Frequently Asked Questions
How is ActonKL different?
ActonKL is fundamentally different from traditional schools. There are no bells and no lectures. Learners are in control of their own learning and empowered to take charge of their own educational journey. Specifically:
- Learner-driven, self-paced learning;
- No teacher as an authority figure;
- Real-world projects and apprenticeships;
- Multi-age/ grade classes;
- Learner’s self-governance;
- Exploration and assessment of skill levels, learning styles, aptitudes, personality traits, and interests;
- Guides rather than teachers;
- Socratic discussions rather than lectures;
- Mastery learning and portfolios of achievements rather than grades.
No teachers…?
There are no on stage teachers or teacher-as-authority-figure at Acton.
Eagles have access to all the great teachers in the world, from Sal Khan to Richard Feynman to a Youtube video to the squad mate sitting beside them.
It all depends on how you define the role of teacher.
To find out more, click here.
How is the Acton Academy KL affiliated with Acton Academy?
We are part of a network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world on a mission that everyone deserves to find their calling that will change the world.
What grades do you offer?
- The Spark (Preschool) Studio for ages 4 to 7
- The Discovery (Elementary) Studio for ages 7 to 11
- The Adventure Launchpad (Middle & High-school) for ages 11 and above
Where is your school located?
We are located in Bandar Utama 11, Petaling Jaya. Please see the Essentials page for details.
What is your calendar and daily schedule?
Our calendar start in September and ends in July the following year. Each day begins at 8:30 am (drop-off starting at 8:00 am) and ends between 2-3pm (depending on the Studio). Please see the Essentials page for our academic calendar.
What are your tuition fees?
Starting from September 2024:
Studio Term (RM) Year (RM) Spark (4-7 yo) 7,500 22,500 Discovery (7-11 yo) 8,500 25,500 Adventure Launchpad (11+ yo) 9,500 28,500 For future reference, the fees can be found in the Essentials page.
May I visit campus or get a tour?
Yes, we can arrange for you to peek into our Eagle’s Leaning Environment. As a first step, we ask that you please Schedule A Call, during which time we can discuss opportunities to visit campus.
Is the Acton Academy KL a Montessori school?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
What is the Socratic Method?
In the Socratic Method, the ‘adult figure’ serves as a guide, setting up scenarios and asking questions to stimulate critical thinking and independent learning. We believe that through discussing and actively making arguments to support their beliefs, children gain a better understanding of a topic compared to passively taking notes during a lecture.
Is ActonKL a religious school?
Acton KL is a non-sectarian learning environment. We value and respect each person’s beliefs. We explore the importance various religions have played throughout history but we do not offer religious education.
No Exams. How do we measure progress?
In Laura’s words (Acton Academy co-founder): “First of all, be assured of one thing: you are completely qualified to assess your child’s intellectual and moral growth. No teacher certification or education degree necessary. You are smart. You are experienced. You know your child better than anyone in the universe.”
We measure progress and feedback in a variety of ways. There are also studio systems to measure effort, character, and excellence. We want an Eagle to be empowered to prove his worth to the real world.
What do you mean by a Hero’s Journey?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey. Check out the “What Makes a Hero” explanation video in our Resource Page.
What is an “independent learner”?
Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don’t know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
Will children be grouped into grades?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
Does ActonKL serve special needs children?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed. Please see our Resource Pack for more information.
Who was Lord Acton?
Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” At the Acton Academy, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
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 vigor; 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.
How do I know if ActonKL is suitable for my child and family?
The best way is to go through our application process, which includes a week-long Immersion Audition/Trial (and an Onboarding Quest if applying for our Adventure Launchpad). From our experience, your family will know through this immersive experience. To start your audition, Schedule A Call and we will follow-up!