Reimagining Elementary School for Greater Mason, Ohio
A fresh vision of elementary education for families in southwest Ohio (north Cincinnati area)
We’re building something different and special at Acton Academy North Cincinnati.
Yes, we’re a learner-driven school. Yes, we believe every child is on a Hero’s Journey. But more than that—we’re reimagining what school can feel like, so children learn to love learning and forming tight bonds with friends, starting with elementary-aged children right here in Mason, Ohio.
Our vision is to provide a private school (technically, we’re a “full-time homeschool resource center”) experience that’s unlike any other. Whether you call it a school or an “unschool,” Acton Academy is an alternative education model that goes beyond the status quo, providing a truly personalized learning experience for each student.
We’re not following the traditional path of education—we’re creating a hands-on, project-based learning environment that puts your child’s agency at the center.
A Rhythm That Reflects Real Life
At Acton Academy North Cincinnati, we’re taking a unique approach to the school week that’s already been tested and adopted by many Actons in the network. We’re planning a four-day school week, Tuesday through Friday.
Mondays? We call it “Monday Funday” and use it as an opportunity for learning to take place outside of our learning studio.
Acton replaces traditional classrooms with learning studios, because a studio is where important creative work gets done.
Our learning adventures will include trips to local farms, sporting events, the symphony, and more. These experiences aren’t just about fun—they’re about immersion. Children will meet professionals in their fields, from farmers to athletes to musicians, and learn directly from world-class examples about their real-life work.
This supports our goal of being a project-based school that teaches essential life skills at a mastery level. We want your children to engage with the real world, not just hear about it in textbooks. Our goal is to normalize relationships with experts and foster deep learning from authentic experiences.
These decisions are made by the children, through our Acton Town Hall process, which you can read about in “Civics and Self-Governance at Acton Academy ‘Town Hall’.”
This not only encourages responsibility and decision-making, but it also strengthens bonds between peers, creating a true community—one where every child is on their own unique Hero’s Journey, but together as a tribe of lifelong learners.
Deep Connection to the Natural World
We believe that whole-child education includes fostering a relationship with the natural world. Not just in the classroom, but through direct engagement with the environment around them.
Our future permanent site will have ample outdoor space, allowing students to cultivate gardens and even raise chickens! We want learners to understand life cycles, from planting seeds to harvesting food.
While memorizing facts about photosynthesis may have its place, we believe the real learning comes when children plant a seed, nurture it, and watch it transform into something they’ve grown themselves.
We’ve lived in Landen, Southern California, Seattle, and on 5 different continents; and throughout our diverse experiences with cultures around the world, one thing has remained clear: connection to nature is vital for developing mindfulness, responsibility, and a deep respect for the planet.
Acton Academy North Cincinnati provides the space for your child to connect with nature on a personal, hands-on level, which is rare in traditional education.
Mindfulness Is Not a Bonus—It’s the Foundation
At Acton Academy North Cincinnati, mindfulness is a core element of our educational philosophy, not just an “add-on.”
Mindfulness practices are woven into the daily rhythm to help children regulate their emotions and develop emotional resilience. This is especially crucial in a world that’s often overstimulating, especially for young children.
Mindfulness helps children become more grounded, present, and emotionally aware. It supports focus, strengthens attention, and fosters collaboration with peers. This is especially beneficial for students who may be neurodivergent or who simply benefit from extra attention to their emotional and cognitive development.
Some of the ways mindfulness is incorporated into our day include:
Reflection Journals to start or end the day with intention
Peace Places for quiet moments when needed and for conflict resolution
Nature Walks to engage the senses and deepen observational skills
Stretching or Mindful Movement to break up academic work
Gratitude Circles to close the week with awareness and appreciation
Socratic Guiding to help children learn how to think
As someone with experience in both education and cognitive rehabilitation, I know firsthand how mindfulness strengthens executive function—skills like focus, impulse control, and decision-making. These are essential skills that will serve your child well, both inside and outside of school.
What Makes Acton Cincy North Different?
There’s a reason we chose to bring Acton Academy to North Cincinnati, southwest Ohio, and to Mason specifically: this community is full of thoughtful families who are looking for something more than traditional schooling and it’s centrally located.
Acton Academy is a revolutionary approach to education, and we believe it provides the best alternative education option in the world. It’s based on Montessori, it’s not limited by Montessori. Acton’s Learner Driven method starts there, but then takes the best pieces from Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Space Camp to create a personalized learning environment with a focus on holistic development.
We’re not just another private school following the traditional education model.
Acton Academy’s learner-driven model encourages children to take ownership of their education, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills along the way.
This approach isn’t just a dream experiment—it’s already proven to work at over 300 campuses around the world.
If you’re looking for a school that values your child’s voice, fosters a deep connection to the community, and offers an education that goes beyond textbooks—Acton Academy North Cincinnati might be the right place for your family.
We’re creating a school that’s truly focused on personalized learning and holistic development. Every child is on a unique journey, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.
If this vision resonates with you, come see what we’re building here in North Cincinnati.
Learn more at ActonCincyNorth.com and apply today.