Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make.
Our admissions process is designed to help both your family and our community determine whether Acton Academy Eastside is the right fit. We encourage families to take the time to learn about our approach, ask thoughtful questions, and experience life in the studio before making a decision. Throughout the process, you'll have opportunities to connect with our team, see learner-driven education in action, and determine whether our community aligns with your family's goals and values. Discovery Calls and campus tours are available year-round, and new learners join our community twice each year: in September and January.
Book a Discovery Call
The Admissions Process
- 1
Book a Discovery Call
Your journey begins with a Discovery Call. This is an opportunity to learn about our approach, ask questions, and determine whether Acton Academy Eastside may be the right fit for your family. Before your call, we encourage you to explore these resources — they provide a helpful introduction to the Acton model and answer many of the questions families have before their Discovery Call.
Recommended resources:
📖 Read Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer (request a complimentary copy)
🎙️ Listen to Laura Sandefer on the Dad Saves America podcast. - 2
Learner Shadow Day
At some point, reading about learner-driven education can only take you so far. The best way to understand Acton Academy Eastside is to experience it firsthand. If there appears to be a strong mutual fit, we'll invite your child to participate in a Learner Shadow Day alongside current learners. Depending on their age, prospective learners typically spend one or two days in the studio, experiencing the rhythms, responsibilities, and challenges of daily life at Acton Academy Eastside. Shadow Days for September enrollment take place in late January; Shadow Days for January enrollment take place in early November. We encourage families to begin the admissions process well before these windows.
- 3
Invitation to Apply
Following the Shadow Day(s), learners whom we believe are a strong fit for Acton Academy Eastside will receive an invitation to apply. Our application gives us the opportunity to learn more about your family, your goals, and why you're interested in a learner-driven education before moving to the final stage of the admissions process.
- 4
Family Interview
The final step in our admissions process is a Family Interview. This conversation gives us the opportunity to get to know one another better, answer any remaining questions, and discuss what a Hero's Journey at Acton Academy Eastside could look like for your family. Because Acton Academy Eastside is a learner-driven community, a strong partnership between home and school is essential. The Family Interview helps ensure we're aligned in our shared commitment to raising capable, independent young people.
Tuition
Annual tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $17,325, with a $1,500 enrollment fee due upon enrollment.
Tuition is paid over 11 monthly installments and includes everything your child needs to fully participate at Acton Academy Eastside, including curriculum, Quest materials, school programming, and field trips.
Learners who join in January pay prorated tuition based on the remainder of the school year.