Yucca Learning: An Acton Academy
Yucca Learning joined a growing network of Acton Academy Schools worldwide in 2020, including schools in Canada, Malaysia, Guatemala, England and across the United States that are building on the success of the original Acton Academy in Austin, Texas.
We are an innovative K-12 education model for the 21st century.
Watch this video to see how Acton is transforming education. changing the world every day.
What Makes Acton Academy So Different?
Acton Academy uses the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment that is designed to foster responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork. Acton students are empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners.
We believe children learn best by doing. Whether it’s launching a startup business, creating a butterfly habitat, playing a musical instrument, painting a mosaic, or programming a robot, Acton students are building real-life skills in the classroom every day.
We believe the learning experience is much richer when the teacher (“Guide”) offers insightful questions and facilitates hands on learning. Guides use the Socratic method, always responding to students’ questions with new questions. This exchange hones students’ critical thinking skills.
Acton Academy is “student led.” This means young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility and embrace challenge. They are being prepared to bring their own unique genius to the world.
We believe in the power of apprenticeships. Beginning in middle school, our students obtain summer internships in a field they are passionate about. Acton students have interned with doctors, entrepreneur bakers, electricians, educators, attorneys and graphic designers. What will your child choose?
We encourage our students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.
1. Learners choose challenging work at their own pace
Young people take ownership of their learning in a self-paced environment designed to build responsibility, goal-setting, and collaboration. Progress is driven by readiness and effort—not pressure or comparison.
2. Learning is rooted in real-world work
Learners collaborate on meaningful projects—designing exhibitions of learning, cooking meals, building robots, and solving real problems. Work is authentic, purposeful, and shared with a real audience.
3. Motivation comes from within—and is celebrated
Learners are supported by intrinsic motivation and healthy external feedback. They set goals, track progress, take on challenges, and experience the deep satisfaction that comes from earned success.
4. Community is both a joy and a responsibility
Yucca Learning is a tightly-bound community where learners belong, contribute, and care for one another. Rights are balanced with responsibilities, and every learner plays a role in shaping the culture.
5. Mastery is built with the best of both worlds
We blend time-tested methods with modern tools to support deep mastery in reading, writing, and mathematics—giving learners both strong foundations and the flexibility to grow.
6. Learning is a Hero’s Journey
Each learner embarks on a journey filled with challenges, adventures, trusted guides, and fellow travelers. Along the way, they build courage, character, and a sense of purpose.
7. Progress is mastery-based, not grade-based
There are no traditional grades. Instead, learners set goals with their families, track their growth, and celebrate discoveries through public exhibitions they plan and lead.
8. Mixed-age studios foster leadership and growth
Learners work in mixed-age groups that encourage mentorship, leadership, and peer learning—because teaching what you know is one of the most powerful ways to learn.
Why Yucca Learning?
The Learner - Driven Approach
Our Learner-Driven community puts young people at the center of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals and community contracts as they Learn to Learn, Learn to Do, and Learn to Be.
Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by a tightly-bound community of learners who use 21st Century skills to tackle projects inspired by heroes hailing from near and far.