Our Studios
Acton Academy Frisco utilizes mixed-age studios similar to Montessori so learners can benefit from collaborating, mentoring, and problem solving with younger and older students.
Each studio is designed with the developmental considerations of different age groups – with the hightest age levels getting the most amount of freedom and responsibility. Students move up to the next studio once they have met the requirements for “graduation” from their current studio.
Spark Studio: Ages 5-7
Core Skills & Practical Life
Without the pressure of deadlines and tests, our younger students are introduced to the joy of learning core skills and practical life skills while emphasizing the “why” behind learning to help build intrinsic motivation.
Our Sparks participate in hands-on projects to connect what they are learning to real life applicability. They are introduced to perseverance, courage, and ownership of their choices, while practicing criticial thinking during thought-provoking group discussions, setting the foundation for success in the Discovery studio.
Social Skills & Leadership
Friendships and teamwork are equally important as core skills. In this studio, Sparks learn to share, collaborate, and navigate challenges with kindness and confidence. They learn to use tools like the Montessori peace table and the Acton freedom levels and leadership roles, to help navigate conflicts with others, improve their own choices, and develop confidence as a leader.
Devlopment through Imaginative Play
Free play is associated with stronger executive functioning, greater adaptability, and creative thinking in adulthood.
Every day, Spark heroes have 90 minutes of fresh air, sunshine, and unstructured outdoor time, where they create their own adventures, take healthy risks, problem solve, build resilience and communication skills, and develop physical coordination.
Discovery Studio: Ages 8-12
In this studio, the connection between demonstrating responsibility and earning freedom is emphasized by allowing the learners to take over the running of their studio, utilizing the Acton tools and systems.
While the gamification of Quests and projects continues to nurture the love of learning, the primary goal of the Discovery studio is to develop heroic character traits including kindness, perseverance, and courage.
Ownership
In the elementary Discovery Studio, young learners set their annual and weekly goals, track their progress, reflect on their choices, and present their outcomes to their family to celebrate achievements or address concerns. Building ownership and growth mindset means students develop a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and the ability to problem solve if needed.
Quests
Guides present gamified six week projects that allow students to explore real-world inspired challenges, from launching businesses, exploring the sciences and civilization, to designing games or floorplans, understanding chess and its real life applications, and art – Each Quest helps children discover their passion while making learning feel adventurous!
Leadership & Collaboration
In addition to group work in Quests, students collaborate during core skills, as well as in running their own studio. Each year, this studio creates its own “Studio Contract”, leadership roles, and organizational teams so that problem-solving, communication, and teamwork become a daily practice – essential skills for success in life.
Adventure Studio: Ages 13-15
(Launch scheduled Fall 2027)
The Middle School Studio challenges learners to work hard, tackle complex problems, and develop real-world skills. Students embark on apprenticeships, engage in rigorous projects, study under mentors, and participate in mature discussions, preparing them for future endeavors.
The goal of the Adventure studio is the development of grit, through academic excellence and rigor.
Developing Perseverance
Study & Life Skills
Real-World Experience
Perseverance has long been regarded as a skill that correlates with success. Students in the Adventure studio experience a higher level of rigor and challenge, providing the opportunity to practice doing hard things, developing work ethic, and pushing through challenges. With a steep increase in writing volume and tackling Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, our students are well prepared for Launchpad life.
Students take ownership of their schedules, experiencing more freedom to fail early, cheaply, and often without serious consequences. Important life skills come into play in this studio as students practice prioritizing tasks, study skills, and managing their time effectively. With the freedom to choose how they work, they begin to develop the self-discipline needed for success post middle school.
Why wait until adulthood to experience real-world work? At Acton, middle schoolers step beyond the classroom, securing apprenticeships with professionals in fields they’re curious about—gaining hands-on experience, valuable skills, and the confidence to shape their own future.
Launchpad Studio: Ages 15-18
Designed for high school students, the Launchpad Studio focuses on helping students discover their true calling, gaining mentors through interviews with industry experts, and preparing for real-world success. Learners gain valuable skills through extended apprenticeships and launch real startups or projects, culminating in a portfolio of real-world work that showcases their capabilities.
This studio aims to equip students with the vision and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Find a Calling
Internships & Job Experience
Mentorship & Self Advocacy
In Launch Pad, students don’t just explore different interests—they choose their calling and begin developing real expertise in their chosen field. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world experiences, they gain mastery, build a strong portfolio, and learn what it takes to excel in their chosen path. Whether they pursue college, entrepreneurship, or another option, they graduate with the skills, confidence, and direction to turn their passion into a meaningful career.
At Launch Pad, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students spend much of their time gaining real-world experience through apprenticeships and internships, working alongside professionals in fields that interest them. These hands-on opportunities help them develop valuable skills, build confidence, and discover their passions in a way no textbook ever could.
Success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about knowing how to navigate challenges and advocate for oneself. At Launch Pad, students learn how connect and build meaningful relationships with mentors in their field, practice professional communication, and learn how to seek out opportunities. These skills empower them to take charge of their future with confidence and purpose.
Accredited by the International Association of Learner Driven Schools
