PATHFINDER
Interested in Middle School?
HIDDEN - DOWNLOAD YOUR DISCOVERY STUDIO GUIDE!
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 Discovery Studio Guide and start the journey today!
HIDDEN - DISCOVERY STUDIO PURPOSE
- to develop self-awareness and independence through reflective processes and freedom within boundaries;
- to discover a joy for learning through a balanced learning design, and;
- to ignite curiosity through a wide range of challenges and experiences.
HIDDEN - ENVIRONMENT
Our extended school year provides continuity and flexibility, allowing learners to thrive year-round while fitting seamlessly into your family's schedule.
Don't wait for the start of a new school year to begin your child's educational journey. With rolling enrollment, you can join our community mid-year, if that makes sense for your family.
In our multi-age Studios, learners collaborate, mentor and grow together, fostering leadership, teamwork and a sense of belonging across ages.
We're "small" - by design. Your child will never get lost in the crowd as part of a close-knit, collaborative environment where every voice is heard.
Our Family Interview Process ensure we're the right fit for one another. We're looking for families of lifelong learners who share our values and are excited to embark on this journey together.
If a spot isn't available or your learner isn't quite old enough to join yet, our Waiting Pool ensures your family has the opportunity to join our community as soon as space opens up or your learner is ready.
HIDDEN - EDUCATION
Discovery Studio is where learners level up—taking on greater ownership, deeper learning, and bigger challenges. Through Socratic discussions, hands-on Quests, and real-world problem-solving, they develop the independence, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to manage their learning and their studio.
BADGES
In Discovery Studio, learning isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about mastering skills that matter. Learners work toward badges in Reading, Writing, Math, Spelling, and Quests—immersive, project-based adventures that bring learning to life. But just as important is Learning to Be, where learners cultivate heroic habits, resilience, and personal responsibility to shape the kind of person they want to become.
MASTERY
With bigger projects, deeper learning, and more independence, Discovery Studio learners own their progress. They don’t just complete assignments—they set SMART goals, refine their work, and push toward excellence. Whether tackling a challenging Quest or leading a studio-wide initiative, they develop the grit, discipline, and confidence to take their learning further.
TOOLS
With more responsibility comes more freedom—and the tools to manage it. Discovery Studio learners master higher-level frameworks for time management, decision-making, and leadership, preparing them to navigate challenges with courage and creativity. Hands-on Makerspace projects, immersive Quests, and outdoor exploration provide the perfect balance of structure and play, ensuring that learning is both rigorous and joyful.
HIDDEN - A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DISCOVERY LEARNER
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Greeting + Free Time (Drop-Off)
- 8:30 - 8:45 - Socratic Launch Discussion
- 8:45 - 9:50 - Core Skills - Block A
- 9:50 - 10:00 - Brain Break
- 10:00 - 11:00 - Core Skills - Block B
- 11:00 - 12:00 - Lunch + Free Time
- 12:00 - 2:45 - Afternoon Work Time. Varies depending on Day, Week or Session. Can include Civilization (History), Makerspace, Screen Free Game Time, D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read), Communicator's Workshop (Writing). Quest (Integrated, Collaborative Projects), Town Hall, P.D. (Physical Development) and more!
- 2:45 - 3:00 - Studio Maintenance (Clean Up)
- 3:00 - 3:15 - Socratic Landing Discussion
- 3:15 - 3:30 - Farewell + Free Time (Pick-Up)
HIDDEN - CORE SKILLS + TECHNOLOGY
IN THE DISCOVERY STUDIO
“Core Skills” refers to the foundational skills of Reading, Writing and Math. We set aside time each day in our Daily Schedule setting SMART Goals to focus on tackling challenges and earning Badges in each of these areas.
At AANWA we rely on the latest, game-based learning platforms to empower our learners on their self-paced journey to mastery.
HIDDEN - A DAY IN THE LIFE
OF AN ACTON STUDENT
WHAT IS A
HERO'S JOURNEY?
HIDDEN - PARENT INVOLVEMENT
At Discovery Studio, parents aren’t just observers—they’re active participants in their child’s learning adventure. Through meaningful conversations, hands-on celebrations, and shared growth, we equip families with the tools to support, challenge, and champion their learners every step of the way.
JOURNEY MEETINGS
At Discovery Studio, learners don’t just have a voice—they have a seat at the table. Our Journey Meetings bring together parents, learners, and guides in open conversations about progress, challenges, and goals. No behind-the-scenes parent-teacher conferences here—just meaningful dialogue where learners take ownership of their educational path.
EXHIBITIONS
TOOLS
The Acton journey isn’t just for learners—it’s for parents too. Our Parent Meetings provide a space to connect, share experiences, and explore frameworks that support independent learning at home. It’s a path that challenges traditional expectations, but the rewards—resilient, self-motivated, and purpose-driven children—are worth it.
HIDDEN - PARENT TESTIMONIALS
"Our daughter loves learning at Acton. She can’t wait to share her day the moment she jumps into the car. I’m so grateful to see a love for learning come back into her eyes."
"I would never have believed children could learn so much from each other – until I saw it with my own eyes. The lessons of self management and self governance have prepared our fifth grade son to be a lifelong learner.”
"Eagles play hard and work hard. Our daughter jumped seven grade levels in Math in two years, but there wasn’t any magic to it; just encouragement from her friends and lots of hard work.”
HIDDEN - NEXT STEPS
Download your free Info Kit and explore how our school empowers lifelong learning.
Book a quick 20-minute call to get your questions answered.
Join us for a 30-minute Pop-In Tour to see our campus in person.
HIDDEN - 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.
