How is  Pathfinders affiliated with Acton Academy?

Pathfinders is part of the network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.

What grades do you offer?

Eventually, Pathfinders will serve all ages, but we are starting with:

• The Spark Studio (ages 5-7).
  
• We will soon launch the Elementary Studio, a program for students ages 8-11. Stay in touch for updates and more information on enrollment and program details.
  

How long is the school year?

We are in session most of the year, with a schedule of 6 weeks on followed by 1 week off. We'll have one full month off in the middle of summer every year.

What is your tuition?

Our standard tuition is $18,000 annually, which can be paid in a lump sum or over 12 monthly payments. However, we offer a discounted rate of $15,000 per year for our founding families. This amount can also be paid in a lump sum or spread over 12 monthly payments.

Is Pathfinders a Montessori school?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.

Is Pathfinders a religious school?

Pathfinders is not a religious school but we are open to Believers, Searchers and Non-Believers alike. Individual religious freedom is one of our core beliefs.

Who was Lord Acton?

Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At the Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.

What do you mean by a hero's journey?

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

What is an "independent learner"?

Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.

What do you mean by a "running partner"?

Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.

Will children be grouped into grades?

We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.

Does Pathfinders serve special needs children?

At Acton, we view all dragons as dragons. It doesn't matter if your dragon is named ADHD, Dyslexia, Impatient, Lazy or Arrogant. All dragons have to be slayed in order to reach full potential for each and every human. Therefore the environments we create are for all heroes to become their inner genius and slay the dragons that may get in the way. We do not make special accommodations, rather each individual's journey is their own. It is a common language amongst the heroes and they often support each other in the slaying.

What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?

We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.