About Acton Academy
Seeds Academy is an active member of the Acton Network of schools. While every Acton is unique to the founders' vision, they share resources such as curriculum and materials digitally through a large network of schools.
Through the Acton Network, Seeds Academy uses the latest interactive technologies to support independent learning, and harnesses the best of Montessori methods: mixed-age classrooms, student choice within limits, large blocks of work time, learning through “discovery,” and freedom of movement in the classroom.
Seeds Academy is unique among Actons in that it is the vision of two life-long educators who are determined to bring a different, affordable edcuational opportunity to their local community in northern Montgomery County. We are local Perkiomenvillians who are striving to connect with local families, buisinesses, and nonprofits to raise up curious and capable young adults who know that they can use their gifts and skills to truly make a difference, starting with their neighbors and extending out to the world at large.
The mission of Seeds Academy is to cultivate an educational environment where learners from any race or religion can take ownership of their education. Curiosity, independence, and creativity are the driving force behind each day. Through a balance of quests (organized units) and independent core skills (digital grade-level curriculum), learners will engage and grow in studios that defy the traditional educational boxes of age and standardization. Seeds Academy aims to have a cross-disciplinary approach where problem-solving and collaboration will support a love of learning and a sense of belonging.
To learn more about The Acton Network, please consider reading the account of the first Acton founders, called Courage to Grow, or watching the videos below.
Courage to Grow tells how a small school in Austin, Texas sparked a worldwide awakening of families, who believe every child deserves to find a calling that will change the world.
In an age where Google shares information, Uber shares cars, and Airbnb shares rooms, Acton Academy turns learning upside down by equipping children to share learning with each other, in a close-knit community with extremely high standards of excellence.
Word of Acton's transformative impact is spreading, family by family. Over 50 Acton Academy affiliates span the globe, with applications pending from more than 6,300 entrepreneurial parents who want to start a learner-driven community.
Courage to Grow is not a "how to" book, but a fast-paced story of courageous families who found more compelling ways to learn and grow. Along the way, parents and children discovered the questions, tools and frameworks we all need to forge a stronger character and supercharge human potential.
Like all good tales, Courage to Grow has a surprise ending, a final lesson you won't want to miss about parenting, and the courage required to live life to its fullest.
Acton Academy
There is no better substitute for an introduction to Acton Academy than visiting the website. There, you can see the hundreds of schools that operate within the Acton Network, all with an individual take on what type of small school will best serve their community. The Seeds Academy will be the 5th Acton Academy to open in Pennsylvania.
All Acton Academy schools are part of the Acton Network, which allows for the sharing of curriculum materials, project-based learning ideas, studio planning, and staff development for the Guides. As part of the International Association of Learner Driven Schools, The Seeds Academy will feature a digital curriculum to develop core skills, Socratic discussions to promote critical thinking, and other activities to promote problem-solving, spark discussions, and apply learnings through hands-on projects.
Rather than teachers leading the discussion, Guides facilitate learning by fostering independence, supporting troubleshooting and strategizing, and helping the learners maintain the classroom norms and contracts. Instead of grade levels, students are grouped in studios of mixed ages. There is an emphasis on play, passion learning, and exploring the world inside and outside of the studio. It is a learner-driven environment focusing on creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative discussions.
Acton Academy Mission
We believe each person who enters Acton Academy will find a calling that changes the world.
Promises
We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:
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Begin a Hero’s Journey;
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Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery;
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Become a curious, independent, life-long learner;
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Embrace the forging of a strong character;
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Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life; and
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Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
Beliefs
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We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
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We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
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We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
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We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
The Seeds Academy and Acton
In the media recommendations, we provided a variety of educational texts that influenced us, as educators, to want our own children in an Acton Academy. If you are curious about what gave us momentum to move in this direction, please refer to the curated list or reach out to us directly. The Acton model is not for every family, but for those whose educational philosophy aligns with ours, it could be an ideal fit.