What if children are far more capable than we imagine?

Acton Academy Sioux Falls is an innovative Pre-K through high school in Sioux Falls, SD.

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Tours

Information Sessions

What makes Acton Sioux Falls different?

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Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.

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Collaborating on real-world projects.

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Earning points for effort and badges for mastery.

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Sharing learning in a tightly bound community.

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Using the latest technology to master reading, writing and math.

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On a Hero’s Journey, with challenges, adventures, fellow travelers and guides.

Acton Academy’s Foundational Element:

The Hero’s Journey

^{The Hero’s Journey lies at the heart of Acton Academy, preparing learners for the challenges, opportunities, and adventures of the real world. This transformative narrative equips young heroes with the character, skills, and mindset to navigate life’s complexities and make a meaningful impact.}

Redefine Education in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with Acton Academy

Welcome to Acton Academy Sioux Falls, where students take charge of their learning. Our hands-on, self-paced approach helps children develop real-world skills, confidence, and independence—preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

Imagine a school where learning is an adventure. At Acton Academy, students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence through hands-on projects—without the pressure of high-stakes testing or rote memorization. Our approach helps every child learn at their own pace while developing essential life skills that truly matter.

We value competence over prestige. Acton Academy has been developed and refined by over 300 schools in 37 countries around the world.

Learner-driven communities run by heroes-in-the-making

Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who gain practical skills to take on real-world challenges - drawing inspiration from classic heroes and alternative education methods like Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. We foster a tightly bound community of learners with extremely high standards.

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How Acton Prepares Learners for the Real World

Project-Based Learning: Students engage in meaningful, hands-on projects such as gardening, community service, baking, robotics, and entrepreneurship—building both practical skills and critical thinking.
Mastery-Based Progression: Every learner moves at their own pace, ensuring deep understanding and long-term retention rather than rushing through concepts.
Mixed-Age Classrooms: By working with peers of different ages, students naturally develop leadership, collaboration, and a sense of interdependence rather than competition.
Personalized Goal-Setting: Learners set ambitious personal goals, track their progress, and celebrate achievements, fostering accountability and self-motivation.
Education as a Hero’s Journey: Learning should be an adventure—one filled with perseverance, teamwork, and the profound transformation that comes from striving toward meaningful goals.
Learner-Driven Environment: Students take ownership of their education, gaining the confidence and independence needed for real-world success.

Imagine an education where your child isn't just memorizing facts for a test but actively engaging in meaningful learning that connects to real life.

More than a school—Acton Academy is an expedition into hands-on learning and self-discovery.

Our Studios

For ages 4 to 7

Spark Studio

Fostering curiosity, collaboration, and confidence through self-directed play.

In the Spark Studio, young learners develop curiosity through hands-on exploration and self-directed play. They engage in collaborative activities and social interactions that help them navigate relationships and build confidence in a group setting. Through play, they develop foundational skills in communication, self-regulation, and resilience. These skills prepare them for greater independence and structured learning in the Elementary Studio.

For ages 7-11

Elementary Studio

Developing resilience, self-management, and self-governance through real-world exploration.

In the Elementary Studio, learners take ownership of their education through Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world exploration. They build self-management skills by setting goals, managing time, and taking responsibility for their learning. They also refine studio systems for self-governance, fostering leadership, accountability, and responsibility. Along the way, they cultivate curiosity and a love of learning, preparing for deeper critical thinking in Middle School.

For ages 11-14

Middle School Studio

Sharpening critical thinking and self-direction through real-world challenges.

In the Middle School Studio, learners refine critical thinking through Socratic discussions, Quests, and real-world projects. They analyze information, challenge ideas, and develop reasoned arguments, preparing for academic and professional opportunities. With apprenticeships, exhibitions, and increasing autonomy, they take responsibility for their learning, earning badges that demonstrate mastery while building confidence, leadership, and the skills needed for Launchpad.

For ages 14-17

Launchpad Studio

Empowering young adults to design their future and make an impact.

In the Launchpad Studio, learners take full ownership of their education by designing a personalized path for their future. Through apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, college preparation, or skill mastery, they engage in deep work with real-world impact. Leadership, time management, and responsibility become essential as they build portfolios and present their Next Great Adventure—demonstrating readiness to thrive beyond Acton.

Our Mission

We believe each person who enters our doors deserves to find a calling and change the world.

Learning at Acton Academy Sioux Falls

We believe that learning to be, learning to learn, and learning to do are more important than learning to know.

Real-World Education

At Acton Academy, students don’t just memorize facts—they build real skills. Through hands-on projects, in-depth discussions, and creative problem-solving, they develop the independence, confidence, and critical thinking they need to thrive in the real world.

Learn to Learn

Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip young heroes to be independent lifelong learners.

Learn to Do

Hands-on Quests for Science, History, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real-world challenges.

Learn to Be

The Hero’s Journey, relational covenants and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.

Measuring Mastery

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.

Learners achieve mastery and use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and earn Servant Leader Badges to track character development.
At the end of each session, young heroes proudly present public exhibitions, showcasing their learning and accomplishments.
Self-management and self-governance are cultivated and assessed through peer reviews, empowering learners to grow through honest feedback and reflection.