Middle school should be when the magic happens, but for many...
This is the season of childhood when their light can begin to dim, their excitement for learning and discovering the world fades and instead of uncovering who they are, they lose themselves in the anxieties and pressures that come from a traditional middle schooler's reality, but we have good news for you...
It doesn't have to be this way.
You pickup your 11-13 year old at the end of the day and instead of talking about the day's bullying drama and the 3 hours of homework looming over them, they share that new Exhibition Council leaders were voted in, they led their first Socratic Launch, they voted on new earned freedoms and they just started their newest hands-on Quest in the studio.
Your child has met their requirements to begin applying for their middle school apprenticeships. This is where they begin exploring parts of the real world that will lead them to their passion and calling. This isn't easy, but it's empowering and dare I say, MAGICAL. Why? Because something happens inside of a middle schooler when they know they are trusted and have autonomy over their learning.
Your child who started at Acton a couple of years ago is no longer the same child. They have now created multiple businesses, they have learned how to overcome the greatest threats to a young persons success (Victimhood, Distraction and Resistance) and have experienced the power of leading their own lives and their own learning. You now have a child entering high school who hasn't lost their light but instead, has found the gift of who they are.
Apathy plagues the next generation. Finding a pre-teen who is on fire for life, learning and becoming a better version of themselves is like finding a needle in a haystack. At Acton, we see middle schoolers still enjoying childhood, pursuing passions, creating businesses, diving into leadership roles, serving others because they genuinely love to and growing in confidence as they mature instead of shrinking back. This is how this happens in our studios:
Acton Academy is a 21st century solution for the epidemic of mediocrity and apathy that plagues young people in traditional school. It’s an innovative approach to education that celebrates personal responsibility, creative freedom, and the pursuit of one’s life purpose.
With 300+ worldwide campuses, our Learner-Driven community believes every person is a Hero who deserves to find a calling that will change the world. We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, learning to be. We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners. We believe in economic, political and religious freedom. Bound by extremely high standards of excellence and lifelong learning, this is where great adventures begin.
OUR STORY
As parents to 8 young children between our two families, we have been thinking about education options since our oldest were 3 years old. We all attended public school, currently live in a great school district, and are confident that our children would do fine in that setting. However, should we settle for 'fine'?
We've heard about the excessive homework and standardized tests that begin as early as the elementary years. We've observed parents gauging their child's success based on how much — or how little — bullying is happening. It's no secret that there is a growing sense of apathy and a deficit in character development among the next generation. So, we had a hard time falling in line with the norm and decided to give our children something different.
As we began searching for answers, we came across Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer, Acton Academy Co-Founder. We were intrigued by the innovative school that she and her husband, Jeff, started over 10 years ago in Austin, Texas. Rather than an institution, school is viewed as a community of learners, each on their own 'Hero's Journey.' The standards are extremely high and failing and trying again is celebrated, not avoided. Success is not about completing worksheets or memorizing facts to pass a test. The goals for students are simple and bold: find a calling and change the world. We want this for our own children and their peers!
MEET THE OWNERS
you may be an acton family if....
You desire for your child to fall in love with LEARNING instead of mastering memorization of facts for the sake of good test scores
You believe young people should be prepared for LIFE, not just prepped for higher education after high school
You fear a child’s 6 hours a day in the traditional classroom will create BOREDOM and not encourage CURIOSITY
Your child loves hands-on learning over lecture-based instruction
You believe your child can learn and grow without homework and frequent testing
You desire for your child to find their passion and also learn how to manage their time and tasks now instead of when they are 18
You value creativity, curiosity and character development just as much as you value literacy, math and writing skills
real parents of our heros
we want you to hear from
"Acton is DIFFERENT from normal schools, and that’s what we as parents love about it! We believe that this model of education will not only equip our son to be a smart, kind, contributing member of society but that he will be able to use his unique tools and gifts to go out and change the world!"
-Maddie (acton Mom)
"Our kids are learning real life skills, taking personal responsibility at a young age, being good stewards of their own learning."
"Of the founding families at Acton Academy West End, mine is the only family with experience at both a public school and a micro-school. Without a doubt, Acton is the better fit and experience, one where both my children are embraced as individuals and feel like contributing members of a real team. Just weeks into this experience, my sons are learning skills (ie: time management, public speaking, giving and receiving constructive criticism) that I didn’t learn until college."
-Colleen (acton Mom)
"It is such a gift we are giving our children, and honestly, it’s an answer to a years-long prayer."
The administrators are some of the most truly caring individuals I have ever met and the guides put their hearts and souls into each day. My children are learning so many real-world skills. They have had started a business, been in a pitch competition, engaged in 360 reviews, and each day they participate in discussions where they must practice respectfully agreeing and disagreeing. The other parents have become such a community in itself for me and I am grateful everyday for the safe and growth-oriented environment they are providing for our children.
-Nancy (acton Mom)
"This school has been the answer to all of my wishes for my children. "
Our family has been part of Acton Academy West End for three years now, and I can confidently say it has been one of the most life-giving decisions we’ve ever made for our son. Acton’s mission — to inspire each child to find a calling and change the world — isn’t just words on a wall here; it’s lived out every single day.
Watching my son grow in confidence, curiosity, and ownership of his learning has been incredible. He doesn’t come home reciting facts — he comes home asking big questions, setting goals, and taking genuine pride in the work he creates. He’s learned how to collaborate, lead, and think critically in ways I never imagined possible at this age.
The guides at Acton don’t just “teach”; they empower. They’ve helped him see that he’s capable of solving problems, managing his time, and pushing through challenges. He’s discovered his voice, his grit, and most importantly, his joy in learning.
The community here is something special — families who value character, curiosity, and creativity over conformity. I’m endlessly grateful that my son is growing up in a place that teaches him not what to think, but how to think — and reminds him daily that he has the power to change the world. An answered prayer for what we had been looking for!
-Nicole (acton Mom)
" If you’re looking for a school that truly honors the individuality of your child and helps them build a foundation for lifelong purpose, Acton Academy West End is it."
“Because of the Acton model and embracing your own learning journey versus comparing yourself constantly to those around you and never seeming to measure up “properly”… Ellie discovered her own inner strength! Her confidence soared this last year and friends and family noticed big time! Both of our girls grew in leaps and bounds this last year and I can only imagine what 8-10 more years with a school that encourages them and pushes them to become the best versions of themselves- which will be a gift that lasts a lifetime for themselves girls & everyone they interact with!”
-Becca (acton Mom)
"Both our girls grew leaps and bounds this last year!"
Endorsed By:
AS SEEN IN:
What grades do you offer?
Will children be grouped together by grades?
What is your tuition cost?
Is Acton Academy West End a Montessori school?
What kind of learner thrives at Acton Academy West End?
How do I know if it‘s the right fit for us?
Do you offer scholarships?
What resources do you have for special learning needs?
How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?
Where are you located?
Is Acton Academy West End accredited?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is Acton Academy West End affiliated with Acton Academy?
Is Acton a religious school?
Acton Academy West End is part of the network of over 250+ Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that Jeff and Laura Sandefer helped create at the original Acton Academy campus over a decade ago.
How is Acton Academy West End affiliated with Acton Academy?
Acton does not have specific grades but mixed age studios. Currently we have studios for 5-12 year olds and will be expanding to accommodate additional ages based on the need.
What grades do you offer?
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.
Will children be grouped together by grades?
Tuition + Supply Fee for Fall 2026-Spring 2027 : $11,400 annually (12 monthly installments of $950)
What is your tuition cost?
Students who love to learn, are curious, self-motivated, and respectful. Our environment is an accelerator for the independent learner who can tackle challenging questions, follow instructions and solve problems.
What kind of learner thrives at Acton Academy West End?
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 Acton Academy West End a Montessori school?
Each family is unique, though there are some similarities we’ve seen between the families who are happiest and most successful in this model. We encourage families to be intentional about their decision to apply! Please read “Courage to Grow” by Laura Sandefer, and reach out to us to schedule a time to meet.
How do I know if it‘s the right fit for us?
There are limited scholarship opportunities in our founding years. If you are interested in a scholarship, please let us know in your application. If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, please let us know. We are eager to share this opportunity with as many highly qualified applicants as possible.
Do you offer scholarships?
We take our commitment seriously when we promise to deliver a transformative education experience for young people at Acton Academy West End. Since we are a small school, we make sure that we have the resources necessary to keep this promise for each family that joins us. Currently we have limited resources to assist young people who experience mild ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and mild neurodivergent diagnoses. We are not currently equipped to serve young people with other specific learning needs. Any child who needs significant 1-on-1 adult help or attention, would not be a good fit because it works against the whole effort to “get adults out of the equation as much as possible” to be learner-driven.
What resources do you have for special learning needs?
Yes the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
Is Acton Academy West End accredited?
At Acton Academy West End we believe in the power of balance. Using the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling and grammar in about 90 minutes each day, while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.
How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?
Acton Academy West End is located in Richmond, VA. Just 10 minutes west of Short Pump on Broad Street. Email us for additional details about the location.
Where are you located?
Acton Academy West End revolves around the basic truths of Christianity: the belief that humans are designed to be the hands and feet of God in the world, using their gifts to the best of their abilities. Because Acton encourages exploration and independent learning, however, we leave the teaching of specific doctrine up to individual families. Children and families of all faiths are welcome at Acton Academy West End.
Is Acton a religious school?
