing their achievements in public exhibitions.

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    Tangible Progress: Learners earn badges to visually track their academic growth in essential Core Skills like reading, writing, math, and spelling, as well as their development as Servant Leaders.

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    Showcasing Achievements: Your young hero will proudly present their work and mastery during engaging public exhibitions at the end of each five to seven-week learning sprint.

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    Developing Independence: Self-management and self-governance skills are thoughtfully assessed through valuable peer reviews at the end of each session, fostering accountability and growth.

A young student and teaching playing with a robotic arm

Our Educational Philosophy

We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.