1. HOW IS Acton Lahore DIFFERENT?
American Acton Academy is fundamentally different from traditional schools. No bells ring, and there are no lectures. Students are in control of their own learning.
How our school is different:
Student-driven, self-paced learning
Real-world projects and apprenticeships
Multi-age/grade classes
Student self-governance
Exploration and assessment of skill levels, learning styles, aptitudes, personality traits, and interests
Guides rather than teachers
Socratic discussions rather than lectures
Mastery learning and student portfolios of achievements rather than grades
No homework
No teaching to the test
2. HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT THE STUDENTS ARE LEARNING IN THIS MODEL?
Although we don’t issue grades to students, their progress is measured and tracked through a variety of tools and systems. Our badge system outlines expectations for reading, writing, math, and social/emotional progress by year. Students work with a guide to differentiate their core curriculum and set daily, weekly, and/or session goals. They showcase their mastery by meeting their goals, earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions of their work.
Student goals connect to the mastery of specific curriculum objectives through our online learning tools which also provide progress snapshots. A standardized test (we use the Stanford Achievement Test Series, Tenth Edition) is administered in a low-stakes format each year to provide one more measure of student learning. These evaluations and assessments are shared between parents, staff, and students in regular meetings, and parents are able to review student portfolios.
Also, our Eagles can take advantage of the incredible learning experience available through the adaptive technology based programs. These programs provide feedback on learning goals by offering rankings and scores.
3. 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.
The hero’s journey is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell–please click here to read more.
4. WHAT IS AN “INDEPENDENT LEARNER?”
An independent learner is someone who can research questions and follow instructions to solve problems: someone who can admit that they don’t know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock, without asking an adult for help. An independent learner also participates in discussions, and strives for mastery.
5. 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.
6. 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. 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 coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a doctor who puts patient care first, 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.
7. WITH THE EMPHASIS ON TECHNOLOGY AT Acton Lahore, HOW MUCH “SCREEN TIME” DO STUDENTS HAVE?
Technology is a useful tool and we are excited for our students to learn how to use computers to access information, communicate effectively, and learn independently.
Our students use their personal Chromebooks during some of their morning core skills time and for portions of their afternoon projects, averaging two to three hours per day. A student-created Internet Use Policy ensures technology tools are used appropriately.
8. DOES ACTON LAHORE SERVE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN?
Acton Lahore's flexible approach to learning is a great fit for many kids who need something different than the traditional school environment. Students who have trouble sitting still through a standard school day often flourish in our classroom, which provides space for breaks, comfortable and flexible seating, and room for individual self-regulation.
However, we have noticed areas that provide challenges for the special needs student. Our school curriculum relies on dynamic group projects, and the environment can be very stimulating, so students that struggle with cooperation, self-regulation, and sensory issues may have special challenges in our classroom.
We are not able to serve children with serious learning disabilities.
9. WHERE IS ACTON LAHORE LOCATED?
1- 57-C3, Gulberg III, Lahore
2-75-D1, Johar Town, Lahore
10. WHAT GRADES AND HOW MANY STUDENTS?
We are accepting applications from families with children ages 4 through 14 in four multi-age studios including kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School and High School.
11. WHAT IS THE TRANSITION LIKE FOR STUDENTS GOING FROM A 21ST CENTURY FORMAT BACK TO A TRADITIONAL FORMAT?
The students and families who have moved from schools with our format back to a traditional one have reported a relatively seamless transition.
Our students learn problem solving skills, respect for their peers, the how & why of rule formulation, perseverance, resilience and empathy. This is in addition to honing their skills of: focusing, listening, personal organization, setting their own goals, and management of their own time — all of which are a recipe for a good transition into any new environment.
12. WILL ACTON LAHORE HELP ME GET INTO A POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL?
Our promise at Acton Lahore is to have our students well prepared for any selective university or college.
Universities are changing so rapidly that it’s difficult to imagine what admission requirements will look like in ten years.
Our Acton Lahore Eagles leave with a rich portfolio of work. For some elite schools, homeschool, and alternative school applicants with portfolios have far higher acceptance rates than traditional schools.
Even more importantly, with multiple apprenticeships, real-world experience, and excellent interpersonal skills, our Eagles will stand out from the traditional college prep crowd. We are aware of the use of standardized testing (like the SAT) and will ensure our heroes are well prepared for any exam they wish to do.
Our students will be equipped to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all.
13. IS IT EXPENSIVE LIKE OTHER AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
This is a private school, limited financial aid and scholarships are available to qualifying families. We promise to keep our tuition as low as half compare to other foreign schools in Pakistan.
14. HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying to Acton Lahore School, please click here to start the application process. We will read through your answers and contact you as soon as we can to arrange a time to meet with you.
15. WHAT IS THE COST TO APPLY?
There is no cost to apply, only the time you spend discovering if Acton Lahore is a good fit for your family.
16. ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR APPLYING?
There are no prerequisites for elementary students to apply to Acton Lahore.
17. IS ACTON ACADEMY LaHORE ACCREDITED?
Yes, American Acton Academy Lahore is accredited by The International Association of Learner-Driven Schools, USA and The Ministry of Federal Education—IBCC Pakistan.
18. HOW MUCH URDU WILL THE STUDENTS LEARN?
Learning the Urdu language is very important to us. Although we are not an “immersion” program, our students will be given Urdu-language time from grade one onward.
19. DO YOU HAVE PRESCHOOL, JK, OR SK PROGRAMS?
Yes, our Preschool or SK Studio combines the best of the Montessori and Emilia Reggio approach to learning, emphasizing inquiry-based, child-driven learning, with the Hero’s Journey narrative. At Acton Academy Lahore, young learners participate in a holistic learning environment, one in which their mind, body, and spirit are cultivated and challenged. Young learners learn to know, learn to do, and learn to be through the key components of our curriculum model.
