We believe each person who enters
ACTON ACADEMY
will find a calling that changes the world
What if children are far more capable than we imagine?
Begin a Hero's Journey;
Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery;
We promise through Socratic Guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:
Become a curious, independent, life-long learner;
Embrace the forging of a strong character;
Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life;
Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
Acton Academy Victoria will be a place where education becomes a transformational journey, not just for children, but for families, communities, and generations to come.
What makes Acton Academy Victoria different?
On a Hero's Journey, with challenges, adventure, fellow travellers and guides
Sharing learning in a tightly bound community
Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.
Collaborating on real world projects
Earning points for effort and badges for mastery
Using the latest technology to master reading, writing and math
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Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math, and spelling, along with character development through Servant Leader Badges.
Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four-to-six week sprint.
Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.
Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session.
JOY
RIGOR
MASTERY
We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way
We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be
We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners
We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom
Our Beliefs
Accomplish important work and play well with others
Ask great questions
Have fun and welcome others
Set and track goals
Build a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, and civilization
Learning through hands‑on, project‑based experiences
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The Elementary Studio Eagles are independent
learners who find great joy in learning in a tight knit community
that upholds the highest standards
of excellence.
Learners in the Elementary Studio:
The Heart Behind Acton Academy Victoria
We are Andrew and Shannon Haws—and together with our three young adventurers, Isla, Ben, and Emersyn—we are launching Acton Academy Victoria, a place where education becomes a transformational journey, not just for children, but for families, communities, and generations to come.
Our story begins with a question—one that quietly followed us even before we became parents: How do we raise children who are curious, courageous, and truly prepared for life? For years, we wrestled with that question. We explored, discussed, dreamed. But no clear answer emerged.
Then came 2023.
As our oldest approached school age, the question became urgent. We poured ourselves into exploring every path—public school, private school, homeschool. We read, we researched, we asked hard questions. And while each option had its merits, none felt like the right fit for the vision we held for our children’s growth. Something was missing—something deeper, more purposeful. We were looking for a spark, and we hadn’t found it yet.
And then came the call to adventure.
One ordinary summer evening, we stumbled upon a podcast that mentioned Acton Academy. What we heard lit a fire in our souls. Here was a school unlike any we had encountered: learner-driven, purpose-centered, grounded in timeless values yet built for the future. It spoke of children as heroes—each on their own unique journey, capable of far more than we imagined. It was a vision of education that honored the child, challenged the status quo, and sparked something deep within us.
That moment changed everything.
We couldn't unsee it. We had found the path we didn’t even know we were looking for. And like any true Hero’s Journey, we knew the road ahead would require courage, sacrifice, and growth. But we also knew it was our path. And that we were no longer just searching for the right school—we were called to build it.
Acton Academy is more than a school. It is part of a global learning revolution that is redefining what education can and should be. A place where learners take ownership of their growth, where Socratic discussions replace lectures, where meaningful work takes center stage, and where children are trusted to rise.
Launching Acton Academy Victoria is the culmination of our Hero’s Journey—but it’s also just the beginning. Because now, we’re inviting you to begin your journey. Whether you're a parent seeking something radically different, a learner ready to discover your gifts, or someone who believes in a better way—there is a place for you in this story.
This is a revolution. This is a calling.
Welcome to Acton Academy Victoria. Let the journey begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Acton Academies a type of Montessori school?
Will Acton Academy Victoria be a religious school?
When is Acton Academy Victoria launching and what ages will you be accepting?
What is the tuition cost for Acton Academy Victoria?
Where will Acton Academy Victoria be located
Who was Lord Acton?
Will Acton Academy Victoria serve special needs children?
What do you mean by a hero's journey?
What is an "independent learner"?
What do you mean by a "running partner"?
Will children be grouped into grades?
What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?
What does it mean that Acton Academy Victoria is a Group 3 Independent School School?
Will Acton Academy Victoria offer a High School program?
The most amazing outcome at Acton is that young heroes there are genuinely enthralled with learning. Simply said, they LOVE school.
Heather Staker
Ready to Blend
"Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world."
Tom Vander Ark
CEO of Getting Smart
“I am confident that any randomly-selected ten-year-old from Acton would have succeeded instantly where at least some MIT graduates failed.”
Matt Greenfield
Rethink Education