What parents are saying

US News & Report named Acton among ten top private schools in DC. Below, we share what Acton Academy of Washington, DC parents are saying.

“Then we toured Acton and, frankly, fell in love.”

“When we considered preschool options for our three-year-old daughter this year, we initially hoped she would end up in one of the lovely schools nearby Woodley/Cleveland Park.  Then we toured Acton and, frankly, fell in love.

“Our initial impression has somehow been surpassed by our day-to-day experience. I cannot imagine a more peaceful, nurturing, and wonderful learning environment for our daughter.  

“If you are searching for a school for your child, I highly recommend you apply to Acton sooner than later. My guess is in a year, getting in is going to be almost impossible.”

—Katie, Acton Parent

“Acton has changed who our son is.”

“We really feel so fortunate our son was able to have this experience at Acton. It has changed who he is. The business fair was revolutionary for him!”

—Jennifer, Acton Parent

“Acton has open conversations where they encourage children to think about decisions leaders and entrepreneurs in the world are making… debate and entertain others’ perspectives to shift their own.”

When I interviewed and learned about Acton I actually cried on the zoom meeting. The founder asked if he said something wrong and I tried to explain everything he was saying was exactly what I’d been looking for. They focus on every child finding their calling in the world. They train children about making a conscious decision to get outside their comfort zone and that all big wins in life come with strain and stress. They refer to this as the hero’s journey and they teach children to recognize the discomfort that comes right before success so they do not give up.

Acton has open conversations where they encourage children to think about decisions leaders and entrepreneurs in the world are making and have the room of young children (6-10) debate and entertain others’ perspectives to shift their own. Watching this when I went to shadow day at the school also made me cry.

As I’ve considered where the intense emotion comes from for me, it’s that I see our world moving further away from where I want it to be sometimes. You can no longer have open conversations in many situations without having hostility and anger. I’m trying to raise my children to have the ability to be friends with people who don’t think like they do and to be brave enough to openly talk about how they think too. I want them to be incredible at analyzing all perspectives in any situation. I want them to find their individual paths to joy and to be willing to work hard and have determination and grit.

If you are struggling to find the right environment for your kids and you live in the DMV, consider Acton Academy.

—Keri, Acton Parent

“Our family loves Acton.”

Our family loves Acton. Our 8 and 10 year olds are happier than at their prior school, and have taken ownership of their own learning, as opposed to needing to be prodded to engage in schoolwork. Acton inspires kids to learn, and teaches them how to think, not what to think.

— Dan, Acton Parent

“I couldn’t be happier… My kids love their school!”

My 7-year-old twins started at Acton this school year and I couldn't be happier! We live in North Arlington, where good public schools are available, but I was looking for a different approach. When I visited Acton, I was pleasantly surprised when I witnessed a group of mixed-aged children during a Socratic discussion. They were engaged yet relaxed, opinionated yet respectful. You have to see these kids in action! That is the best way to know what the school is all about. You will see a classroom where kids talk and think most. Their guides (they don't call them teachers) support them in their learning journey. Their guides do a fantastic job of helping these kids become independent thinkers and doers. My kids love their school!

— Jasmin, Acton Parent

“I have two kids enrolled at Acton, and they come home every day energized and engaged.”

Many schools say they are student-centered, but Acton really delivers on that promise. I have two kids enrolled at Acton, and they come home every day energized and engaged. Learners are encouraged to pursue mastery, manage their own time, and collaborate in ways that reflect the modern world much better than more traditional educational models. The Acton community is warm and welcoming. It's a small school, but they take advantage of their Foggy Bottom location and get out and about in the city. We couldn't be happier with Acton!

— Katherine, Acton Parent

“The kids love school.”

“Our son is not only happy, but excited to go to school.”

“We wouldn't have survived without Acton!”

We really wanted to take this opportunity to appreciate all the things you have done for the children, especially during this rather difficult period with the pandemic. We wouldn't have survived without Acton! We are so proud of our daughter and how much she has grown because of her experience at Acton.

— Akiko & Tom, Acton Parents

“You have created something one of a kind, and I thank you.”

“On my very short trip to the city, I saw about a half dozen schools to get an idea of what DC has to offer and to get a better idea of where I want to send my two boys. I must say that every school I toured paled in comparison to Acton—the mission, the Montessori approach, the building, the environment, the leadership—all set Acton apart. You have created something one of a kind, and I thank you.”

—Lauren, Parent

“Acton is the best decision we’ve ever made for our daughter.”

“Acton is the best decision we've ever made for our daughter. The love of learning that we’ve seen in the last month—she’s like a different person! She is so happy and excited to come to Acton. We were nervous at first. But we’re so glad we decided to join the Acton community. We can’t recommend Acton highly enough!”

—Amita, Acton Parent

“Every day after school she can’t stop talking about the adventures she’s had that day!”

“Our nine-year-old daughter had been in public schools in Fairfax County for the past few years, but she wasn’t engaged in school. She is super independent and energetic, and needed a learning environment where she could flex her creative muscles. She had participated in the Acton Children’s Business Fair for the past two years, so when we learned the same folks were opening up Acton Academy in Washington, DC, we jumped at the chance to enroll her in this unbelievably unique program. Our daughter started at Acton in early September and loves it. Every day after school she can't stop talking about the adventures she’s had that day!”

—Chad & Sytera, Acton Parents

“We have seen so much growth this year in middle school.”

We have seen so much growth this year in middle school, specifically in researching, organizing, and confidently presenting at exhibitions. Our son’s confidence has grown immensely in step with his knowledge which we attribute to Acton Academy’s learner driven methodology.

— Jeffrey and Rebekka, Acton Parents

“We were lucky to start at Acton from the beginning.”

Our daughter goes to the Montessori program at Acton, and we couldn’t say enough positive things about it. We were lucky to start at Acton from the beginning, because right after we took the tour I knew that was the exact educational experience I've been looking for, and I was positive that in a few months the waiting list would be very long! Our daughter is always very excited to go in, and many times doesn't even want to leave, which is a very good sign. Her development has also increased many folds since she started at Acton, which I think is proof of how experienced and knowledgeable the staff at Acton are about child learning, and the Montessori method in general. In sum, we feel like Acton is a place where our child is happy and safe, which are the most important things!

—Gustavo, Acton Parent

Acton Press and praise