Frequently Asked Questions

How is Acton Academy Merrimack Valley affiliated with Acton Academy?

Acton Academy Merrimack Valley is part of the network of over 200 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.

What grades do you offer?

We are currently offering 2 studios:

  • Spark Studio (ages 4-7)
  • Elementary Studio (ages 7-11)
  • Middle School Studio (ages 11-14) Opening Fall 2024
  • Launchpad Studio (ages 14-18) as soon as enrollment dictates.

Summer Camps open to the public 2024.

Where is your school located?

Our campus is centrally located at 41 Liberty Hill Rd, Building 3, Henniker, New Hampshire.

How long is Acton Academy Merrimack Valley in session each year and what is the school calendar?

We have a flexible 10 month calendar schedule. Starting in September and ending in June.

Currently, we meet together on the below schedules:

  • Full Time (4 Day Program): Monday-Thursday
  • Part Time (3 Day Program): Monday-Wednesday
  • Half Day and Full Day options available

See the daily schedule below:

Full Day Daily Schedule:

  • Drop off: 8:00am-9:30am
  • Start time: 9:30am
  • End time: 3:00pm
  • Pickup: 3:00-3:30pm

Half Day Daily Schedule:

  • Drop off: 8:00am-9:30am
  • Start time: 9:30am
  • Pickup: 12:30-12:45pm

Interested in attending on Fridays too? Click here to let us know!

Our school year is divided into 6 learning sessions each with a themed Quest, such as Edison's Lab, Entrepreneurship, Robotics, Marine Science Explorers, Community Garden, or Survivor to name a few. Each Quest is a grand adventure, culminating in a public Exhibition Night for family and friends to come celebrate the learning process from that session. At the end of each session, learners have a week off to refuel.

Click here for our calendar!

Our flexible program allows families to travel together throughout the year, without sacrificing any learning.

Is Acton Academy Merrimack Valley a Montessori school?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.

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.

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.

Does Acton Academy Merrimack Valley 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.

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.

What is a “running partner”?

Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.

Will children be grouped together by grades?

We believe that children learn best when working with those younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age.

Why a learner driven classroom?

At Acton Academy Merrimack Valley 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.

Is Acton Academy Merrimack Valley accredited?

Yes the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.

How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?

At Acton Academy, 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 engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.

How much will I pay for the life-changing experience at Acton Academy Merrimack Valley?

Full-Time Enrollment (Monday-Thursday)

Full Day Option: Our tuition is $700 per month, per learner for the 10 month school year. Full Day Monday thru Thursday.

Half Day Option: Our tuition is $500 per month, per learner for the 10 month school year. Half Day Monday thru Thursday.

Part-Time Enrollment (Monday-Wednesday)

Full Day Option: Our tuition is $600 per month, per learner for the 10 month school year. Full Day Monday thru Wednesday.

Half Day Option: Our tuition is $400 per month, per learner for the 10 month school year. Half Day Monday thru Wednesday.

A non-refundable Enrollment Deposit of $300 per learner is due before the first day of the school year.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! We are approved as an Education Provider with the New Hampshire Children's Scholarship Fund. Please visit the NH Children's Scholarship Fund website for more information and to apply. We have also partnered with local entrepreneurs (Hero Helpers) who are willing to sponsor a young Hero by covering partial or full tuition costs.

Please reach out for more details.

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