Question 1

What makes Acton Academy Calgary West different from traditional schools?

Accepted Answer

Acton Academy Calgary West is a learner-driven community where education is designed to prepare young people for life — not just tests. We replace conventional classrooms, grades, and rigid curriculum with multi-age Studios where learners progress based on readiness and mastery.

Here, children set their own goals, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning journey, supported by Guides (not teachers) who mentor and coach rather than lecture.

Our environment fosters independence, creativity, curiosity, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Question 2

Is Acton Academy Calgary West an accredited school?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Acton Academy Calgary West is an IALDS-accredited learning community, ensuring that our program meets high standards of academic excellence and learner-centred education.
Our learners progress through a mastery-based framework that aligns with provincial learning outcomes, while allowing space for curiosity, independence, and deeper learning beyond traditional benchmarks.

At Acton Academy Calgary West, we’re not just meeting requirements — we’re exceeding them by preparing children for a rapidly changing world through real-world challenges, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven growth.

Question 3

Do you follow the Alberta curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Acton Academy Calgary West is an accredited program and meets or exceeds Alberta curriculum standards.

But we go far beyond, incorporating 21st-century skills, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and learner-led inquiry to prepare students for life.

Question 4

How much time do learners spend on academics?

Accepted Answer

Learners at Acton engage deeply in academics, but also build real-world skills through projects (“Quests”), Socratic discussions, peer collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

Core academics are woven into the day but balanced with time for exploration, play, and passion-driven projects.

Question 5

What is the role of a Guide?

Accepted Answer

Guides are mentors who inspire, coach, and challenge learners — not traditional teachers delivering lessons.

Their role is to ask the right questions, nurture curiosity, and encourage learners to think critically, reflect deeply, and take ownership of their work.

Question 6

What is a Studio?

Accepted Answer

A Studio replaces the traditional classroom.

Studios are multi-age, collaborative learning environments where learners work together, learn from one another, and pursue individualized challenges at their own pace.

Question 7

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We offer programs for children in Kindergarten through Middle School (approximately ages 5–14), with Studios intentionally designed for key developmental stages.

Question 8

What is the schedule?

Accepted Answer

• Spark Studio (Kindergarten–Grade 2):
Full-time, five days/week: 9 AM – 3:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 9 AM – 1 PM (Fri)
 • Threshold & Discovery Studios (Grade 3+):
Full-time and part-time options, with core mornings and Quest-based afternoons.

Question 9

How do learners progress without grades or tests?

Accepted Answer

Progress at Acton is measured by mastery and growth, not grades. Learners set clear goals, track their achievements, build portfolios of work, and receive ongoing feedback from Guides and peers.

They move forward when they’re ready, not because a calendar says it’s time.

Question 10

Can homeschooling families join part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We work with homeschooling families who are seeking community, structure, or enrichment opportunities. You can register for just part-time or request a hybrid setup that supports your existing home learning plan. We customize based on your goals.

Question 11

Who leads Acton Academy Calgary West?

Accepted Answer

Acton Academy Calgary West is guided by a passionate team of co-founders and full-time Guides who are deeply committed to learner-led education and youth empowerment. The Acton Academy Calgary West program is facilitated by the experienced leadership team behind Acton Academy Calgary,(https://actonacademycalgary.com/) who bring decades of combined experience in progressive learning, personal development, and community building.

Together, this team helps foster an environment where learners feel safe to explore, grow, and lead their own journeys—with mentorship and support every step of the way.

Question 12

What does tuition cost?

Accepted Answer

We’re currently offering a special Founding Families Tuition Guarantee for families who join during our first two years of operation:
 • Spark Pod (Kindergarten, 5 Days/Week): $9,500/year (Regular: $16,000)
 • Threshold, Discovery, and Launchpad Pods (3-Day Core Program): $8,000/year
 • Enrichment Days: Available as flexible add-ons, priced per term

We also offer additional support and flexibility:
 • Financial aid tailored to individual family needs
 • Subsidy credits for families who contribute time or skills to our community
 • Custom enrolment options for homeschooling families seeking part-time learning opportunities

Our tuition is an investment in a learner-driven education that empowers children with purpose, curiosity, and real-world readiness.

We offer financial aid and flexible subsidy programs for families who qualify. Please contact us to learn more.

Question 13

Can my child try a day before committing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer Trial Days or Trial Weeks so your child can experience the environment before enrolling. This helps ensure it’s a good fit—both for your learner and for your family.
👉 Start the process here(https://app.tuiopay.com/registration/qabbdee)

Question 14

How do I start the enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

We suggest beginning with our Future-Ready Assessment—a quick reflection tool to help you evaluate your child’s current learning experience.
👉 Take the Assessment →(https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/b0c1abe3-a644-48ee-982f-97ca5bba258e/wix-faq/edit/5ff7bf47-da76-46e4-8fde-c8a534cf1e2d#)

Then, you can:
 • Book a Tour (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/b0c1abe3-a644-48ee-982f-97ca5bba258e/wix-faq/edit/5ff7bf47-da76-46e4-8fde-c8a534cf1e2d#)or Join an Info Session(https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/b0c1abe3-a644-48ee-982f-97ca5bba258e/wix-faq/edit/5ff7bf47-da76-46e4-8fde-c8a534cf1e2d#)
 • Try a Trial Day or Week
 • Begin the Application Process via TUIO(https://app.tuiopay.com/registration/qabbdee)

We’re excited to meet your family and support your child’s learning journey.