Home/Learning/Our Studios
Where the learning lives

Inside the Studio

A studio isn't a classroom. It's a community, mixed in age, self-governed, and alive with the hum of children chasing their own questions.

Learners in a Socratic discussion with their Guide
1One tribe

Mixed ages

Older Lions mentor younger ones; younger Lions stretch to keep up. Everyone leads, everyone learns.

2Their rules

Self-governed

Studios write and uphold their own agreements. Freedom and responsibility grow together.

3Questions first

Socratic at heart

Guides ask, they don't lecture. The best answers come from the children themselves.

4A bigger story

Hero's Journey

Every learner is a hero on a journey, finding a calling and the courage to change the world.

5Work that matters

Real-world quests

Hands-on projects, apprenticeships, and exhibitions replace worksheets. Work that matters, shown to a real audience.

6Truly got it

Mastery, not grades

Learners earn badges by demonstrating mastery, moving at their own pace, never on to the next thing until they've truly got it.

Ages 3–6 · Early Learners

The Spark Studio

Harness curiosity

Like Maria Montessori, we believe even the youngest child has important work to do, even if the work is imaginary play or building a castle from wood scraps, ladders, and old tires. The Spark Studio is best imagined as a garden where learners embrace Montessori work and Spark Play to learn real-life skills and develop the independence, focus, and kindness needed to enter the Elementary Studio, each prepared to discover a calling that will change the world.

  • ♔Grow curiosity through hands-on projects and outdoor adventure "Spark Play".
  • ♔Explore mindfulness, natural interests, and music, and have a LOT of fun.
  • ♔Build the foundations of independent learning, reading, writing, communication, and math.
A Spark Studio guide leading circle time with young learners
Ages 6–12 · Elementary

The Elementary Studio

Accomplish important work and play well with others

An Elementary Studio is like a close-knit neighborhood where learners tackle important work, solve problems, collaborate with peers, and engage in increasingly challenging games.

  • ♔Ask great questions.
  • ♔Have fun and welcome others.
  • ♔Set and track goals.
  • ♔Build a solid foundation in math, reading, writing, and Civilization.
  • ♔Explore, stay curious, and develop a love of learning through hands-on, project-based learning.
A guide sharing a dinosaur lesson with Elementary Studio learners
Ages 12–15 · Middle School

The Journey Studio

Learn to work hard

The Journey Studio is where young heroes learn to work hard, tackle complex computational challenges, communicate clearly and persuasively, and develop the passion and real-world skills needed to make a difference in the world.

  • ♔Master core skills (reading, writing, and math) through the latest technology.
  • ♔Develop critical thinking and an appreciation for heroes and history through Socratic discussions.
  • ♔Dive deeply into biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance, and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions.
  • ♔Prepare for the real world through challenging apprenticeships.
Journey Studio learners working on laptops in their studio
Ages 15–18 · High School

The Launchpad Studio

Committing to a Next Great Adventure

Launchpad (high school) is where learners prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, whether the next step is a selective college, launching their own business, or a first job at a place like SpaceX or Google.

Extraordinary young leaders spend time doing something they love; inspired by world-class coaches and experts; having fun with friends as they create lifelong memories.

  • ♔Read deep literature; communicate clearly and powerfully; and tackle real-world computational challenges.
  • ♔Wrestle with timeless moral dilemmas through Socratic discussions in Civilization and through studio governance.
  • ♔Dive deeply into college-level biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, finance, and psychology through immersive quests and public exhibitions.
  • ♔Serve in leadership roles in lower studios, their community, and around the world in the Acton Network.
Launchpad Studio learners laughing together while working on laptops
A day in the studio

Rhythm, not a bell schedule

Morning launch
The studio gathers for a Socratic discussion and each Lion sets the day's goals.
Core skills
Self-paced work in reading, writing, and math, at exactly the right level for each child.
The quest
Hands-on, collaborative projects that turn knowledge into real, usable skill.
Closing circle
Reflection, gratitude, and a look ahead, building the habit of owning one's own growth.

See a studio in full swing

Words only go so far. Come feel the energy of a studio at an Open House.

Visit an Open House →See the K–12 road map