FAQ
1. 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 vigour; 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
2. What is a “learner driven classroom”?
At Acton Academy Timișoara, the students run the studio (classroom) by agreeing together what their rules are for behavior and treatment of one another. These are called their “Studio Covenants” and “Rules of Engagement”. In the elementary studio especially, they are provided with appropriate guidance throughout this process. These rules and covenants are prominently displayed in the studio and revisited. Often, these are revised by the students as they work through challenges and discover better ways of interacting with one another.
Students also budget their time and choose their areas of focus for the day and adjust these based on their performance. We believe strongly that students achieve more when they have control of their learning.
3. Why a learner driven classroom?
At Acton Academy Timișoara we believe in learning to be and learning to do and an important part of this is encouraging kids to take responsibility for their own behavior and hold those around them to a high standard.
When something isn’t working, we want our students 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.
4. What is the Socratic method and why does Acton use it?
In the Socratic method, a guide sets up scenarios and asks questions to stimulate critical thinking and independent learning. Acton uses the Socratic method rather than lectures because through discussions and actively making arguments to support their beliefs, students sharpen their critical thinking and speaking abilities and gain a better understanding of a topic than by passively taking notes during a lecture. Outside of discussions, guides employ the Socratic method with students throughout the day in order to build and reinforce independent learners who are able to answer their own questions.
5. Is Acton Academy Timișoara accredited?
Yes, our school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools (IALDS).
6. Are there any other Acton Academy Schools in Romania?
Yes. Acton Academy Bucharest launched in 2019, and Acton Academy Ploiești opening this September.
7. What is the daily schedule?
8. How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?
At Acton Academy Timișoara, 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 reading, projects, art, sports, etc . The two are highly complementary
9. How do you measure students progress?
We measure student progress in several different ways:
We set Daily, Weekly, and Session goals between the student and the Guides. Learners share these goals with parents.
We utilize robust real-time data for each of our online learning tools. At any given time both parents and Guides can find out exactly what their student is learning. It easily allows us to track progress, identify areas of struggle, and close any learning gaps. Having a small class size, we are able to work one-on-one with the student to make sure that we can close gaps and help them master the skill. The web-based programs don’t allow the student to move on to the next skill until it has been mastered. Our Guides help kids get unstuck, embrace a growth mindset, and develop grit.
Students build portfolios and showcase their best work in History, Writer’s Workshops, Quest projects, etc .
Though we never “teach to the test,” standardized tests are given each year to provide useful benchmark data.
10. Is Acton Academy Timișoara a Montessori School?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori program. In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
11. Is Acton Academy Timișoara a religious program?
While we expose children to the importance of mindfulness, ethical principles, and the significance of religion in history and the development of society we are not a religious program. We value and respect each individual’s beliefs.
12. What studios do you provide?
Elementary Studio (6-10 years, Grades 0 – 4) – launching in September 2022
Middle School Studio (11-14 years, Grades 5 – 8) – launching in the future
High School Studio(15-18 years, Grades 9 – 12) – launching in the future
13. Can I transfer my child back to the public school system?
Yes. In the unlikely event you need to transfer to the public school system, we will provide the transcripts you need.