At Acton Academy Calgary West, we believe that education should prepare young people not just for tests, but for life itself. We see every child as a hero on a unique journey—capable, curious, and ready to take ownership of their learning when given trust and freedom.
In our studios, learning is curiosity-driven, purposeful, and deeply human. Learners set their own goals, work at their own pace, and discover their passions through meaningful projects, Socratic dialogue, and real-world challenges. We replace lectures with questions, compliance with accountability, and rigid timelines with true mastery.
Learning That Builds Confidence, Purpose, and Lifelong Capability
The Acton Model
The 4 Learning Arcs
1. Learn to Be
We begin with the inner world: identity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Learners are guided to develop confidence, self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose. This is the foundation for all meaningful learning and leadership.
2. Learn to Learn
Next, we focus on how each learner absorbs, practices, and refines knowledge. Through self-paced challenges, project-based inquiry, and reflection, learners master skills in literacy, numeracy, science, art, and beyond—always tailored to their strengths and interests.
3. Learn to Think
This arc sharpens critical and creative thinking. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect ideas across disciplines. Whether through Socratic discussions or design challenges, we create space for experimentation, collaboration, and discovery.
4. Learn to Do
Here, learning becomes action. Learners build real-world competencies through hands-on projects, exhibitions, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. They apply their knowledge in ways that create impact—both within and beyond the school community.
A New Kind of Progress
We don’t confine learning to desks, grade levels, or lectures. Instead, children progress at their own pace, driven by mastery, guided by thoughtful questions—not answers—and supported by a tight-knit community that values independence, accountability, and character.
21st Century Learning
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The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
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Hands-on project based quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
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Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
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Professional tools for art, engineering, tech and storytelling in place of worksheets and busy work.
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Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.
Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.
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Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in Servant Leader Badges.
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Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four to six week sprint.
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Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session.
Measuring Mastery
A Day in the Life
What does a typical day at Acton Academy Calgary West look like?
It changes—because no two learners are exactly the same. But it can include:
Each day at X School begins with calm, intention, and connection. Early arrivals are welcomed into an environment designed to gently prepare them for the day—whether that means journaling, light movement, setting personal learning goals, or connecting with guides and peers. These moments help learners enter the day grounded, focused, and emotionally ready to grow.
The morning is dedicated to deep thinking and academic exploration. Learners engage in Socratic discussions where they ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore meaningful ideas together. From there, they transition into independent or small-group learning time, focused on literacy, numeracy, and other core skill development—guided by personal learning goals, not grade levels. Emotional regulation and coaching are embedded throughout, helping learners grow in both knowledge and self-awareness.
Afternoons are when learning truly comes alive. Learners dive into Quests—multidisciplinary, project-based experiences that challenge them to solve problems, design solutions, and collaborate with peers. These hands-on experiences expand academic learning into the real world, sparking curiosity and deepening understanding.
After formal programming ends, learners can continue to grow through optional after-school enrichment opportunities. This time supports creative expression, physical movement, social connection, and personalized pursuits. Whether participating in guided group challenges, engaging in free play, or simply reflecting on the day, learners end their time with a sense of agency, connection, and purpose.