Frequently Asked Questions

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Pioneer Academy is part of a network of more that 250 Acton Academies worldwide. We follow the learning design and model that Laura and Jeff Sandefer created at the original Acton Academy in Austin in 2009.

The Acton model of education does not group students by specific grade levels.  Some children are prepared and eager to learn at a faster pace than what their age would dictate.  Also, there is enormous benefit in children interacting with both younger and older peers.  For 2024-2025, our inaugural year, we will offer two program choices: our Sparks Studio for children aged 5-7, and our Exploration Studio for children aged 8-12.

Learners who are curious knowledge-seekers, self-motivated, and respectful of the rights of others are best suited for our learning studio.  

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 help prepare your child for his or her special journey.  

We are not trained nor equipped to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young learners who thrive in an independent and flexible environment. All learners are expected to be confident working both independently and collaboratively. 

For 2024-2025, tuition is $979 per month for 10 months payable on the first of the month September through June ($9790 yearly).  First month's tuition is due upon acceptance in order to hold your learner's spot.  Additionally, there is an $849 supply/technology fee due at the beginning of the school year in early September.  We also offer discounts for siblings and for those who prepay for the entire year.  Payments made by credit or debit card will incur a 2.5% surcharge.

Pioneer Acton Academy is an alternative private school which operates on a non-traditional schedule. The school year is broken up into “sessions” that are typically 4-6 weeks with a 1-week or 2-week break in between. There is a 10-week break in the summer.   We will publish a parent calendar before the beginning of each school year.

Learning begins at 8:30 am (drop-off starting at 8:00 am) and ends at 3:15 pm (pick-up between 3:15-3:30). 

We strive to help students develop a natural love of learning that will carry over outside of school.  That said, there is no requirement for completing homework.  Sufficient time is spent daily at Pioneer Academy learning the necessary core academic skills.  We believe a student's time after school is better spent learning independently, playing, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying and developing skills in extracurricular activities.

Pioneer Academy strives to enable students to embrace and develop character traits like honesty, productivity, independence, an understanding of justice, and a respect of their own individual rights as well as the rights of others. We also encourage independent exploration, and believe the adoption of specific religious doctrines and practices is ultimately the responsibility of families.

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

Once a year, we offer the Iowa Assessment.  These tests are administered by Pioneer staff and measure student knowledge in areas like reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for traditional grades K-12.  There is no additional cost for these assessments and they are optional for Pioneer families.  

Pioneer Academy is accredited through the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.

Pioneer Academy is not for every family.  It is, however, a great fit for families who recognize just how capable children are and who understand that children benefit most when they are empowered to be as independent as possible and to experience the successes and failures that build character and are part of a "hero's journey."