Frequently Asked Questions

How is Acton Academy Blairsville affiliated with Acton Academy?

Acton Academy Blairsville is part of the network of over 270 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.

Who is Acton Academy Blairsville for?

People who realize the traditional school system no longer works to prepare children for the modern world
Entrepreneurs
Out-of-the-box thinkers
People who want the benefits of child-directed learning without having to make a full-time commitment to homeschooling
Families with flexible schedules and work-from-home families
People who need flexible attendance for travel and family obligations. (We operate on an 11-month calendar with five, 6-week sessions and breaks in between)
Children who want additional time to pursue their passions beyond traditional after-school hours
People who want to maximize their family time
Trailblazers and trendsetters
Families who value their freedom and want their children to develop a love of learning
Parents who believe in family first

What ages do you enroll?

We are currently enrolling learners ages 4 to 11 years old for the 2022-2023 school year. In the near future we plan to grow to include ages 4 to 17.

Where is your school located?

Our address is 219 Boemanns Street, Blairsville, GA 30512. Our studios are located within the Hidden Creek Preserve on Riverbend Farm. Access to the school requires entrance via a secure gate. As such, visitation must be authorized in advance.

How long is Acton Academy Blairsville in session each year and what is the school calendar?

Our flexible program allows families to travel together throughout the year without sacrificing any learning. Acton Academy Blairsville currently serves learners aged 7-13 with a hybrid learning model. This is the ideal blend for families seeking freedom and flexibility who also desire strong community connections.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, we are operating with a flexible 9 month calendar. Starting in September and ending in May. In December of 2024, we will reassess the 11 month vs. 9 month calendar for the '25-'26 academic year, and will choose the option that best suits the overall needs of our community at that time.

For '24-'25, we will meet on-site three days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) in a 21st-century one-room schoolhouse & equip the learners to continue their work independently the rest of the week. It works because we have S.M.A.R.T. goals and running partners that hold each other accountable. This system allows our learners to be truly self-directed. The best of both worlds! Again, we will make the decision in December regarding how many days per week our program will meet on campus for the '25-'26 academic year. Our goal is to constantly evolve to best meet the needs of our current learners and their families.

What does tuition cost and do you offer scholarships?

Annual tuition is $7,315 payable in 11 monthly installments of $665. Annual registration fee is $275.

Tuition includes all materials and supplies and 1 school t-shirt.

We do require each learner to have and bring a Chromebook that your child will use during their journey with us at Acton.

We offer discounts for full annual payments when prepaid and sibling discounts.

We have a few need-based scholarships available each year for qualified families.

Is Acton Academy Blairsville a Montessori School?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.

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.

Does Acton Academy Blairsville serve special needs children?

At this time, we are not equipped to take on learners who require extensive curriculum scaffolding or other support in order to make effective academic progress. We believe that all students are exceptional, and we are happy to discuss any specific information with you in order to determine whether we are the right fit to ensure your student will learn and progress appropriately.

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 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.

What is 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 together by grades?

We believe that children learn best when working with those younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age.

Why a learner-driven classroom?

At Acton Academy Blairsville we believe in learning to be and learning to do and an important part of this is encouraging children to take responsibility for their own behavior and hold those around them to a high standard. When something isn’t working, we want our learners to work together to solve the problem, not look for an adult to solve it for them. This creates a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them well in all areas of life.

What does it cost to attend this program and do you offer financial aid?

The annual program fee is $6,500.00 per learner for our 3 day hybrid model in '24-'25. We allow families to make monthly payments subject to a small finance charge. Additionally, a one-time, non-refundable school enrollment fee of $750.00 is due upon acceptance of an invitation to join our tribe.

A non-refundable annual registration/studio fee of $350.00 is due every year upon registration. We do not offer financial aid at this time, but we recognize the need and hope that will change in the future.

Is Acton Academy Blairsville accredited?

Yes, the program is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.

Will Acton Academy prepare my teen for college?

Our promise at Acton Academy is to have students well prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance. Once your student gets over the test-taking barrier at the university of their choice, their portfolio and critical thinking skills will be a big boost during the application and interviewing process. Most importantly, students are well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all.

Do you offer team sports?

Although we do not offer formal team sports, many of our students participate in city league sports. Our school embraces a deep commitment to physical fitness and overall health awareness. Acton students explore a variety of physical activities that have ranged from soccer, golf, track, hiking, dance, and rock climbing. Our students are very active, and we strongly support good sportsmanship and teamwork.

How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?

At Acton Academy Blairsville we believe in the power of balance. Using the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling and grammar in about 90 minutes each day, while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning outside. We use that time to incorporate the beauty and wonders of nature into the rest of our curriculum.

What is a hybrid home school program?

Hybrid home schools are perhaps the most independent, creative, and cutting edge sector of the education choice universe. In their most common form, these schools operate 2-3 days per week in brick and mortar buildings, with classes of students and teachers who assign work. The balance of the week, these students are homeschooled. Acton Academy Blairsville is a hybrid home school. Classes at Acton Academy Blairsville are accredited through IALDS; however, parents and guardians of learners at Acton Academy Blairsville must file a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool with the Georgia Department of Education. Parents of learners enrolled at Acton Academy Blairsville must abide by all of Georgia’s homeschooling laws.

Our program is full for the '24-'25 academic year, and auditions are currently closed. Click here to join our mailing list for future updates!

Studies show that when children have free play outdoors, they become better problem solvers & their creativity is enhanced. The outdoors challenges the mind to constantly think in new ways.

~SANDI SCHWARTZ, FINDING ECOHAPPINESS

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