Frequently Asked Questions
How is Acton Academy North Cincinnati affiliated with Acton Academy?
Acton Academy North Cincinnati is part of the network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.
What grades do you offer?
We are currently enrolling 1st to 5th or 6th graders (6-11 years old) for Fall 2025.
Where will your school be located?
We are currently finalizing details for our school’s location in the Mason, OH area.
How long is the school year?
Our school year is broken down into 7 sessions called “Quests” with a one or two-week break between each session for children and families to recharge. School is in session 5 days per week, though several Actons have demonstrated success with a 4-day schoolweek, and we are planning one flex day per week for fieldtrips and family activities. Instead of a typical 12-week summer break that leads to learning loss and the need to spend time reteaching material from the previous year, our summer break is about 7 weeks, which leaves plenty of time for summer camps and family vacations without the learning loss. Parents who enroll are encouraged to share their needs with us so we can prioritize accommodations!
What is your tuition?
We see it more as an investment. What better investment could you make? A $250 one-time registration fee is due with your application, along with one month’s tuition to hold your child’s space once you’ve been invited to enroll. Tuition will be $10,000 for the 2025-2026 school year. Founding Families (those who start the 2025 school year with us or enroll before the end of 2025) are eligible for a Founding Families Discount. Tuition can be paid quarterly or monthly, for 10 months, August to May.
When Does Enrollment Begin?
We have rolling admissions. Learners can begin at the beginning of any session. At Acton Academy North Cincinnati, we appreciate the importance of a sustained, long-term partnership with families in their children's education. From the time of admission, your child will be considered enrolled through their 12th grade graduation unless otherwise discussed.
Is Acton Academy North Cincinnati accredited?
Yes the learning center is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools (IALDS).
Is Acton Academy North Cincinnati a Montessori school?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. In fact, Montessori published her first book, “Il Metodo della Pedagogia Scientifica”, in 1909. A lot has happened in the worlds of child psychology and education since Maria Montessori’s time and movements like Waldorf, Emilio Reggio, and learning camps like Space Camp and Entrepreneurship Camp have added a lot to the conversation.
Acton Academy has been built by combining the most effective elements of each of these learning modalities. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands- on projects, and the Socratic Method for discussions.
Is Acton Academy North Cincinnati a religious school?
We are open to families from all spiritual backgrounds and expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and communicate the historical importance of religion to the development of Western Civilization.
Instead of being specifically “college prep”, “religious”, "classical", or otherwise, our model is called, “Learner Driven” and it’s framed by the Hero’s Journey, a story framework codified by Joseph Campbell. We use it for its ability to motivate children to work towards inspiring goals, get back up when they’ve been knocked down, and live into their heroic sense of responsibility and their innate capacity for heroism.
Who was Lord Acton?
Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
What do you mean by a hero's journey?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
What is an "independent learner"?
Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
What do you mean by a "running partner"?
Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.
Will children be grouped into grades?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, mixed aged children work together on group projects.
Does Acton Academy North Cincinnati serve special needs children?
At Acton, we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all children. While our staff is not specifically trained to serve children with high needs, we have experience in supporting young learners with dyslexia and mild ADHD. We strive to provide diverse learning options and create an environment where children can thrive. If you have specific concerns or requirements, please feel free to discuss them with us, and we can determine together if Acton North Cincinnati is a good fit for your family.
What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?
We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do—and that they will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader, guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives; and more.
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Now looking for a school location from Fields Ertel, North to Lebanon, between I-71 and I-75.