What ages are welcome to apply for Acton Lake Charles?
We currently operate a Spark Studio (ages 4-7) and Discovery Studio (ages 7-11). We hope to open an Adventure Studio (ages 11-14) in the Fall of 2024 and a Launchpad Studio (ages 15-18) in the near future.
Where is Acton Academy Lake Charles located?
We are located at 2750b Power Center Parkway in Lake Charles, Louisiana 70607.
What is the school calendar?
Please, visit the Calendar page.
What kind of child thrives at Acton Academy Lake Charles?
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 the answer—participate in discussions, and strive for mastery. 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 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 them 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.
How do you measure how a child is progressing at Acton Academy Lake Charles?
We measure learner progress in several different ways:
We set Daily, Weekly, and Session goals between the learner and the guides.
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 hero is learning. It easily allows us to track progress, identify areas of struggle and close any learning gaps. The web based programs don’t allow the learner to move on to the next skill until it has been mastered.
We utilize individual paper portfolios where each learner 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.
Though we never “teach to the test”, standardized tests may be given each Fall & Spring and provide useful benchmark data.
Is Acton Lake Charles accredited?
We are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.
Is Acton Lake Charles like Montessori?
Acton Academy Lake Charles uses the best of Montessori methods: mixed-age studios, 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 the right questions to stimulate critical thinking. Our students don’t just memorize facts, they learn how to be, learn how to do, and learn how to know.
Is Acton Lake Charles a religious school?
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.
Do you serve special needs children?
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 Lake Charles 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.
Are you part of a chain or franchise?
We are not a franchise or chain. Acton Academy Lake Charles 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 will vary based on the leadership at each school and community they serve.
Do you offer any extended care?
We offer before care from 7:15am-8am and after care from 3:30pm-5:25pm for an additional monthly charge.
How much outside time do heroes get?
Spark heroes are outside a minimum of 2 hours a day. Discovery heroes get 45-60 mins minimum a day outside.