The Elementary Studio is designed to create flexible spaces for work, learning, and play. It is a tight-knit community of mixed-age children who support each other and collaborate daily. This environment fosters a culture of respect and much of the character development that occurs here.
We replaced external motivators like high-stakes test scores and grades with an intrinsic growth mindset, so our children are motivated to work hard and have fun. Respect is the foundation for every other skill we learn at Acton Academy Placer. We respect our time, our fellow learners, our space, and our materials. The children work together to create rules for the space. Some areas might be off limits for play, while others are more flexible. Ultimately, the learners come together to agree to those ground rules and promises—all based on a key promise to not distract themselves or each other during times of work.
Learners in our Elementary Studio come together to learn core skills, and develop life skills and character while having ample opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and free play. Learners use hands-on materials as well as adaptive technology to build a strong foundation of core skills. Our Quests and Socratic discussions put a strong emphasis on creative and critical thinking. A primary goal in the Elementary Studio is to guide learners in their development of social and problem solving skills. They learn how to set goals, work collaboratively, and love learning, while also helping and being helped by their friends in the Studio. At our Elementary Studio we lay the foundation for the joy of learning as we encourage our young heroes to find their life’s calling and tap into their unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience ignites curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions.