Shadow Days

For the last two months we’ve welcomed a handful of curious learners into the studio to experience real life at Acton. A coveted shadow day is the last component of our school’s application process and I would argue it is the most valuable part of the process. Why? First, we all get to learn more about a new learner in real time and to balance, that learner gets to see behind the sometimes messy curtain of our Acton process. Second, shadow days invite current learners to be mentors, practice welcoming fresh eyes into the studio, and each day serves as a reminder that Acton is a choice, not just for parents but for every learner!

At Acton we are looking for learners who want to be at Acton, meaning they want to be in charge of their own learning, they are willing to say yes to challenge, and they desire to actively contribute to a community of like-minded heroes. Community is our school’s corner stone and to honor this value we have looked to the learners more this year than ever. This year learners have continued to lead tours, they created questions and are now interviewing learners, and after a learner shadows they share an abundance of feedback. Learners don’t make the decision if a learner enrolls or not yet they have a big say because the voice of the studio is strong and they are our (the adults) Guides.

It is always fascinating to have older learners visit who have only experienced traditional school environments. So often, visiting learners are waiting for Guide approval to make choices. Whether it is permission to go to the bathroom or checking in to see how to navigate an activity, visiting learners are hesitant to be free and they are hesitant to think critically for themselves.

Here’s an example of a Guide and shadowing learner conversation from this week:

The learner was onboarded to the break board by his mentor. He watched learners stop their work and take breaks yet he was unsure. He turned to the Guide with curiosity.

Learner: Can I take a snack break?

Guide: Have you noticed if other learners ask me for permission? [he nodded] Why do you think this is?

Learner: Because they don’t need your permission. So I can just take a break?

Guide: Would you like to take a break right now or wait?

Learner: I think maybe now.

Guide: Do you want to find someone to go with you or do you want to go solo?

Learner: I think with someone.

Guide: Would you like to ask one of your mentors or find someone else?

Learner: I know!

And just like that the learner with a big grin found a friend and took a snack break. When he returned to his work he was refreshed and in our opinion he sat a little taller and had a bit more confidence.

Shadow days are special. They are full of possibility and offer everyone a chance to reflect. At the end of the day visiting learners have shared “I really like it here and hope I get to come back!” “I haven’t liked school but here I finally feel like I belong.”

At the end of each shadow day Acton learners have shared these gems:

“You must really have fit in today because I didn’t realize you were here until the afternoon’s Quest. I realized, who is that?”

“You were really brave to come when you didn’t know what it would be like. You shared a lot in Launches which takes a lot of courage.”

“I really admire how you already made friends, that was tricky for me.”

I believe in our school’s future. With every shadow we see a new adventure!