More Than School

When you hear the word school, what comes to mind? Bells, desks in rows, homework, tests, a certain feeling in your stomach, excitement, pressure, all of the above? For us parents, the word school carries a very specific image. We did not grow up at Acton so when our children describe their day and use words like “freedom” or “choice” or “self-governance,” it can feel unfamiliar, even disorienting.

This week, the idea of school came to focus in a powerful way when Discovery learners were visited by professional soccer hero Ronald Zubar. He came to share his Hero’s Journey–a story of grit, determination, passion, and ultimately, impact. Perhaps it was his credentials, all the countries he traveled to, maybe his height, or even his French accent, but I’d like to think that it was his message that kept learners glued to his every word.

Ronald had countless gems of heroic wisdom to share. “When you find your passion, stick with it and make sure you have a positive mindset.” “No one is going to do the work for you. It’s important that you make yourself proud.” When he was asked to share one message that he hoped learners would remember after he left he thought carefully and shared, “Love yourself and never give up.” All the learners nodded and one learner proudly wrote his message on the board.

We all thought his hero visit was over yet what happened next was truly special. Ronald turned the tables on the learners and curiously asked, “Why do you love this school?” It was beautiful to watch learners light up and share their answers. “At my old school it was my fault if I was behind but here I can get support.” “I love that we have more freedom than other schools.” “I love that we get to choose what we work on and when and what we are passionate about.” “This school has a lot less pressure so you can work at your level and get support when you need.” “I love that the schedule is looser here so that when we need more time or something comes up, it can change.”

Their clarity was powerful. So powerful that a well-known professional athlete and father spoke to me afterward with slight tears in his eyes and  said how amazing our learners are, how special our different school is.

Even though Acton is a school–a place of learning–it doesn’t quite feel like one. This idea recently rippled across the global Acton network. Learners from campuses around the world were asked an open-ended question: If Acton isn’t a school, what is it? With this question they were asked to fill in the blank… “Acton is not a school. It’s more like a____”

The responses from learners around the world were profoundly creative and inspiring. Here are just a few:

“Acton is not a school, it’s practice for the real world because we learn by doing, not being told what to do.” “Acton is not a school, it’s a small town where individuals with different gifts and dreams come together to build a strong community.” “Acton is not a school, it is more like a mountain to climb so you can see further than most.”

This week, I asked Acton Oshkosh learners the same question and with great eagerness and pride they had shared their answers:

“Acton is not a school, it’s a way to learn to be yourself and to learn the Hero’s Journey before you face it.” “Acton is not a school, it’s more like a home. We have fun and joy as well as good academic work.” “Acton is not a school, it’s a way to learn without feeling pressured.” “Acton is not a school, it’s more like a living room because it’s comfortable.” “Acton is not a school, it’s more like it’s own world because you are in a different mindset when you enter and leave each time.” From our youngest Spark Land learners: “Acton is not a school, it’s a family of friends.”

One prospective parent recently shared during a tour, “I know that Acton is different and I have to let go of the idea of school that I’m used to.” That may be one of the most honest and courageous things a parent can say, because Acton doesn’t fit neatly into the definition many of us carry.

If we are no longer bound by the definition of school we grew up with, what new definition do we choose to create together? What would you place in the blank ______?