Discovery (ES)

Empowered Minds Academy

An Acton Academy

DISCOVERY (ES) STUDIO

Launch a S/Hero's Journey

Do you believe your child is a genius capable of finding a calling to change the world?

Do you believe that learning should be self-paced and learner-led, and not standardized, or one-size-fits-all?

Do you believe that self-actualization and culturally-relevant systems and frameworks are essential?

Do you value hard work, mistakes, and the life lessons that develop character?

Are you ready to commit to an extraordinary life full of worthwhile opportunities, tough challenges and transformative surprises?

We believe each child who enters Empowered Minds Academy will find a calling that changes the world. Our role, as guides, is to equip Panthers to become independent learners who find great joy in learning, in a tight knit community that upholds the highest standards of excellence.

Learn to Learn

Deep Discussions and self paced challenges equip Panthers to be independent lifelong learners.

Learn to Be

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

Learn to Do

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

21ST CENTURY LEARNING

The latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of math, spelling, and reading.
Lots of time to nurture a genuine love for reading books, and sacred time to use the writing process to write with a purpose.
Deep discussions about sheroes and heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.

Hands-on project based Quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

“Perhaps we’ll never know how far the path can go, how much a human being can truly achieve, until we realize that the ultimate reward is not a gold medal but the path itself.” – George Leonard

EARN BADGES TO PROVE YOU'VE MASTERED NEW SKILLS

The badge system helps Panthers set goals and track progress and milestones. Earning a badge indicates mastery of a topic or goal. Badges offer clear guidelines and examples of the type of work required and freedom for Panthers to explore individual interests.

Panthers celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions.

Parents use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in “Learn to Be” Badges.

Electronic and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, video and other creative work.

Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers or the public for a real world test.