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# Find a calling; change the world
## Aim for something higher
Aim Academy is reinventing education. We help students discover
 and grow their unique strengths — because the
world needs them.
### Lance Stewart
Head of School at Aim Academy
"At Aim Academy we understand that every child is unique – that one size doesn’t fit all. We know that learning to do, learning to learn, and learning to be is more important than just learning to know. We recognize that every student who walks through our doors has a calling in life and our mission is to help them prepare for it. We treasure their curiosity and nourish it."
### Jeff Sandefer
Founder Acton Academy
"What if children could share learning in a tight-bound community with a high standard level of excellence? What if they are encouraged to find a deep, burrning need in the world that matches the deep, burning need in their heart? We believe children are far more capable than we have ever imagined. That's why we encourage them to embark on their hero's journey to change the world."
We offer a truly different approach to school. Supported by the latest in technology and cognitive science,
we move beyond the traditional tools of lectures, homework, high-stakes tests, and grades. At Aim Academy, our students learn in collaborative classrooms of multi-age learners. Our flexible approach
challenges each student with their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world
projects and experiences.
## Experience how Acton is transforming education in this independent, award-winning documentary.
Watch the video.
At Aim Academy, we believe that learning to do, learning to be, and learning to learn are more important than memorization alone – learning to know.
## What Makes Aim Academy Different?
Socratic discussions, collaborative projects and self-paced learning in a student-led environment. Acton students are building real-life skills in the classroom everyday.
### Powerful interactive technology
Self paced learning for Reading, Writing and Math.
### The Socratic Method
Critical thinking skills and forging character.
### A Learner Driven Community
Serious commitments; genuine relationships; authentic accountability.
### Real World Quests and Apprenticeships
Hands on learning for 21st Century skills.
## Traditional Schools vs. Aim Academy
## At Traditional Schools...
* Worksheets, busy work, homework, boring work
* The teacher is always the expert
* Taught what to think through memorization and regurgitation of rules and facts
* Grades and report cards
* The teacher lectures, disciplines, and makes the rules
* Students are confined to rows of desks
* Told what to read, what to learn and when to learn it
* Classrooms where creativity is diminished and its nearly impossible to reach your full potential
* Pace set by the teacher, or worse, the average of the collective where student progress is effectively limited by the lowest common denominator
* Grouped by age
* Kids often stressed out about going to school every morning
* Beaurocratic processes that almost never change
* Lack of any leadership or decision-making opportunities
* Failure is avoided and is considered a depressing end
* Morals and character are an afterthought or avoided entirely
* Passive, disengaged learning where its easy to get lost in the crowd
* A transactional school like a factory with bells, shifts, and one-size fits all
## At Aim Academy...
* 100% customized learning plans with cutting-edge adaptive tech, writer's workshops, quests, hands-on materials, and exciting challenges
* Socratic Guides ask questions inviting our learners to become the experts
* Learn how to think with debates and real world projects
* Personalized goals, mastery based badges, comprehensive portfolios, and community exhibitions
* Everyone's a teacher, peer-to-peer accountability, and student created contracts and promises
* Freedom to move around, explore, experiment, and collaborate
* Freedom to puruse your own interests and work on passion projects every day
* Studios where outside-the-box thinking is rewarded and the process of finding a calling a life begins to occur
* Self-paced progress enhanced by productivity hacks and independence, only hindered by a learners imagination
* Experience 'Houses' of mixed-ages where freqeuently changing rosters and difficult team projects are always adding new dynamics to learn from
* Our learners complain every time there is a day or week off of school--seriously
* A never-ending process of innovation where we are always adapting and looking for even better ways of doing things
* Incredible leadership opportunities developed by serving on committees, team leaders, and making decisions that actually impact the school
* Failure is embraced for the learning and growth it provides
* Strength of character is tested, grown, and explored-- including attributes such as perserverance, honesty, accountability, gratitude and more
* Active, egnaged learning alongside a community of families
* A transformational school like a journey, with big goals, mentors, tools, and a destination you care about
---
## Get a free book
If you’d like to learn more about Acton Academy's story, read the book Courage to Grow.
”Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world. The story behind the ideas, the school, and the movement is a must read.“
— Tom Van der Ark, CEO of Getting Smart
Our daughter is absolutely thriving at Acton Academy. She is taking ownership over her education
- learning how to prioritize, focus, and accomplish goals. We couldn't be happier with the education,
community, and values of Acton Academy.
## Find out if Aim Academy is the right fit for your family:
## Videos
Get inspired with a visual peak into our learning design.
## Our Story
We're a family just like yours. Find out why we're here.
## Say Hi
Reach out to schedule a visit and learn more.
© Aim Academy 2019
✕
## Hi, I'm Lance Stewart.
I'm the founder and Head of School at Aim Academy.
We'd love to hear from you. Schedule a call below:
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This fast, engaging read is the best account of our learner-driven studios.
By Laura Sandefer, Co-founder at Acton Academy