Admissions
Our multi-age studios include DISCOVER for ages 5-8 and EXPLORE for ages 8-12. We will add the following studios as Acton Academy Charleston grows: ADVENTURE for ages 12-15 and LAUNCHPAD for ages 15-18.
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.
We operate on an eleven-month calendar. Our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year without sacrificing learning.
We are open to Believers, Searchers and Non-Believers alike and expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and explore the historical impact of religions to the development of Civilizations.
We are not trained to serve children with serious behavior or learning disabilities, but may be able to serve young heroes with issues like dysgraphia and dyslexia if they work with a specialist outside of the studio.
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.
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.
An independent learner can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that s/he doesn’t know something and figure out a solution alone or with peers—participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
Students study and memorize facts when instructed by a teacher. Learners are motivated to acquire knowledge on their own. We also call our learners “Eagles,” after our mascot!
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 feedback and affirmation.
We believe that children learn best when working with learners younger and older than themselves, rather than in a class where everyone is within 10 months of the same age. In addition to individualized core curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
We believe each of our Eagles (named for our mascot) will find a passion—something s/he love and has a gift to do. This gift will be used to serve others and fulfill a personal passion and a need in the world. This 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.
We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.
Tuition for 2023-2024 is $1050 per month. Upon acceptance we require one month’s tuition and a non-refundable supply fee of $500 per learner. The one month advance tuition payment will be credited for current families in June. A 10% discount will be applied for each additional sibling enrolled. Parents will need to supply each enrollee with a Chromebook once s/he has mastered basic Montessori Math and reading concepts (usually around age 6 or 7). Tuition for 2024-25 will remain at $11,550 for August – June.

Yes, we are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.

  • Learners set daily, weekly and session goals. These goals are written out and saved as a way to track progress. SMART goals are set with support from guides. The final objective is for the learner to set goals, manage time and understand their most efficient/effective learning style on their own.
  • The progress achieved through goals leads to earning badges. Earning a badge shows mastery. Badges are earned for both achievements in academic subjects and achievement in character/leadership. (Badges can be translated to a traditional grade-based transcript if needed.)
  • Learners do not move on until they have achieved mastery. Grades and tests are not used in the studio because mastery is always required.
  • Projects and writing assignments are kept in a portfolio that showcases holistic growth.
  • A standardized test is given each year for benchmark data. We do not teach to this test, nor does it affect any learner’s journey within Acton Academy Charleston. It is simply a data point for us to continually monitor and improve our studio.
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What Families Will Fit at Acton Academy?

Those who realize the traditional school system no longer works to prepare children for the modern world

Entrepreneurs

Out-of-the box thinkers

Those who want the benefits of child-directed learning without having to make a full-time commitment to homeschooling

Families with flexible schedules and work-from-home families

Those who need flexible attendance for travel and family obligations.

Those with children who want additional time to pursue their passions beyond traditional after-school hours

People who want to maximize their family time; there is no homework at Acton Academy

Trailblazers and trendsetters

Those families who value their freedom and want their children to develop a love of learning

[email protected]

Acton Academy Charleston
2142 Executive Hall Rd.
Charleston, SC 29407

843-960-2803

843-960-2803

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