What if children are far more capable than we imagine?
Acton Academy Lincoln is an innovative Pre-K through high school in Lincoln, NE.
What makes Acton Academy Lincoln different?
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Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.
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Collaborating on real-world projects.
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Earning points for effort and badges for mastery.
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Sharing learning in a tightly bound community.
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Using the latest technology to master reading, writing and math.
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On a Hero’s Journey, with challenges, adventures, fellow travelers and guides.
Acton Academy’s Foundational Element:
The Hero’s Journey
The Hero’s Journey lies at the heart of Acton Academy, preparing learners for the challenges, opportunities, and adventures of the real world. This transformative narrative equips young heroes with the character, skills, and mindset to navigate life’s complexities and make a meaningful impact.
Redefine Education in Lincoln, NE with Acton Academy
Welcome to Acton Academy Lincoln, where students take charge of their learning. Our hands-on, self-paced approach helps children develop real-world skills, confidence, and independence—preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
Imagine a school where learning is an adventure. At Acton Academy, students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence through hands-on projects—without the pressure of high-stakes testing or rote memorization. Our approach helps every child learn at their own pace while developing essential life skills that truly matter.
We value competence over prestige. Acton Academy has been developed and refined by over 300 schools in 37 countries around the world.
Learner-driven communities run by heroes-in-the-making
Self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who gain practical skills to take on real-world challenges, inspired by classic heroes and inspired by alternative methods like Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia, we foster a tightly bound community of learners with extremely high standards.
How Acton Prepares Learners for the Real World
Project-Based Learning: Students engage in meaningful, hands-on projects such as gardening, community service, baking, robotics, and entrepreneurship—building both practical skills and critical thinking.
Mastery-Based Progression: Every learner moves at their own pace, ensuring deep understanding and long-term retention rather than rushing through concepts.
Mixed-Age Classrooms: By working with peers of different ages, students naturally develop leadership, collaboration, and a sense of interdependence rather than competition.
Personalized Goal-Setting: Learners set ambitious personal goals, track their progress, and celebrate achievements, fostering accountability and self-motivation.
Education as a Hero’s Journey: Learning should be an adventure—one filled with perseverance, teamwork, and the profound transformation that comes from striving toward meaningful goals.
Learner-Driven Environment: Students take ownership of their education, gaining the confidence and independence needed for real-world success.
Imagine an education where your child isn't just memorizing facts for a test but actively engaging in meaningful learning that connects to real life.
More than a school—Acton Academy is an expedition into hands-on learning and self-discovery.
Our Studios
Wilderness Wednesdays
Outdoor Nature Program
Where our learners spend the day exploring and immersing themselves in nature just outside Lincoln. We spend the day in free play, simply learning to 'be in nature'. They will also have the opportunity to work together, build forts, play games, and become connected to our natural world and each other.
For ages 4.5 - 7
Montessori - Spark studio
Our Montessori inspired studio is designed to give your Pre Kindergarten - 1st grade aged child the chance to build the math, reading, self-regulatory, and social skills needed for success in the highly independent Acton Elementary Studio.
For ages 7-9
Discovery Studio (Lower Elementary)
Our lower Elementary Studio lays the foundation for the joy of learning as we encourage our young heroes to find their life’s calling and tap into their unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience ignites curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions.
For ages 9-11
Odyssey Studio (Upper Elementary)
At Acton Academy we lay the foundation for the joy of learning as we encourage our young heroes to find their life’s calling and tap into their unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience ignites curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions.
For ages 11-14
Adventure Studio (Middle School)
Our Middle School is for young heroes ages 12-15 who have proven that they are able to work independently. The 'Adventure Studio' is where young heroes learn to work hard, tackle complex computational challenges, communicate clearly and persuasively and develop the passion and real-world skills needed to make a difference in the world.
For ages 14-18
Launchpad (High School)
'Launchpad' is Lincoln, Nebraska's most unique private high school experience - where learners prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, whether the next step is a selective college, launching their own business or a first job at SpaceX or Google.
Our Mission
We believe each person who enters our doors deserves to find a calling and change the world.
Learning at Acton Academy Lincoln
We believe that learning to be, learning to learn, and learning to do are more important than learning to know.
Real-World Education
At Acton Academy, students don’t just memorize facts—they build real skills. Through hands-on projects, in-depth discussions, and creative problem-solving, they develop the independence, confidence, and critical thinking they need to thrive in the real world.
Learn to Learn
Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip young heroes to be independent lifelong learners.
Learn to Do
Hands-on Quests for Science, History, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real-world challenges.
Learn to Be
The Hero’s Journey, relational covenants and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.
Measuring Mastery
Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.
Learners achieve master and use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and earn Servant Leader Badges to track character development.
Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four to six week sprint.
Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session.
Every year, children build small businesses from the ground-up.
Watch the video to learn about our business fair.
Our Educational Philosophy
We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.
"I would never have believed children could learn so much from each other...
until I saw it with my own eyes. The lessons of self-management and self-governance have prepared our fifth-grade daughter to be a lifelong learner.”
Begin your Family's Journey
© 2025 Acton Academy Lincoln. All rights reserved.
8400 Cody Drive Lincoln, NE 68512