We are often asked, “What will it be like when we join?” Customizing Laura’s recent post about the top three that things to expect when joining any Acton in any part of the world, here’s what it specifically looks like for us:
1) A Parent Agreement
Culture is key at Acton, and promises are the glue. In our Elementary Studio, two framed documents are mounted on the wall: one listing our learner’s promises to each other (they developed this during the first few weeks of the school year), and another listing the promises Dominick and I make to them.
"Push not to win" is a challenging activity about each person's responsibility to himself and the other.
Parents have an end to uphold, too! During the enrollment process, you have opportunities to review and discuss the parent agreement. If you agree with it, get ready for a transformative and fun journey – not just for your child but for yourself.
If you don’t agree with it, don’t sign it. In fact, we’ll try to un-sell you upfront, just to make sure you’re the right fit. The last thing we want to do is try to convince someone that the journey of Acton Academy Lakewood is for them.
2) A Moment of Truth.
At some point, often early in the journey, your child will come home with something that is particularly hard for you. This will be the moment of truth. Will you step in to solve the problem, breaking the parent agreement? Or will you dig deep and trust your child to pick up tools in the studio to solve his/her own problem? We often call this "Giving them a hug and sending them back into the game." The new ant farm is part of this session's Community Gardening theme.
If you choose to uphold your end and lean into the heat, I promise you will experience an “aha” moment when you discover a new truth about your child’s potential. Witnessing how brave and capable our children can be gives parents fresh energy and joy in their daily life.
One of our parents recently said to me, “Since our son has been at Acton Lakewood, we see him becoming more himself.” I can't think of a more attractive outcome for a person.
Learning to read is joyful at Acton Academy Lakewood
3) A New Sense of Freedom.
Your child will feel honored and respected as they are granted space and time to learn for themselves within our guardrails. It will be bumpy (new discipline and freedom can feel uncomfortable at first), but they will feel the dignity that comes to all of us who are treated as human beings with great potential. This is why most love coming to school every day.
And you, too, will feel more free. Acton parents don’t have a school telling you how many days per year your child has to be “present.” You don’t have a school creeping into your home in the afternoons and weekends because of required homework. Part of the Acton promise is that we won’t come between you and your children. We trust you. You are free to be the family you have always wanted to be. Sparks (preschool-K) have a big block of outdoor, open-ended playtime each day.
Ready to see how brave and capable your child really is? Schedule a tour or give us a call (214-868-6686) to check it out.
