BIG QUESTION #2: IS ACTON A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Which educational model is the best fit for your family?
Part of answering Big Question #2 is getting a better idea of what educational model is likely the best fit for your family - it might be ours...or not and that's OK. When exploring this, you may find it helpful to consider the dimensions and key questions listed below:
Key Questions to Ask:
Public vs. Private vs. Home School
What role do you want religion to play into your child's academic education?
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Do you have the time, bandwidth and desire to home school? Can you address any homeschooling concerns you may have through resources available through your local homeschooling community?
TRADITIONAL
A traditional educational model is often characterized by the following:
- adult-centered delivery of instruction to classes of students who are the receivers of information.
- daily/weekly schedule is often highly structured, with isolated focus on required subjects like math, reading, writing, science and social studies.
- traditional measurements of learning emphasized (Quizzes, Grades, Report Cards, Transcripts, Standardized Tests, etc.)
NON-TRADITIONAL
While many non-traditional educational models exist, most deviate from the Traditional model by providing some combination of:
- less adult-centered curriculum delivery/instruction (incorporating substantially more projects, group collaboration, peer mentoring/accountability and leveraging the latest game-based learning tech platforms.)
- more flexible, fluid and customizable schedules
- more flexible, integrated, customizable subject requirements and curriculum
- emphasis on less traditional measurements of learning (Mastery-based Badges, Portfolios, Exhibition Days, etc.)
Key Questions to Ask:
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional
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Do you believe a traditional education will best prepare your child or do you believe something different is required in order to equip them for the future ahead?
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If drawn to more non-traditional models, how will you measure your learner's progress if traditional measurements of learning are not as readily available as they are with more traditional models?
In this particular educational model, it is the Teacher who is held primarily responsible for engaging, equipping and inspiring students to participate in the learning process and drive academic achievement and outcomes.
In this particular educational model, the parent fulfills the role as Teacher. They are ultimately held responsible for engaging, equipping and inspiring students to participate in the learning process and drive academic achievement and outcomes.
In this particular educational model, the instructional focus and delivery is shifted to the learner. An emphasis is put on equipping students to create, manage and optimize their unique educational journey, so it is they who are ultimately responsible for driving academic achievement and outcomes.
Key Questions to Ask:
Teacher-Driven vs. Parent-Driven vs. Learner-Driven
If you are drawn to Learner-Driven models, to what extent are you willing to step back and allow your child to struggle and (perhaps even) fail? What strategies and boundaries will you employ to ensure that you do not undermine their educational journey?
Looking for a little more help on where to start?
We've developed a quick 1-minute quiz to assist you in determining which educational models are likely a fit for your family!
You Know You're an Acton Parent If...
Families who thrive in a learner-driven community, like Acton, often have these 4 things in common. We thought we'd mix it up a bit so we've outlined them in a series of Haikus. If all of these resonate with you as a parent, Acton just might be a fit for your family:
Life-long Learner
Always curious,
Prefer "Surprised" over "Right",
Learn to Learn, Do, Be.
Mastery-Minded
They care most about
The Process and Mastery -
Excellence follows.
The Gift of Accountability
They likely respond
To accountability
With deep gratitude.
Heroic Approach to Life
Parent AND Person
On a true Hero’s Journey -
Setbacks will transform.
Who's Not a Fit: It's All in the Response to "The Struggle"
Let's be real. As parents, we ALL struggle with the following (some more than others):
Need to be in control
Need to be right
Need to look good to others
How you respond to these basic needs can give you clues about whether or not Acton is the right educational model for your family:
NOT A FIT
Parents who choose to feed these needs tend to struggle at Acton Academy in ways that are not helpful for their families.
A LIKELY FIT
Parents look for ways to transform these needs into personal growth opportunities tend to thrive in the Acton community.
Families that are most likely to thrive tend to be those where BOTH parents AND young learner are in alignment with Acton Academy's philosophical foundation.
When either a parent or learner is not "bought in" to this particular educational model, the family may struggle to find balance between expectations, accountability, engagement and overall learning experience.
Not everyone is a fit for Acton Academy NWA, and that's okay. Better to figure that out now and invest your money, time, energy & emotions into a school that is more in line with what your family needs!
How Aligned are we?
We've developed a quick 1-minute quiz to help you gauge how aligned you are with our philosophy! Check it out!
