IS ACTON ACADEMY A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. Spartek is a private school serving students K-10th (and counting). Our school offers full time learning at the Columbia, Md campus. In addition, as an added service, we offer a homeschool umbrella and a 2-Day/week homeschool tutorial. Spartek uses the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects, and the Socratic Method in our educational model.

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 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.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY 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 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 ACTON SERVE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN?

We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young learners 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.

DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

While we do not offer full tuition scholarships, need+merit based financial aid is available in support of families.

DO YOU OFFER A SIBLING RATE?

Yes, we do offer a reduced rate if you have more than one child attending. The tuition is reduced 10% for the second child and 15 % for the third child.

IS ACTON A RELIGIOUS SCHOOL?

The founder of Spartek Academy is a Christian who believes religious and spiritual questions are part of a Hero’s Journey. Students and guides are free to discuss and question spiritual or religious beliefs in an open spirit of inquiry.

WHERE IS YOUR CAMPUS LOCATED?

8950 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite 118, Columbia, MD 21045

WHAT GRADES DO YOU OFFER?

We serve Kindergarten through High School.