About Our Studios
Our Mixed-Aged Studios
Our K-12 microschool is organized in three studios: Sparks, Discovery, and Explorer/Launchpad. Each studio is designed with the developmental considerations of different age groups—with the highest age levels getting the most amount of freedom and responsibility. Children move up to the next studio once they have met the requirements for “graduation” from their current studio.
Sparks Studio: Ages 5-7
Inspired by Montessori principles, the Spark Studio emphasizes hands-on projects and outdoor adventures to ignite curiosity and foster independence. Our primary goal in this studio is to develop a love of learning. Using Montessori materials for math and language, as well as other hands-on tools, we begin building the foundations of core skills in this studio. This studio also spends time every afternoon on collaborative group projects and outdoor unstructured play, to help develop soft skills like emotional regulation, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Learning Through Play
Learning Through Play
Learning Through Play
Here, learning feels like play, because that's how young children learn best! Inspired by Montessori principles, we create a hands-on environment where curiosity leads the way, and little hands stay busy exploring, building, and discovering. With open-ended materials and real-world activities, children develop independence, problem-solving skills, and a deep love of learning from the start.
Quests
Learning Through Play
Learning Through Play
Children explore the world through storytelling, building, art, science, sensory experiences, and nature exploration. Each Quest in this studio is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a joyful love of learning while helping children develop independence, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Social Skills
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
Friendships and teamwork are just as important as ABCs and 123s. In this studio, Spark children learn to share, collaborate, and navigate challenges with kindness and confidence. Through group activities and thought-provoking daily discussions, they practice empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, which are all skills that will serve them for life.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
Fresh air, movement, and adventure are essential for young minds and bodies. Every day, Sparks have time for unstructured outdoor play, where they climb, run, dig, and explore, thus developing physical coordination, creativity, and resilience. This studio also has a full day of outdoor education on Fridays. When children are free to play, they gain confidence, improve well-being, take healthy risks, and build a deep connection with nature.
Discovery Studio: Ages 7–12
In this studio, children continue to foster a deep love of learning while developing independence, responsibility, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Mornings are spent working on self-paced core skills like math, reading, and writing using highly reputable online programs designed to ensure learners master concepts before moving on. Afternoons are reserved for exploratory group projects, hands-on experiments, creative work, and play. Learners set and track personal goals, engage in collaborative projects, and participate in daily Socratic discussions that foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Goal-Setting
Goal-Setting
Goal-Setting
In the Discovery Studio, young learners set their own goals, track their progress, and celebrate their achievements, while building confidence and independence along the way. By taking ownership of their learning, they develop a strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to push through challenges with a growth mindset.
Quests
Goal-Setting
Goal-Setting
Through hands-on collaborative group projects (Quests), children explore exciting real-world challenges like launching businesses, designing inventions, or solving science mysteries. Each Quest helps children discover their passion, calling, and strengths while making learning an adventure!
Group Projects
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
Collaboration is key in the Discovery Studio, where children work together on engaging group projects that encourage teamwork, communication, and leadership. By solving problems and creating together, they learn to listen, compromise, and contribute to a shared vision—essential skills for success in life.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education
This studio enjoys daily outdoor unstructured play, along with a full day of outdoor education on Fridays, where they build resilience, confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the natural world through hands-on challenges, exploration, and adventure.
Explorer Studio: Ages 12–15
The Explorer Studio challenges learners to work hard, tackle complex problems, and develop real-world skills. Children embark on apprenticeships, engage in rigorous projects, study under mentors, and participate in mature discussions, preparing them for future endeavors. In addition to a love of learning and working well with others, a new goal of this studio is academic excellence and rigour. In this studio, children also engage in annual apprenticeships so that they can begin developing real-world skills that will set them apart in their career journeys.
Time Management
Discovering Your Purpose
Discovering Your Purpose
In the Explorer Studio, young people take ownership of their schedules, learning to set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage their time effectively. With the freedom to choose how they work, they develop the self-discipline and responsibility needed for success in high school, college, and life.
Discovering Your Purpose
Discovering Your Purpose
Discovering Your Purpose
Explorer studio is aptly named because it is a time of exploration, and at Acton, we encourage children to ask big questions: Who am I? What do I care about? How can I make a difference? Through hands-on projects and deep discussions, they uncover their passions, strengths, and a sense of purpose that fuels their learning.
Real-World Experiences
Discovering Your Purpose
Real-World Experiences
Why wait until adulthood to experience real-world work? At Acton, 12–15 year olds step beyond the classroom, securing apprenticeships with professionals in fields they're curious about, thus gaining hands-on experience, valuable skills, and the confidence to shape their own future.
Launchpad Studio: Ages 15–18
Designed for high school children, the Launchpad Studio focuses on helping young people discover their calling, gaining mentors through interviews with industry experts, and preparing for real-world success. Learners gain valuable skills through extended apprenticeships and launch real startups or projects, culminating in a portfolio of real-world work that showcases their capabilities. This studio aims to equip young people with the vision and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the world. More flexibility in this studio allows youth to pursue their individual career interests and goals at a deep level.
Finding a Calling
Internships & Job Experience
Internships & Job Experience
In Launchpad, young people don't just explore different interests, but they choose their calling and begin developing real expertise in their chosen field. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world experiences, they gain mastery, build a strong portfolio, and learn what it takes to excel in their chosen path. Whether they pursue college, entrepreneurship, or another option, they graduate with the skills, confidence, and direction to turn their passion into a meaningful career.
Internships & Job Experience
Internships & Job Experience
Internships & Job Experience
At Launchpad, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Youth spend much of their time gaining real-world experience through apprenticeships and internships, working alongside professionals in fields that interest them. These hands-on opportunities help them develop valuable skills, build confidence, and discover their passions in a way no textbook ever can.
Mentorship & Self-Advocacy
Internships & Job Experience
Mentorship & Self-Advocacy
Success isn't just about knowledge. It’s also about knowing how to navigate challenges and advocate for oneself. In Acton’s Launchpad, youth learn how to connect and build meaningful relationships with mentors in their field, practice professional communication, and learn how to seek out opportunities. These skills empower them to take charge of their future with confidence and purpose.
Accredited by the Int'l Assoc. of Learner Driven Schools
The school admits children of any race, colour, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to children at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
Copyright © 2026 Acton Academy Lanark, in Ontario - All Rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.