The most important thing that schools can do for students is to help prepare them to deal with the unexpected.

Acton Academy is a network of learner-driven schools that emphasizes hands-on, real-world projects, apprenticeships, and Socratic discussions, aiming to inspire children to find their callings and become independent thinkers. 

Acton Academy Calgary West (AACW) is a learner-centered microschool located in Calgary, Alberta. AACW is a licensed affiliate of the Acton Academy network. We are proud to be the first Acton Academy in Calgary, AB opening our doors in Sept 2024, and are a part of a vibrant global network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. 

Our mission is to revolutionize education in Calgary. Our goal is to enhance a passion for learning through an affordable, personalized approach, providing ample opportunities for learning and enrichment amidst the richness Calgary and the world has to offer.

Acton Academy Calgary West is a non-profit, registered in Alberta, Canada. 

• Spark - Ages 4 years and 9 months up to 6 years old
• Threshold - Ages 6 up to 10 years old
• Discovery - Ages 10 up to 14 years old
• LaunchPad - Ages 14 up to 18 years old (Coming in 2027/28)

We offer a play-based Montessori approach for our Spark program (learners aged 4-6+). We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and the Socratic Method for discussions.

Program fees for the 2025/26 Academic Year:

Acton Academy Learning Journey

• 5-days in Studio --- 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Mon. - Fri.) - $1200 /month

We invite you attend an info. session, and/or contact us to learn more. Sign up here

Absolutely. We, as parents, educators, and founders, run a nonprofit program with a firm commitment to inclusive education and diversity. To uphold this belief, we offer financial aid tailored to family circumstances. 

Additionally, we' provide opportunities for parents to contribute their time and skills towards the program in exchange for 'subsidy credits', fostering both individual success and community advancement within our program.

Although Acton Academy Calgary West does not directly provide after or before-care programs, we do understand the importance of such option for parents. As a result, we have partnered with an enrichment parter to offer enrichment programming options directly at our studio space, which occur before & after the Acton Learning Journey (curriculum). 

For more details, kindly inquire at connect@actonacademycalgary.com

Yes, our Acton Academy program is accredited through the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools (IALDS).

At AACW, we believe in a learner-centered approach powered by Acton Academy's best-in-class program. Our guides focus on individual learner needs and interests, and use a variety of methods to engage and challenge our learners on their Hero's Journey.

Yes.

We are not a religious program. We are open to Believers, Searchers and Non-Believers alike and expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and the role religion has played in our global society. 

The terms "teacher" and "guide" often overlap in meaning but can differ significantly in their roles and approaches to facilitating learning or development. While a teacher traditionally focuses on imparting knowledge through structured instruction, a guide is more inclined to facilitate personal or exploratory learning, helping individuals find their own way. At Acton Academy Calgary, we believe a child thrives the most in their own learning journey aided by a guide.  

At Acton Academy Calgary West, we believe every child is a genius! A teacher's/guide's primary requirement is to have a passion for guiding young minds to find their inner genius.

To Teachers/Guides: Knowing your own passions, outside of teaching, will help us understand the value you can bring to our learners as they embark on their learning journey through life.

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 the Acton Academy, we celebrate his defence of economic, political and religious freedom.

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, her, their special journey.

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.

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.

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, all ages of students work together in groups.

Although some of guides are trained to serve learners with learning disabilities, not all are guides have that expertise. Our guides have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed. Ultimately, we are not equipped to serve learners with serious learning disabilities.

Different learners thrive at distinct student-to-educator ratios. For our youngest minds, our desired ratio starts from 8-10 learners to a guide, and can progress up to 20+ learners per guide for the more advanced grades/learners. We also give careful consideration for the dynamics of class sizes that enable multiple 'friend groups' and enhance social interaction.

We believe each of our learners 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 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.

Excellent question! Aligning guide/teacher expertise with our students' needs is vital for success, benefiting both the student and the teacher. While all students are encouraged to apply, acceptance will be contingent upon our teachers' capacity to deliver the necessary support. Leveraging our network and partnerships, we strive to place students and teachers in circumstances that create the optimal learning environment for each to thrive.

Please sign up for an Info. Session to learn more. We're excited to introduce you to how we’re reimagining education for the future, and give you an in-depth look at our philosophy, programs, and community.