Frequently Asked Questions

OZ and the Acton Academy network is different from most school models. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions and answers.
1How is OZ affiliated with Acton Academy?
OZ is part of the decentralized network of over 300+ independently owned Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same Learning Design (curriculum) and modalities that were developed at the original Acton Academy campus in Austin, Texas. OZ and the Acton network are committed to the learner-driven experience, research, experimentation, educational reform, and the pursuit of one’s life purpose.
2What do you mean by the Hero's journey?
The Hero’s journey is the belief that every child has a calling that will change the world in a profound way. The Hero’s journey puts the child at the center of their learning adventure to discover what they were made to do. These concepts are woven into every project, experience, and discussion at OZ. It's through failure and deep introspection that Hero’s develop perseverance and integrity. Our mission is to prepare your child for their unique learning journey that lies ahead.
3What do you mean by learner-driven?
Learner-driven means the child can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help.
4What kind of learner can thrive at OZ?
Young people who love to learn, are curious, self-motivated, and respectful thrive at OZ. Our environment is an accelerator for the independent learner who can tackle challenging questions, follow instructions, and solve problems independently.
5I recognize OZ is different from traditional schools. How do I know if it's the right fit for my family?
OZ is the right fit for families who:
  • Long for their child to discover their calling
  • Desire a custom learning journey for their child
  • Believe the traditional school system no longer prepares their child for the modern world
  • Have flexible schedules 
  • Have children who want additional time to pursue their passions
  • Have homeschooled, considered homeschooling, or pursued other forms of alternative education
  • Are entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, pioneers, creatives, out-of-the-box thinkers, trailblazers
  • Are willing to let their child fail early, cheaply, and as often as necessary without intervening
  • See the value in failure, and want their child to learn to pick themselves back up and try again
6I recognize OZ is a Christian school. Can my family still attend?
Although OZ is a Christian school we are open to searchers, non-believers, and Christian believers alike. Jesus said, “let the children come to me,” and because we are “made in his image…” we believe if Jesus had a school he would allow children and their families of varying religious or non-religious backgrounds to attend.
7How is OZ a Christian school?
OZ exposes children to the importance of the Bible and stresses the historical impact of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization. Like our nation, the Acton model is built on Christian morals and beliefs with obvious Christian underpinnings. We offer Family Beliefs Badges for learners interested in discovering more about their faith that directs the child back to the parents for answers concerning their walk with God. We firmly believe it is the parents duty to disciple and train up a child in the way they should go.
8I noticed you are located on some acreage. Will my child get to go outside?
At OZ we place a huge emphasis on the outdoors. From learning outside, to playing sports, building forts, and hiking, the outdoors is an integral part of OZ’s identity. The learners choose where they work. If a learner wishes to take their laptop outside and do Math on the hammock they are permitted to do so. Studios also have three windows of free time during the day to play outside or work on their passion projects. It has been our experience that learners try to spend as much time outside as possible, weather permitting.
9Is OZ a Montessori school?
OZ respects and incorporates Maria Montessori’s philosophy, however we also use the latest interactive technologies, adaptive learning programs, hands on projects, apprenticeships, and the Socratic Method for discussions. Our Spark Studio (ages 4-6) looks and operates very similar to a Montessori classroom, with the same spirit of “learner-driven” being carried through into the upper studios. It is in the upper studios that the other modalities begin to get layered into the child's learning environment as it becomes developmentally appropriate.
10What are the other learning modalities at play at OZ?

OZ employs learning modalities that work for the 21st century and that reinforce the learner-driven experience:

  • Maria Montessori
  • Interactive technology
  • Adaptive learning programs
  • Quests or hands on learning projects
  • Apprenticeships
  • Socratic Method
  • D.E.A.R. Drop Every Thing And Read
11How do you use technology in the studios without learners having too much screentime?
At OZ we believe in balance and in utilizing technology as a tool, not a toy. Using incredible, self-paced eLearning tools, our environment provides the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, all in about 90-120 minutes each day. The remainder of the day is spent participating in engaging, project-based learning and Socratic discussions. The combination of these two learning day parts is highly complementary and very effective for the 21st century real world.
12I understand there will not be grades, report cards, or tests. How will I know if my child is progressing?
Learners celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning Badges, assembling Portfolios, receiving Peer 360 Reviews, and taking part in public Exhibitions. Exhibitions allow learners to present work to experts, customers, and the public, for a real-world test. Parents use our online platform (JourneyTracker) and school app to monitor progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math, and character development. Electronic and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative work. Once a year we may offer standardized testing for our young learners and their families to gauge progress.
13I read there are certain freedoms at OZ for families. What are some of those?
At OZ the freedoms our families experience are safeguarded by our IALDS accreditation and our homeschool co-op designation. Private and public schools require state mandated attendance, standardized testing, and much more. At OZ our families are afforded the flexibility to miss studio, travel, and work remotely if they choose. Although most learners dread the thought of missing studio! Additionally, there is no homework at OZ, giving families their evenings and weekends back. OZ follows a four-day school week schedule, Monday through Thursday, giving families long weekends and time to be together.
14Who was Lord Acton?
Lord John Emerich Edward Dahlberg Acton (1834-1902) was a Victorian scholar of Freedom who saw liberty not as a license, but as the freedom to do what was right. He was suspicious of power for the sake of power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." At OZ and other Acton Academies across the world, we celebrate his defense of economic, political and religious freedom.
15Where is OZ located?
OZ is centrally located in the heart of the Ozarks in Rogers, Arkansas, off of West New Hope Road, near Pinnacle Hills Promenade on two beautiful park-like acres.
16What does OZ’s calendar and schedule like?

OZ’s daily work builds into sessions, which are punctuated by exhibitions, and separated by breaks

  • Drop-Off/Pick-Up: We start drop-off at 8:30AM and studio begins at 9:00AM. Studio ends at 3:00PM, and learners must be picked up no later than 3:30PM. 
  • 4 Day Week: We are a four-day school week model with regular studio Monday through Thursday. 
  • Fridays: We reserve some Fridays as optional participation for field trips, extended focus time for learners to pursue their passions, and end of session exhibition preparation and presentation. 
  • Sessions: We have 7 sessions a year. Each session has a 4-6 week project sprint called a “Quest.”
  • Quests: We have 7 quests a year, each with a theme – like Rockets, Robots, Medical Biology, Detective Chemistry, Historical Playwriting, and Theatrical performance. Each Quest is a grand adventure that culminates in an exhibition for family and friends to attend.
  • Exhibitions: We have 7 exhibitions a year where learners showcase what they have learned through: projects, presentations, and performances to family and friends.
  • Breaks: We have 6-one week breaks between each session, 1-two week break for Christmas, and a 6 week summer break to refuel and spend time with family.
  • School Year: We begin the school year like traditional schools in the area in mid-August, however we work through the month of June, ending on the last Friday in June.
    • 17What grades does OZ offer?
    OZ works in collaborative studios of mixed ages:
    • Spark Studio (ages 4-6)
    • Discovery Studio (ages 6-12)
    • Midjourney Studio (ages 12-14)
    • Launchpad Studio (ages 14-18)
    18What grades does OZ admit?
    • Spark Studio (ages 4-6) 
    • Discovery Studio (ages 6-11)
    • Upper studios are comprised of OZ learners from lower studios
    19Why don't you group children by grade?
    At OZ we believe that children learn best when working with younger and older children rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to an individualized curriculum, all ages of learners within their respective studios work collaboratively in smaller groups of 4-6 peers called Squads.
    20Are you part of a franchise or chain?
    OZ and other Acton Academies are not part of a franchise or chain. Rather, OZ is an independent school that is part of the affiliate network that finds its inspiration and receives mentorship from the founding Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. Our network of affiliates are passionate about revolutionizing education, pursuing best practices, and have agreed to support a learner-driven environment. Each affiliate follows their own methods in upholding these commitments, and varies based on the leadership at each school and community they serve.
    21Is OZ an accredited school?
    OZ is accredited by the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
    22Is OZ a private school?
    While OZ is accredited, we are viewed as a homeschool co-op to the state of Arkansas. This name designation does not affect how OZ is structured or the educational approach we use as an Acton Academy.
    23Does OZ provide any tuition assistance options?

    OZ does not currently have any tuition assistance programs, but will be creating a scholarship fund in the near future. The state of Arkansas has passed the LEARNS Act, which should be providing some financial assistance to families seeking alternatives to the public school system. You can read more about the LEARNS ACT here.

    24Does OZ serve children with special needs?
    We are not equipped to serve children with serious learning disabilities, specialized needs, or who need special attention beyond dyslexia and mild ADHD. If you are interested in OZ and believe it could be the right fit for your family, please contact us to discuss your unique needs.