MSLP - Acton Academy Kennebunkport

A Day In The Life...

MIDDLE STUDIO & LAUNCHPAD (MSLP)

Combined Middle and High School
Ages ~ 11-18

We believe learning should be fun and relevant. Our goal is to encourage a life-long love of learning.
Middle Studio and Launchpad learners spend 4 days in the studio and 1 day in nature each week.

SCHEDULE

Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays

Studio in Kennebunk 8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Studio in Kennebunk 8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
OUTDOORS in Kennebunkport 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Studio in Kennebunk 8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Studio in Kennebunk 8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Get our Essential Info Pack to learn more about our daily schedule.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Each year in MSLP learners do an apprenticeship of their choice to explore their passions, gain experience, and find their calling.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Every year at Acton Academy, we build small businesses from the ground up.

We host a one-day Children's Business Fair; open to any children from the community who wants to join.

Watch the video to learn about the business fair

in Austin, TX to see what ours in Kennebunkport will grow into.

Click icon to view website

Our learners are enriched with nature.

Learners will:

Be immersed in nature with guides that are knowledgeable & passionate about nature

Spend all day outside regardless of weather & prove their resiliency with a smile after a rainy day

Develop a love and respect for nature

Learn about the natural environment

Engage all of their senses

Build wilderness skills

Build community

IMPORTANCE OF NATURE

We believe that:
Nature is an essential part of childhood.

Not only is it good for their soul, but it's important for kids to take risks, build resilience, and gain confidence in their abilities. Nature provides a source of wonder and inspiration for kids and it's important to realize and respect that the world is bigger than they are.

There is overwhelming research that shows the benefits of nature, among them are:

Physical Benefits

Physical Exercise (improved fitness & lower BMI)

Boosted Immune System (increased expression of white blood cells)

Improved Vision; Lower Rates of Myopia 'Nearsightedness' (esp. in young children with developing eyes)

Increased Levels of Anti-Cancer Proteins

Lower Blood Pressure

Decreased Inflammation

Heightened Motor Control: Balance, Coordination, Agility

Fewer Accidents (i.e. falling)

More Adept in Assessing Risk

Emotional & Intellectual Benefits

Stress Relief: Decrease in Stress Hormone Cortisol

Fosters Moral Development

Improved Self-Awareness & Self-Identity

Increased Resiliency

Improved Critical Thinking Skills

Increased Concentration & Creativity

Improved Short-Term Memory

Increased Relevancy when Learning (esp Science)

Helps Children with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

Helps with Sensitivity Issues

21ST CENTURY LEARNING

The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills.

Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.

Hands-on project based Quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.

Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY

Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms.

Mentor teams encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals, and hold each other accountable.

"Learn to Be" badges that celebrate character and completing leadership challenges.

MEASURING MASTERY

EARN BADGES TO PROVE YOU'VE MASTERED NEW SKILLS

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions.

Parents use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in "Learn to Be" Badges.

Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers or the public for a real world test.

PERSONALIZED TOOLS

A SCHOOL FOR THE 21st CENTURY

A DAY IN THE LIFE

An inside look at the Acton Academy studio in Austin, TX (the first Acton Academy).

Watch the video here

A VIRTUAL TOUR OF ACTON ACADEMY

An explanation of Acton's core beliefs and how the school operates.

Watch the coverage here

DISRUPTIVE EDUCATION

An award winning independent documentary about Acton Academy.