OUR STUDIOS
Arrow Academy is fundamentally different from other schools. There's no lecturing, compulsory homework, traditional grading, or testing. Arrow Academy emphasizes learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be over simply "learning to know".
We refer to our classrooms as studios to encourage the idea of an environment of creation and personal expression.
SPARK STUDIO
Ages 4.5-7
(Traditional grades: "Junior Kindergarten" to First Grade)
The early childhood years are a critical time for learning. It is in these years that the foundation for self-esteem and attitude toward future learning is established. The Spark Studio is aptly named, as we believe it is here that a child's love of learning is ignited.
Our Spark program embraces a Montessori-approach to learning in combination with our core beliefs about learning as an Acton Academy. This program creates a strong academic foundation for children, encourages independence, and emphasizes social-emotional learning.
Half-day options are available for 4.5-5.5 year-old learners.
PRIMARY STUDIO
Ages 7-11
(Traditional grades: 2-5)
The Acton Studio is a magical environment where children learn at their own pace using the latest educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills. Hands-on, meaningful, project-based learning through daily Quest activities is a cornerstone of learning at Arrow Academy.
Learners are surrounded by a close-knit group of peers, as they focus on excelling academically and showing up in the world with kindness. Learners in the elementary program are fully immersed in the Acton systems of learning as they learn how to challenge themselves, take risks in their learning, and begin uncovering their unique gifts.
Learners must have an emerging reading ability to be succssful in the Elementary Studio.
SECONDARY STUDIO
Ages 11-18
(Traditional grades: 6-12)
The adolescent years are a transformative time. Arrow Academy helps learners of this age navigate the challenges of these impressionable years by preparing our learners for the world beyond school. We believe in the education of the whole person - inside and outside of the studio - and encourage students to develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Arrow Academy honors this period of development as a time to build character, foster independence, and gain a better understanding of the self and others. Quests and apprenticeships help students learn about potential careers they might be interested in, as well as develop lasting skills such as the ability to work as a team, develop creative solutions, and set and achieve goals.
LAUNCHPAD
Ages 15-18
(Traditional grades: 10-12)
Acton Academy's Launchpad program is specifically designed to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of our oldest learners preparing to "launch" into the adult world. The highly personalized program offers countless opportunities to hone leadership skills, define career and academic goals, and explore advanced academics.
As part of our Launchpad curriculum, our learners participate in the Next Great Adventure program. The program is designed to help young people plan their future and live up to their potential. The material originated with a course to help aspiring MBAs in the Acton School of Business to live lives of fulfillment and meaning, not just "success". The material in the program guides young people to answer questions of career, ambition, and calling via experience, conversations, and assessments.
LEARN TO LEARN
Socratic discussions and self-paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.
LEARN TO DO
Hands-on quests for science, entrepreneurship and the arts prepare children for apprenticeships and real world challenges.
LEARN TO BE
The Hero’s Journey, goal-setting, accountability, mentoring and coaching, and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.