09/20/2026
A Quest at Acton is a hands-on, project-based learning experience built around a theme or storyline. Instead of traditional lessons, learners spend several weeks tackling real challenges, building things, solving problems, and collaborating with peers. Quest work is done in the afternoon, while the mornings are reserved for individualized focus on the core skills of math, reading, and writing.
Typically, a Quest runs about 4–6 weeks and is structured as a series of challenges tied to a narrative (for example: launching a business, exploring space, marine biology, or solving a scientific mystery). The goal isn’t just academics, but developing real-world skills like critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, and culminating in a public exhibition or presentation of what learners created in front of a room full of parents (thus, practicing public speaking and presenting skills).
Another goal of the Quest is to help learners identify the topic areas that get them excited, so they can begin to get clarity on what may interest them career-wise. The schedule of Quests rotates every 4 years, so a typical ES studio student will do every Quest one time during their 4 years in ES. Does this sound like more fun and engaging than memorizing facts for an exam or doing hours of homework every day? We sure think so, and our students seem to agree! And not just that, but when learning is more hands-on and fun, students are more likely to even remember what they learn. This is the best kind of win-win!
