Acton Academy of Washington, DC
Montessori for the 21st Century
Acton Elementary (grades 1 to 5) is Montessori reimagined for the 21st century, combining individualized learning with Socratic discussions and real-world projects. In Acton elementary, children begin their journey to discover a calling and change the world.
Acton Middle Schoolers (grades 6-8) learn to do, learn to learn, and learn to be. The program combines individualized learning with Socratic discussions, real-world projects, and apprenticeships. Every week, middle schoolers explore the world around them by going on excursions. Middle school adventures include trips to national monuments and parks, kayaking on the Potomac River, and more.
Acton Elementary School
Acton elementary is a community where children in grades 1-5 are on a journey to discover a calling and change the world. Students are encouraged to explore questions such as who am I? Where am I going? How do my passions and talents connect with the world around me?
To support this journey, the Acton curriculum focuses on:
Learning to Learn
Individualized, mastery learning that prizes curiosity, discovery, creativity, and joy. Acton students work at their own pace in the core skills of math, reading, grammar, and spelling.
“Acton is the best decision we’ve ever made for our daughter.”
Learning to Do
Quests (project-based learning) challenge Acton students to learn by doing in fields as diverse as biology, programming, forensics, poetry, history, and more. Acton quests are like a heroic adventure. And rather than simply taking tests, Acton students prove their learning through exhibitions.
“Acton has changed who our son is....The business fair was revolutionary for him!”
Learning to Be
Acton students engage in Socratic discussions, take ownership of their learning, and develop character traits—such as hard work, integrity, persistence, kindness, and gratitude—that are important for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
“The kids love school. Their critical thinking skills have increased dramatically.... I am very happy with Acton!”
The Acton Journey
At Acton, each child begins a journey to discover a calling and change the world. Acton elementary students explore questions such as who am I, where am I going, how do my passions and talents connect with the world around me, and how can I serve a great need and even change the world?
Every journey has twists and turns and requires hard work, even heroic effort, to overcome challenges along the way. Our mission is to help your child discover his or her own unique path.
Off-Campus Adventures
Starting in Acton elementary, students explore the world around them! With the use of an adventure van—a 15-passenger Ford Transit—every week students go somewhere new. Adventures include trips to national monuments and parks; kayaking on the Potomac River; and visits to factories, architecture firms, warehouses, construction sites, and more. These excursions inspire, equip, and connect students on their journey to discover who they are and what they want to be.
Outdoor Space
The Acton campus on K Street features a large outdoor garden for activities and play. The space includes a tree for climbing, monkey bars, rings, and ropes for swinging, outdoor tables for arts and crafts, a garden for planting herbs and vegetables, and materials for creative and adventurous play.
Convenient Location
Acton's location in Foggy Bottom is convenient to families who commute to the K Street area from many neighborhoods in DC, including Adams Morgan, Bloomingdale, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Glover Park, West End, Woodley Park, and U Street, as well as Arlington, Falls Church, and other neighborhoods in Virginia.
Schedule a Personal Tour
Step 1: Pick a Tour Date/Time
We offer personal tours daily. If you would like to schedule a virtual tour, please select a tour date/time on the calendar below.
Step 2: Tell Us About Yourself!
After you select your tour date/time, please tell us a bit more about yourself to complete the registration. We look forward to meeting you!
Following the virtual tour, we invite you to submit an application before we invite you to visit Acton Academy in person.