Spark Their Curiosity

Spark Studio

Ages 4 - 7
Spark your child's love of learning by allowing them to connect with their interests and identify their passions. A spark can light a wildfire of loving to learn!
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Acton Studios provide a modern approach to education for your childs journey.

The Ethos of Spark Studio

The Spark Studio is an authentic Montessori environment of whole child development - cognitive, physical, emotional and social. Learners freely explore learning materials in math, language arts, practical life, sensorial, culture and science through Montessori materials and project-based Quests, while maintaining a strong emphasis on play and joy. The Spark studio builds the foundations of goal-setting and independent learning skills that engage and prepare young people to soar into the next Discovery Studio.

1

Respect Myself

Self-respect fosters good choices, self-discipline and healthy confidence

2

Respect Others

Recognizing the gifts of others helps develop empathy, understanding and collaboration

3

Respect Nature

Appreciating the wonders of the natural world generates awe, curiosity and mindfulness

4

Be Honest

Honesty with oneself and others is the foundation of developing integrity and character
Acton Academy Madison West, is a community of learning where children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Shorewood and more get a modern educational developement.
Children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sherwood and other areas being taught educational goals by Acton Academy Madison West.
Learning in the Spark Studio

Work Hard, Have Fun, Change the World

Our Spark Studio (classroom) is prepared with beautiful materials that facilitate growth and independence while keeping up with the active bodies and brains of young children.
  • Age-appropriate balance of freedoms and limits
  • Children pursue their interests, engage in academic pursuits and hands-on projects and learning, practice life skills and play
  • A mix of ages, and regular co-mingling with our Discovery Studio heroes, provides peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and role models
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Watch a Day in the life at Acton Academy
A day in the life of the Spark Studio

Work + Play = Joy

  • The day starts with the morning launch (circle time) where children and Guides discuss their plans for the day
  • Children engage in a two- to three-hour Montessori "work-cycle" focusing on academic pursuits including reading, writing and math
  • After a healthy lunch and outdoor playtime, children spend the afternoon engaged in play, specials, and thematic, hands-on projects called Quests
  • Other days may bring large group Socratic discussions, reading buddies and mentoring with Discovery studio heroes and trips to the UW Arboretum
  • The day wraps up with studio maintenance (clean-up) and Guide-read story and discussion
Nurturing a philosophy of learning in Madison West, Blackhaw, Fitchburg, Middleton & Shorewood.
Our Philosophy of Learning
Clear thinking leads to good decisions, Good decisions lead to the right habits, The right habits lead to character and Character becomes destiny.
Acton Academy badges to help your childs journey in their education with Madison West Acton Academy.
Measuring Learning

Exhibitions, Portfolios and Badges

Students celebrate their learning journey by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in end-of-session exhibitions.
  • Parents can track their child's academic progress as children earn badges in particular skills or knowledge
  • Learners develop a portfolio of work over their time in the studio
  • Every school session culminates in a collaborative exhibition

A School for the 21st Century

Latest News, videos & updates from Acton Academy
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Rethinking Education: Geniuses & Heroes

A Tedx talk by Jeff Sandefer, Acton Academy Co-Founder
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Turn Learning Upside Down

An inside look at the Acton Academy Studio
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Disruptive Education

Watch the award winning short documentary about Acton Academy
Acton Academy Madison West 21'st Century Learning
Inside Acton Academy Madison West

Parents, heroes and founders at Acton Academy Madison West

Discovery Studio, Year 2, Session 6, Week 27

Discovery had a wonderful and meaningful week. In core skills, discovery heroes demonstrated great focus and continued to meet their daily SMART goals this week. They all received character-call outs this week for showing their best work effort in the studio. Recognizing their hard work with character call-outs surely reinforces a positive learning environment and motivates Read more…
Spark Studio, Year 2, Session 6, Week 27

This was the second week that they children went straight to core skills after arriving at school, and there is a marked difference in their focus on Montessori activities! They are feeling a sense of pride as they delve deeper into their work and feel success as they make progress towards their goals. The week Read more…
Discovery Studio, Year 2, Session 6, Week 26

The Discovery heroes had a wonderful week following the weekend’s Acton Children’s business Fair! They kicked off with the second week of ‘Debate a Game’ communication challenge. They learned about several types of logical fallacies. Each of hero created their own logical fallacy card. By using real-life examples to illustrate each fallacy and accompany them with Read more…