A Day in the Life
at Acton Academy Miami Beach
Each day at Acton Academy Miami Beach is designed to foster curiosity, independence, and a love of learning, empowering learners to take ownership of their education. Here’s what a typical day might look like for a learner:
8:30 AM – Arrival and Morning Circle
Learners gather to start the day with a Morning Circle, where they set personal intentions, discuss their goals, and share highlights from previous days. This time builds community, enhances self-awareness, and encourages leadership as learners take turns facilitating discussions.
9:00 AM – Core Skills Work
Learners dive into self-paced academic work in areas like reading, writing, and math. With access to personalized online resources, each learner progresses at their own pace, mastering skills through a mix of technology, hands-on activities, and one-on-one time with their guide. Learners set daily goals and track their progress, building accountability and responsibility.
10:30 AM – Socratic Discussions
In small, lively Socratic discussions, learners explore big questions and challenge each other's ideas on topics ranging from history and literature to science and ethics. This dialogue-driven approach develops critical thinking, deepens understanding, and sharpens communication skills.
11:30 AM – Quest Projects
Project-based learning comes to life as learners tackle real-world problems in areas such as entrepreneurship, environmental science, or technology. Working in teams or individually, learners apply their skills in practical ways, creating tangible solutions and presenting their findings to peers or community members.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Free Time
Learners enjoy lunch with friends, followed by time to recharge through unstructured play or reflection. This break encourages relationship-building, creativity, and the joy of discovery in a relaxed, social environment.
1:30 PM – Studio Maintenance and Reflection
Everyone pitches in to maintain the learning studio, reinforcing responsibility, teamwork, and respect for shared spaces. Afterward, learners have a brief reflection period, where they assess their progress on the day's goals and set intentions for the afternoon.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Workshops and Electives
Learners dive into workshops and electives, choosing from a variety of interests such as coding, art, drama, or community service. Guided by curiosity, each learner has the freedom to explore areas they are passionate about, developing new skills and discovering personal interests.
3:00 PM – Closing Circle and Goal Setting
To end the day, learners gather for a Closing Circle, reflecting on their day’s achievements, challenges, and goals for tomorrow. This practice instills a sense of accomplishment and encourages learners to embrace both their successes and learning moments.
3:30 PM – Dismissal
Learners head home to spend time with their families, with no homework to complete. Instead, they enjoy family time, extracurricular activities, and pursue personal interests—promoting a healthy balance between school and home life.
Studio Experience
At Acton Academy Miami Beach, our studios are more than classrooms—they are dynamic, learner-centered environments where students are inspired to explore, create, and lead. Each studio is a blend of innovation and community, designed to empower learners to take control of their educational journey in a space that encourages independence, curiosity, and collaboration.
Mixed-Age Studios
In line with our philosophy, Acton studios are mixed-age environments, where younger and older learners work side-by-side. This setup promotes mentorship, teamwork, and leadership, with older learners often guiding and inspiring younger peers. Mixed-age groups reflect real-world environments, preparing learners to interact with diverse perspectives and develop social and emotional skills in a supportive community.
“The world is our classroom”
A Space for Exploration and Growth
Our studios are intentionally designed to foster a sense of agency and creativity. Each learner has a personalized workspace, equipped with resources and tools for self-directed learning. Whether they’re diving into Core Skills, brainstorming during a Quest project, or leading a Socratic discussion, learners have the freedom to move, collaborate, and learn in ways that feel natural to them.
Guided by Principles, Not Rules
The studio operates with a system of community agreements rather than rigid rules. These agreements, created and upheld by the learners themselves, set the tone for a respectful, focused, and accountable community. Learners take ownership of their studio culture, developing a deep sense of responsibility and pride in their shared environment.
