Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Acton Academy, Ann Arbor, School, 2179 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI.
07/24/2026
School should spark curiosity—not extinguish it.
Imagine a place where children lead their own learning, build real-world skills, and discover the courage to solve meaningful problems.
That’s Acton Academy Ann Arbor, part of a global network of 300+ Acton Academies
Applications are now open for ages 4–11.
Visit a2acton.com to learn more and apply.
Our fantastic heroes rehearsing for their LipDub. Their challenge was to suggest songs, vote for the best song, choreograph and make an a LipDub video in one take!
Not teachers. Guides.
Not lectures. Socratic discussions.
Not grade levels. Multi-age studios.
One learner-driven philosophy.
300+ schools worldwide.
Now in Ann Arbor.
Enrollment Open. Very limited spots. Apply today.
Enrollment is Open! Fall 2026 for Ages 4-11
The groundbreaking philosophy of Acton Academy is now in Ann Arbor.
What if school gave children the courage to think for themselves, solve real problems, and discover who they are?
At Acton Academy Ann Arbor, young heroes build independence, embrace challenges, and fall in love with learning.
Limited spots available. Schedule a tour today.
Learners worked in pairs for a suspect sketching activity. One learner described a suspect using only verbal clues, while the other created a sketch based solely on the description. When we compared the sketches, learners observed how the same information could be interpreted differently and how easily assumptions can influence what we think we see.
Socratic Discussion – Bias
Socratic Question:
What is the difference between observing evidence and making assumptions?
Through this discussion, learners explored the concept of bias and how it can influence the way we think, make decisions, and treat others. Many learners initially were not aware of how bias affects our everyday lives and the wider world. Together, we discussed the importance of distinguishing between facts and assumptions, especially when making judgments. Learners reflected on how how good detectives or thoughtful people look for evidence, question their first impressions, and remain open-minded before reaching conclusions.
We could have planted the seeds for them.
It would have been quicker.
Instead, we chose something more valuable:
the chance for a child to discover, “I can do this.”
Most parents assume it comes down to personality.
“The confident kid speaks up. The shy kid doesn’t.”
“Some children just have it, and some don’t.”
That’s not quite right.
A child who can stand up for themselves has usually done it before. Many times. In small, low-stakes moments that added up.
Working through a conflict without an adult stepping in.
Pitching an idea to a stranger.
Holding a peer accountable to a standard they both agreed on.
Feeling the fear and doing the scary thing anyway.
Each one of those moments is practice.
Courage itself can take practice of choosing it over and over again. And like any skill built through repetition, it gets easier the more often a child has the chance to do it.
A child who has never been given that chance, who has always been spoken for, rescued, or smoothed over, doesn’t lack the personality for it.
They just haven’t practiced yet.