Learning Design
What a learner-driven day looks like
Learners work in tightly bound communities with high standards, where self-management and self-governance are practised every day — not taught as a subject.
- 1
Experience-based projects that build the tools to solve real-world problems.
- 2
Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history, and self-governance — sharpening how learners think, write, and speak.
- 3
The latest educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math.
- 4
Professional tools for art, engineering, tech, and storytelling — instead of worksheets and busy work.
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Written promises that bind a community of learners who form real friendships and resolve conflicts honestly.
"it is definitely fostering a curiosity and a love of learning"
— Acton Academy Sault Ste. Marie parent
"I know he is really into setting and attaining goals. It's great to see his work ethic"
— Acton Academy Sault Ste. Marie parent
How a studio holds together
A community that governs itself
A Contract of Promises
Learners write and sign the promises that describe how they'll treat each other — and the consequences when they don't.
Running Partners & Squads
Younger and older learners listen, affirm, set goals, and hold each other accountable.
Servant Leader badges
Warm-hearted, tough-minded decisions that build character get celebrated.
Ages 4–7
Spark Studio
The Spark Studio is where the journey begins — curiosity and self-discovery through hands-on activities, collaborative play, and exploration. Learners build the independence, focus, and emotional intelligence they'll carry into a Discovery Studio.
- Grow a love of learning through hands-on projects and outdoor adventures.
- Build the foundations of reading, writing, math, goal-setting, and responsibility.
- Learn to communicate, resolve conflict, and work independently.
- Explore natural interests and creativity — and have a lot of fun.
Ages 7–12
Discovery Studio
The Discovery Studio builds on the Spark foundation. It runs like a close-knit neighbourhood: learners tackle real work, solve problems, collaborate, and take on increasingly challenging quests.
- Have fun, and welcome others in.
- Set and track their own goals.
- Reach self-paced mastery in math, reading, writing, and Civilizations.
- Build curiosity through project-based learning and entrepreneurship.
- Grow communication, critical thinking, and leadership through Socratic discussion.
A day in the studio
The daily rhythm
The schedule is flexible — anything that can happen outdoors moves outside, weather permitting.
Spark Studio · Ages 4–7
- 8:45Drop-off / free time
- 9:00Daily Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 9:15Morning work cycle: reading, writing, math, group games, brain breaks
- 11:30Lunch / free time
- 12:30Daily Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 12:45Hands-on work, outdoor play, team challenges, art, goal reports
- 3:00Studio maintenance
- 3:20Pickup
Discovery Studio · Ages 7–12
- 8:45Drop-off / free time
- 9:00Daily Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 9:15Core skills: goal-setting, math, writer's workshop, reading, civilization
- 11:30Lunch / free time
- 12:30Daily Launch (Socratic discussion)
- 12:45Quest: team challenges, science, coding, entrepreneurship, art, history
- 2:45Studio maintenance
- 3:00Closing Socratic discussion
- 3:20Pickup
Our educational philosophy
Clear thinking leads to good decisions. Good decisions lead to the right habits. The right habits forge character — and character determines destiny.
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