Frequently Asked Questions
How is Spartan Academy affiliated with Acton Academy?
Spartan Academy is part of the network of over 350 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same learning design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original, successful Acton Academy campus.
Who is Spartan Academy for?
Families who:
- want their child(ren) to develop and maintain a love of learning
- feel the traditional school system no longer prepares children for the modern world
- want the benefits of individualized learning
- value their freedom
Parents who:
- are open-minded, out-of-the-box thinkers, and are ready to begin a new family journey
- are entrepreneurs and/or want their children to grow up with an entrepreneurial mindset
- understand the history of the conventional school system
- value and want to maximize their family time
How does Spartan Academy differentiate from conventional schools?
Most importantly, there are no teachers at Spartan Academy, only "Guides." This allows children to engage in self-leadership, hold each other accountable, and learn to do things on their own. Unlike traditional public schools, our learning arcs are a mix of Socratic discussions, mastering core skills, and immersive project-based learning. Our learners focus on practical life skills and fostering solid character traits.
What is it like to be a Spartan Academy family?
At Spartan Academy, we highly value the family connection and strive to actively engage families in every aspect of our community. Embracing the Acton mindset extends beyond just the learner to their family as well. Acton fosters an ethos of open-mindedness, fearlessness, and accountability for both successes and failures.
Participation in the Acton community entails adopting a growth mindset that values mistakes as crucial learning opportunities and actively engaging with the community. As a parent of a learner, you will be able to attend Journey Meetings with your child, participate in family quests, and immerse yourselves in each session's exhibition.
Why do you group children of different ages together?
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. They can be huge assets to one another in a learning environment.
What is our homework policy?
Homework is not assigned nor required. We feel evenings and weekends should be spent with family.
How much time do you spend outisde daily?
We strongly believe time spent outside is beneficial for the growth and development of our young learners. For that reason, Spartan Academy enjoys the outdoors and free play most school days. Weather permitting, the learners are outside multiple times per day.
Is Spartan
Academy a Montessori School?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy (especially in our Sparks studio), but we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and the Socratic Method for discussions.
Is Spartan Academy accredited?
Yes! The Acton Academy Network is accredited by the International Association of Learner Driven Schools. Explore IALDS.
Is Spartan Academy a religious school?
We are open to believers, searchers, and non-believers alike and expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization.
Does Spartan
Academy serve special needs children?
We are currently not able to serve children with serious learning disabilities or special needs. Often, children with ADHD thrive in non-traditional learning environments which can better adapt to different learning skills and styles, as long as they can have positive social interactions with others. We'd be happy to discuss your child's uniqueness and whether we could meet his/her needs.
