Find a Calling. Change the World.
- …
Find a Calling. Change the World.
- …
Acton Academy Palm Harbor is an innovative learner-driven school serving ages 4-16.
Empower your child to design their destiny
& fulfill their dreams.
Real World Skills
Self-Paced Learning
Growing Character
Is your family ready to reinvent education and embark on a fun and life-changing adventure?
3 Ways Learning is Different Here
Child Centered,
Learner Driven
We empower children to be in charge of their own learning. Learners set daily SMART goals, manage their time, and work at their own pace on core subjects with the help of running partners. Our learning is authentic, not focused on passing tests or memorizing facts.
Focused on the Real World
We believe in learning by doing, including hands on projects in science, art, design and technology. Quests immerse learners in launching start-up businesses, playing an instrument, programming a robot, experiencing an apprenticeship in the community, and much more.
Guided, Not Taught
Learning in our studios reflects the unique interests, passions and talents of each child. Guides inspire, equip and support growing strong character through small groups, Socratic discussion, and exploration. Within out tribe, supported by caring peers and adults, children are empowered to learn and grow.
Learning Design
A Learner Driven Community
Serious commitments; genuine relationships; authentic accountability.
Real World Quests and Apprenticeships
Hands on learning
for 21st century skills.
The Socratic Method
Critical thinking skills and forging character.
Powerful interactive technology
Self paced learning for Reading, Writing and Math.
Science of Reading & Phonics
Individualized reading support for novice & dyslexic readers of all ages.
Why We Started A School
As the mother of three amazing children, and a former teacher and elementary principal, I’ve been confronted with constant high-stakes testing, the immense amounts of wasted time, standardization of learning, and lack of meaningful purpose in conventional schooling. I worked to innovate in order to bring excitement, intentionality and joy to the work for teachers and learners. I can attest that I stretched within the system in every direction possible, but it simply does not provide the space for the creativity and genius that lives in each and every young person.
This admission marked the beginning of Acton Academy Palm Harbor.
I followed the Acton Academy Austin journey from the early years, incorporating elements into my traditional schools, but I am overjoyed to break down the barriers and offer the Acton Experience in Pinellas County.
Our studio values intellectual, emotional and character development. A school that includes free time devoted to the arts, nature and exploration of individual interests and talents. A place that values the space needed for individual genius to develop and grow. An environment that doesn’t limit the roles of young people, but challenges them to contribute, support and drive personal and entrepreneurial innovation in pursuit of a full, happy, profoundly rich life with meaning and purpose.
Einstein didn’t pursue understanding and knowledge for a grade, nor did Churchill pause when he thought his work was good enough. The nature of inner genius is unlimited. At Acton Academy Palm Harbor, we believe that this hero’s journey can begin now, for every child and their family. Let’s get started. There is no better moment to begin than the spacious present.
Together we can reinvent education for a better, brighter future.
Warmly,
Kristy & Rob Moody
Co-Founders
Students from all backgrounds thrive at Acton!
Public School ~ Charter School ~ Non-Traditional ~ Independent
Private School ~ Homeschool ~ Unschooling ~ MontessoriOur Studios
Spark Studio
Ages 4-7
The purpose of Spark is to be a good friend and learn to read.
- to foster academic, physical, and emotional independence through developmentally appropriate works inspired by Maria Montessori, in a morning work cycle.
- to spark curiosity through hands on experiences and play-based challenges, through loose parts play with plenty of time outdoors.
- to equip learners for the next steps of their journey by applying the Hero’s Journey philosophy.
Discovery Studio (2nd-5th)
Ages 7-11
The purpose of Discovery is to be curious and do meaningful work.
- to develop self-awareness and independence through reflective processes and freedom within boundaries,
- to discover a joy for learning through a balanced learning design, and
- to ignite curiosity through a wide range of challenges and experiences.
Middle School Studio (6th-8th)
Work hard. Have fun. Find a calling. Take control of YOUR Learning.
Core Skills & Quests Work on difficult real-world Quests. Learn to calculate, write and think more deeply.
Connect & Have Fun as you develop a positive self-identity surrounded by friends who will support you.
Find a Calling Through exploring gifts, passions and apprenticeships so you can change the world.
Launchpad: High School Studio
Start the adventure of your lifetime.
Core Skills Mastering Reading, Writing, Math, and Civilization using computer simulations and Socratic Discussions.
Quests Competing and collaborating in a game-like series of real world projects to learn 21st Century Skills.
Apprenticeships Experimenting with entrepreneurs, scientists and community leaders to hone your most precious gifts and talents until you find your calling in life.
We believe each child who enters Acton Academy will find a calling
that changes the world.
Our Eagles are independent learners who find great joy in learning, in a tight knit community that upholds the highest standards of excellence.
OUR PROMISES TO YOUR CHILD, EAGLES WILL:
Begin a Hero's Journey
Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
Develop a deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms.
Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on Earth.
Discover your most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.
Understand the importance of strong character.
Start A Hero's Journey
Tuition for
2024-2025
$11,000
per school year
$1,100 initial nonrefundable deposit due August 1st, followed by monthly installments
Technology & Supplies
$550
per school year
Includes Chromebook and associated learning software due upon acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT GRADES DO YOU OFFER? We serve pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
IS ACTON ACADEMY A MONTESSORI SCHOOL? We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
HOW LONG IS ACTON ACADEMY IN SESSION EACH YEAR? We operate on a calendar similar to the school district, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing any learning.
IS ACTON A RELIGIOUS SCHOOL? We are open to Believers, Searchers and Non-Believers alike and expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and explore the historical impact of religions to the development of Civilizations.
WHO WAS LORD ACTON? Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A HERO'S JOURNEY? We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
WHAT IS AN "INDEPENDENT LEARNER?" Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A "RUNNING PARTNER?" Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing feedback and affirmation.
WILL CHILDREN BE GROUPED INTO GRADES? We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "EVERY CHILD CAN CHANGE THE WORLD"? We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.
WHY DO YOU FOCUS ON TEACHING THE "AMERICAN EXPERIMENT?" We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.
WHAT IS YOUR TUITION? Tuition for the 2024-25 year is $11,000 payable in monthly installments of $1100. A $550 technology fee (Includes Chromebook, Software, Materials & Field Trips) is due to reserve your seat upon acceptance. A small number of need-based scholarships are available annually and you may qualify for scholarships through Florida Step Up For Students Programs. $1,000 discount for each additional sibling enrolled.
Are you ready to reinvent education
for your family?
Located in:
CSA Palm Harbor
1550 16th St, Building 2
Palm Harbor, FL 34683Mon-Fri 8am - 4:30pm727-275-0175New Location Coming Soon!
We are excited to announce that we will have a permanent school home in Palm Harbor! Once remodeling is complete, we anticipate moving into the new location in early 2025.
Contact Us
Address
727-275-0175
Located in:
CSA Palm Harbor
1550 16th St,
Building 2
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
© 2023 www.ActonAcademyPH.com