For children who have tasted real freedom in learning, sitting still for hours and being expected to absorb information passively feels unnatural. Research backs this up:
- A 2019 study published in the journal Learning and Instruction found that students in self-directed learning environments develop higher intrinsic motivation and better problem-solving skills than those in traditional settings.
- Children who experience hands-on, exploratory learning retain information longer. A Harvard Graduate School of Education study showed that students who learn through active engagement and self-direction are more likely to develop a lifelong love of learning—not just memorize facts for a test.
- School disengagement is a growing problem. A Gallup Poll of U.S. students found that by high school, 74% feel disengaged in school. Why? Because they feel learning is something done to them, not something they actively pursue.
For some children, the transition from freedom to control is jarring. They lose their love of learning because they’re no longer driving their own education. Instead of choosing their work, they’re assigned it. Instead of exploring, they’re required to follow a set curriculum.
What Happens When Kids Keep Their Freedom?
When children stay in a learner-driven environment, something powerful happens:
They remain curious.
They take ownership of their education.
They set goals—and achieve them.
They build confidence through real-world challenges.
At Acton, students set their own learning targets, not because an adult tells them to, but because they are motivated to grow. One student once told me:
“In public school, I almost failed reading. Now I read two hours a day for fun.”
That’s what happens when learning isn’t forced—it’s chosen.
A Different Kind of Education
When Acton Academy was founded, it wasn’t built on an existing model—it was created by pulling together the best ideas from different approaches to learning. But one thing was clear from the start:
Children who have experienced the joy of learning shouldn’t be placed into a system that crushes their curiosity.
Acton Academy was designed to be different—where students aren’t just memorizing, but exploring. Where they aren’t just being taught, but discovering. Where they aren’t just following instructions, but leading.
For those who thrive in this environment, the results are extraordinary.
Once you’ve tasted curiosity-driven learning, why would you ever settle for less?
