the school you

wish you had

is here

WE ARE ACTON. WE BELIEVE IN DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

Acton Academy Phoenix is a revolutionary learner-driven model that awakens curiosity, builds grit, and helps young people fall in love with learning again. Read more to find out what sets us apart from the rest.

Learn more

our approach

We believe young people are capable of far more than they are tasked with today. By challenging learners to independently set and attain personal learning goals, with a long-term view, they gain ownership in their work and are able to realize their true potential.

LEARNER DRIVEN

In our multi-age studios, learners mentor, inspire, and challenge each other—fostering leadership, independence, and a sense of belonging. The open environment allows learners to naturally learn from others with different interests, skills, and ability levels.

Mixed Ages

We replace grades and tests with real-world skill application and mastery based badges. Learners advance at their own pace, mastering subjects before moving forward—ensuring true understanding, confidence, and long-term success.

Self-Paced Mastery

Every day learners are on a quest to find their calling. They tackle real-world challenges, launch businesses, pursue passions, and take ownership of their education, developing the grit and purpose needed to make a lasting impact.

Projects with purpose

Choice is powerful—but it comes with accountability. Learners make decisions about how they learn and how they spend their time, practicing self-discipline and personal responsibility every day.

Personal Responsibility

Young heroes on a mission to Discover a calling and change the world.

What makes us different

We believe that learning to do, learning to be, and learning to learn are more important than memorization alone – learning to know.

Acton

Work collaboratively like at Google or Facebook

Learn real skills and apply them in projects

Set personalized goals then transparently track progress

Everyone's a teacher; everyone's a student

Professional tools for art, engineering, and storytelling; Cutting-edge adaptive tech for core skills.

School’s like a journey, with big goals, mentors, tools, and a destination you care about

others

Rows of desks and a teacher at the front

Memorization and testing of rules and facts

Report card measures your success

One teacher lectures to many students

Worksheets just like our grandparents used

Schools like a factory with bells, shifts, and one-size-fits-all

Our Studios

Ages 4-7

spark studio

Ages 7-11

Discovery Studio

Ages 11-14

Adventure Studio

Ages 14-18

Join Interest List

parents

find out more

Check out this Parent Guide to help you navigate your educational journey.

Parent Guide

“We could not have been happier. Acton feels like a second home for our family.”

Larsen Family
“Absolutely amazing, we could not be more satisfied with the education and excellence Acton Academy has provided. Our son has really grown a lot since being a learner here, he's excited to continue growing!”

Calhoun Family
"We are so happy we made the move to Acton! We love watching our daughter get excited to attend school! What a transformation our school experience has been!"

Hunt Family

Acton Academy Phoenix is proudly accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools (IALDS).

This seal isn’t just a formality—it’s a commitment.

Quality You Can Trust: IALDS ensures schools meet rigorous standards rooted in learner agency, real-world outcomes, and educational innovation.
A Global Network: Accreditation places us among a worldwide community of transformative schools that are rethinking what learning can be.
Focused on What Matters: It’s not about grades or bureaucracy. It’s about purpose, mastery, and meaningful growth.
“IALDS-accredited schools are pioneering a new kind of education, one that prepares young people to thrive, not just test well.”