ABOUT US

ABOUT US
At Acton Academy Northwest Austin, we’re redefining what education can be. Forget rigid classrooms and standardized tests—our learner-driven studios are where kids embrace curiosity, ask big questions, and take the lead in their learning journey. With a blend of entrepreneurial thinking, collaborative projects, and 21st-century skills, we equip students to face the world with confidence and purpose.
We’re not just a school; we’re part of a movement. A place where families come together to create something extraordinary: a future full of creators, problem solvers, and empathetic leaders. From our mastery-based curriculum to our mixed-age studios, everything we do is designed to spark a love of learning and empower young heroes to change the world. At Acton Academy, we don’t just prepare kids for the future—we prepare them to create it.
OUR PROMISE TO LEARNERS
Our learners will:
- Learn to be curious, independent, and lifelong learners
- Develop a deep respect for economic, political, and religious freedoms.
- Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and mysteries of life.
- Discover their most precious gifts and learner to use them to solve difficult problems.
- Begin their own Hero's Journey
GET YOUR SCHOOL INFO KIT TODAY!
Your child’s education doesn’t have to fit into a box. At Acton Academy Northwest Austin, learners are empowered to lead their own learning adventure—fueled by curiosity, creativity, and nature. Ready to reimagine what school can be? Grab your free Info Kit and start the journey today!
A NEW MODEL FOR MODERN LEARNERS
Unlock your child's potential with a curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, instill confidence, and foster a lifelong passion for learning
Self-Paced Progression
Project-Based Curriculum
Portfolios + Exhibitions
Multi-Disciplinary Projects
No Homework
Guides, Not Teachers
Mixed-Age Studios
Small Class Sizes
WHAT IS A HERO'S JOURNEY?
HIDDEN - HELPFUL RESOURCES

PODCAST
Visit our comprehensive resources page and jump into learning!

VIDEOS
Visit our comprehensive resources page and jump into learning!

BOOKS
Visit our comprehensive resources page and jump into learning!

BLOG
Visit our comprehensive resources page and jump into learning!
Visit our comprehensive resources page and jump into learning!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Acton Academy NWA is fundamentally different from traditional schools. No bells ring, and there are no lectures. Students are in control of their own learning.
Key Ways We Are Different:
Student-driven, self-paced learning
Real-world projects and apprenticeships
Multi-age/grade classes
Student self-governance
Exploration and assessment of skill levels, learning styles, aptitudes, personality traits, and interests
Guides rather than teachers
Socratic discussions rather than lectures
Mastery learning and student portfolios of achievements rather than grades
No homework. No teaching to the test
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy for our younger studio but we are not a Montessori school. We have applied the best of Montessori methods: mixed-age classrooms, student-directed meaningful work, large blocks of work time, learning through “discovery,” and freedom of movement in the classroom. We believe it is possible to surpass this method by adding the following components: project-based learning, the Socratic Method of discussion and the latest in educational game-based software.
While we expose learners to the importance of mindfulness, Acton Academy NWA is a non-sectarian learning environment. We value and respect each person’s beliefs. We explore the importance various religions have played throughout history but we do not promote any one religion.
AANWA's flexible approach to learning is a great fit for many kids who need something different than the traditional school environment. Students who have trouble sitting still through a standard school day can sometimes flourish in our classroom, which provides space for breaks, comfortable and flexible seating, and room for individual self-regulation.
However, schools that have adopted this learning model have noticed areas that provide challenges for the special needs student. Because this educational model is designed with curriculum that relies on independent learning and dynamic group projects along with an environment that can be very stimulating, students that struggle with cooperation, self-regulation, and sensory issues may have special challenges in our classroom. We are simply not equipped to serve children with some learning disabilities in Studio.
At this time, we are in the process of finalizing our middle school (ages 11-14) and high school (ages 14-18) options, as our older students progress through the program. Our own children are ages eleven and eight, and we are committed to ensuring that they and our community will have access to this type of schooling for their entire educational journey!
Everyone develops at their own pace, so fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder in the world around them, making a habit of working letters and numbers into everyday conversation, and reading with them daily is often all they need...the rest is just, well...time and patience!
Learn more, reach out, or begin your audition today!
HIDDEN - FIND YOUR STUDIO






APPLICATION PROCESS
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our simple, thoughtful application process and start your journey toward joining our community of lifelong learners.