Building the Foundations of Agency and Impact

In our studios, learners don’t just absorb information; they actively construct knowledge through real-world projects, collaborative problem-solving, and purposeful exploration. Within our mixed-age communities, younger learners grow by observing older peers, while older learners deepen their mastery by mentoring and leading. This creates a dynamic culture where curiosity and responsibility grow in tandem.

For ages 5 - 8

The Adventure Studio

Where Curiosity leads to Capability

The Adventure Studio is a vibrant space where natural wonder is channeled into meaningful discovery. Here, we move beyond the classroom to create a world where children are trusted to lead their own learning. By blending hands-on exploration with collaborative challenges, we help learners find their focus, build their confidence, and discover the joy of accomplishing hard things alongside friends.

Adventure Learners grow through:

  • Personalized Foundations: Learners dive into reading, writing, and mathematics at their own perfect speed. For our 5- and 6-year-olds, we integrate hands-on Montessori materials to build an intuitive, tactile understanding of numbers and language. As they grow, they transition into adaptive digital tools, ensuring a solid grasp of the basics while staying challenged and engaged.
  • The Habit of Socratic Inquiry: We nurture the habit of thinking deeply and speaking with heart. Learners are encouraged to ask "big" questions, listen to different perspectives, and share their own ideas with confidence: turning every discussion into a collaborative search for truth.
  • The Rhythm of Independence: Ownership is built through daily choice. Learners find their "flow" by managing their own work blocks, setting personal goals, and helping care for their studio. Within their tribe, they learn to navigate social dynamics with kindness and uphold the promises they make to one another.
  • Active Project-Based Quests: Curiosity comes to life through hands-on projects. Whether they are testing a design for a bridge or exploring the wonders of the natural world, learners apply new concepts to the real world: learning to observe, experiment, and celebrate the process of trial and error.
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For ages 9 - 14

The Discovery Studio

A Launchpad for Independent Leaders

The Discovery Studio is an energetic environment where young heroes transition from "learning to learn" to learning to lead. In an age where tools are powerful and information is instant, we believe the most valuable skills are the ones that make us uniquely human: the ability to think critically, navigate complex challenges, and take ownership of one’s own path.

Discovery learners Flourish Through:

  • Adaptive Academic Mastery: Learners use world-class software to reach and exceed their goals in core skills. This personalized roadmap ensures they master the essentials of reading, writing, and math at their own pace. To ensure growth is on track, we utilize nationally normed MAP assessments twice a year. This provides a clear, objective compass of each learner's progress without the stress of traditional "ranking," ensuring they have a robust foundation for future academic and professional pursuit.
  • Socratic Leadership: Beyond just answering questions, learners begin to lead the conversation. Through the study of civilizations, ethics, and science, they learn to analyze multiple perspectives and defend their reasoning, and engage in the high-level critical thinking that defines a leader.
  • Immersive Collaborative Quests: Curiosity is put to the test through collaborative, multi-week projects. Whether they are designing a functional simple machine, launching a neighborhood business, or curating a studio museum, learners work together to solve tangible puzzles. They learn to troubleshoot mistakes, pivot when an idea doesn't work, and celebrate the process of bringing a project to life.
  • The Architecture of Agency: In this self-governing studio, learners manage their own "Sprints" and set their weekly targets. They move from following a schedule to designing their own productivity, building the executive function and self-awareness needed for a life of purpose and impact.
  • Public Exhibitions of Learning: Every Quest culminates in a presentation of their work to the community. This isn't just a "test" - it's an opportunity to stand by their ideas, share their process, and take pride in tangible accomplishments that matter.
  • Global Exchange: Learning at Tej Acton extends far beyond the local studio through our global exchange program. Our learners have the unique opportunity to travel to Acton campuses in other countries, immersing themselves in different cultures and connecting with the global community of Acton learners.
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