Cultivating Curiosity
21st Century Skills
A Learning Community
Our Children Than Traditional Education Offers
Traditional education has remained largely unchanged. Children aren't treated as unique individuals and aren't learning important life skills. Acton Academy Waco is different. We foster each child's curiosity by personalizing their education. We focus on developing skills that prepare them for real life that aren't being taught in traditional education. Want to see what that looks like?
"The team at Acton Waco is outstanding. Kristina and the guides are very supportive and always thoroughly prepared. They are unwavering in their commitment to our students and families. We couldn't be happier to be a part of the Acton Waco community."
— CRISTI M.
"We have been at Acton since it started. Our heroes absolutely love it here and look forward to going to school every day. The environment and culture of Acton has a special way of bringing out the best in them, and one of those qualities adaptability. With the Covid-19 situation, both the school and our girls have done a remarkable job at transitioning from in-school to remote learning. We are so grateful to be connected to such stellar place of learning, both academically and practical life."
— JOSH C.
"Acton Academy has been such a blessing for our son and family. We were anxious how our son would fair in a traditional school setting and feared a loss in his creativity and general spirit. Acton and their staff have been the absolute best fit for him. He has the opportunity to learn at his pace and focus on what he is eager to explore while being guided to a well rounded education."
— CHRISTIE F.
"Acton Academy Waco is the kind of school I wish I had when I was a kid!!! Focused on learning to learn, learning to do real stuff, and learning to be, Acton Academy Waco empowers students to take ownership of their education and find a calling that changes the world. By the way, the campus is gorgeous - the perfect backdrop to such a unique and powerful learning experience. Your kid's gonna love it here - it's like nothing else in the area!"
— ANGELA G.
"We love Acton Academy and can't stop telling anyone who will listen about our experience in discovering Acton. Our son is thriving in a way he never has in school. The philosophy behind Acton Academy as a student-driven learning environment is proving to be a great fit for him, and the intentionality of fostering curiosity and independence is preparing him for the real world in a way traditional education can't."
— CHRIS M.
6 Core Values Of Acton Academy Waco
Curiosity
We believe children are innately curious, and need a learning environment that cultivates their curiosity. Our focus at Acton is to create an environment where creativity is the fuel for learning.
Developing Character
With purpose and good character, we believe our students will grow into their callings and change the world. We help them develop honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness, and empathy.
Life-Long Skills
We believe in lifelong learning. Using Socratic discussion, Acton learners practice critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence, as they keep growing into the best version of themselves.
Individualized Learning
We believe children learn best on their own pathway. That means taking ownership of their own learning and peer relationships. We encourage our learners to think independently, take responsibility, and embrace challenges.
Achieving Goals
Our learners set and meet their own individual learning goals. By taking responsibility, working hard, and leaning into teamwork, they are empowered to be the independent, motivated thinkers our world needs.
Like-Minded Community
We believe a like-minded tribe aligned around a common purpose is powerful. Learning happens all the time, and staff, parents, and children each have a powerful part to play. All parts of our learning community are engaged for support, to share perspective, and bring value.
This is Learning
Core Skills
Self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills through deliberate practice and the latest educational technology.
Character
Develop character, uncover personal gifts, and create genuine relationships with others as you learn about yourself.
Curiosity
Learn critical thinking and powerful communication skills through Socratic discussions on topics from heroes to history to self-governance.
3 Steps to Being a Part of Acton
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Step One:
Every Journey at Acton starts with a face to face!
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Step Two:
Apply for Acton
Once you've taken a personal tour, it's time to apply!
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Step Three:
Contribute to the Community
Acton students, guides, and parents contribute equally. Join us!
Who We Are
Kristina Baucom
Founder / Head of School
Kristina is a mom of four and the founder of Acton Academy Waco. She is on a mission to reinvent education for a better and brighter future. Kristina has a deep belief that all children deserve a meaningful and relevant education. An education that honors a child's unique talents, passions, and curiosity, while honing critical thinking skills and building character. This is the fuel that lead Kristina to open Acton Academy Waco in 2018 not only for her children, but yours too.
Kelley Stone
Lead Spark Guide
Kelley is a mom of 4 heroes with an insatiable curiosity. With a degree in English, years of homeschooling experience, and a Montessori Certification, Kelley guides the Spark Studio with a singular focus- to fan the flame of curiosity in each Spark learner. She loves to sing, cook, read, and explore outside and loves sharing these interests with our learners!
Sheena Cannon
Assistant Spark Guide
Sheena, a mom of two heroes, believes strongly in the Montessori Method of learning and is in training to be Montessori certified this year. She loves what Acton Academy Waco has to offer kids of all ages and jumps in to help with her creativity and passion wherever there is a need.
Want to know what Acton Academy can do for child?
At Acton, we call our classrooms "Studios", because our students are constantly moving, exploring, and getting their hands on different activities. Discover how our unique learning design can help your unique child reach their full potential.
Spark Studio
Pre-K - 1st Grade
Develop Curiosity.
Have Fun Doing It!
Spark Studio
Discovery Studio
2nd - 6th Grade
Set Your Own Goals.
Ask Great Questions.
Discovery Studio
Journey Studio
6th - 8th Grade
Develop Real World Skills.
Explore Through Learning.
Journey Studio
Launchpad Studio
9th - 12th Grade
Apprenticeships That Matter.
Get Ready For Real World Success.
Launchpad Studio
Have Questions? We have Answers!
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We are currently accepting students for our Spark Studio (Pre-K to 1st grade) and Elementary Studio (2nd to 6th grade).
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We will open our Middle School studio in Fall 2021.
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Our Launch Pad (High School) will open soon after.
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Each studio will max out at 36 students.
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Acton Academy Waco is located near downtown Waco, Texas at 1910 Austin Avenue.
- Acton Academy Waco runs ten months a year, with six week long “sprints” followed by a week off. For summer break, there will be seven weeks off. Tuition costs $7,200 per year.
- Click here to view our current school calendar.
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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.
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By focusing on the American Experiment in our study of history, we aim to teach the value of liberty and justice as the ideals for the human experience. This is not a political agenda in the least. It is about freedom of speech and religion and the value of free markets to help bring about the opportunity for prosperity. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them. These concepts will then be applied to real world projects. Our graduates will have a working understanding of these ideas. This does not mean we will NOT study other cultures and forms of government. We will. And the students can discover for themselves why America is unique.
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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.
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We measure student progress in several different ways:
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We set Daily, Weekly, and Session goals between the student and the Guides.
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We utilize robust real-time data for each of our online learning tools. At any given time both parents and Guides can find out exactly what their student is learning. It easily allows us to track progress, identify areas of struggle and close any learning gaps. The staff is alerted if a student gets anymore than 2 wrong in a row. Having a small class size, we are able to work one on one with the student to make sure that we can close gaps and help them master the skill. The web based programs don’t allow the student to move on to the next skill until it has been mastered.
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We utilize individual paper portfolios where each student showcases and adds their best work. We can measure their growth in things such as History, Writer's Workshops, and any Quest using projects we have completed.
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Though we never "teach to the test", standardized tests given each Fall & Spring provide useful benchmark data.
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Acton Academy Waco uses the best of Montessori methods: mixed-age classrooms, student choice within limits, large blocks of work time, learning through “discovery,” and freedom of movement in the classroom. Then we go two important steps further by using the best 21st century eLearning tools and adhering to the Socratic method of instruction which emphasizes asking and answering the right questions to stimulate critical thinking. Our students don’t just memorize facts, they learn how to know, learn how to do, and learn how to be.
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We are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.
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While we expose children to the importance of mindfulness, ethical principles, and the significance of religion in history and the development of society we are not a religious school. We value and respect each individual’s beliefs.
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We are not trained or staffed to serve children with serious learning disabilities, special needs, or who need specialized attention. If you are interested in Acton Academy Waco and believe it is a great fit for your family, please inquire and we will personally assess your unique situation and the fit of your young learner.
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We are not a franchise or chain. Acton Academy Waco is an independent school, part of an affiliate network that finds its inspiration and receives mentorship from the founding Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. Our network of affiliates are passionate about revolutionizing education, pursuing best practices, and have agreed to protect a learner driven environment. Each affiliate follows their own methods in keeping with these commitments and vary based on the leadership at each school and community they serve.
- Pre-K Schedule Options
- 3-Full Days (you pick the days)
- 4-Full Days (you pick the days)
- 5-Half Days
- Kindergarten Options
- 4-Full Days (you pick the days)
- 5-Half Days
A Story From One Of Our Families
"We came to Acton from homeschooling. We love the emphasis on self-driven learning, project-based education, and inquiry. Our son has learned and grown more than we expected. The academics were pretty challenging at first, but now he is speedily progressing. Much more importantly, however, is the dramatic shift in his self-perception, his self-confidence, and his grit…"