Acton Academy at Grant Park - Parent Monthly

AUGUST 2026

Each day, learners have the opportunity to “call out” a fellow learner for something heroic they noticed in them that day. Here are a few of our favorite call-outs from this month! "I saw Paxton, Rafi, and Jaden sacrifice themselves in a game of kick the can. I call that leadership" "I saw Aspen help lead the launch for ES. I call that leadership." "I saw Olaya do a good job leading the game of Chocolate River. I call that leadership."

A Quest at Acton is a project-based learning experience built around a theme. Instead of traditional lessons, learners spend several weeks tackling real challenges, building things, solving problems, and collaborating with other learners. Every 6 weeks, our learners will embark on a new Quest. The goal isn’t just academics, but developing real-world skills like critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, culminating in an exhibition or presentation of what learners created in front of a room full of parents.

Update on how the quest is going thus far:

Our learners have officially created their "Rules of Engagement" and signed their studio agreements for how they want to show up and work together this year. These are important founding decisions for building the tribe, which is the theme and goal for the first quest.

During the first few weeks, the goal of becoming bonded as a tribe is paramount. The learners were given game ideas and a game journal, and are tracking their evaluation of the game and how it makes them feel as a group. They also get used to having discussions with each other. The focus for launches and storytimes is often about topics that will help them form positive bonds. We have covered empathy, kindness, respect, flexible thinking, and thinking positively (even when things are not going well).

In addition, each studio has chosen a song for their lip dub, which they will be working on over the next week. The Spark Studio already has a specific request: Spider-Man costumes. Does anyone have Spider-Man costumes they could lend to the Spark Studio for this project?

Allow your learner to participate in the running of your home in a way that makes an impact. i.e., planning lunches for the week or setting the table for weeknight dinners.
Ask your learner about a game, activity, or conversation they had in the studio. Ask them to recreate it with you so you can play or join the discussion.
Ask your learner about a time they saw someone be a hero this week in the studio.

SPARK GUIDE UPDATE

At the beginning of the school year, we were in the process of onboarding a new Guide who has since decided to pursue another opportunity. We've narrowed it down and are in the final steps. We hope to have our new Spark guide in early September. We will let you know as soon as we have an official date! Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we’ve worked through these details. We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful for your continued support as we welcome our new Guide to the community! If you have any questions, please reach out.

SCHOOL SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Thanks to Sean Jennings, our school t-shirts are now available! If you would like to order some for your family, please fill out the form below. Orders will be placed on September 12th.

We will be opening a school store with more AAGP swag later this Fall! All sales will go toward student scholarships.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 1

Health forms due in studio

If you have not submitted your child's immunization records or exemption, please do so by September 1.

Monday, September 7

Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, September 22

First Day of Fall - Grant Park Meet up

Sydney Street SE and Grant Park Trl

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To celebrate the first day of Fall, join us in Grant Park after school to have a fall snack and make a nature craft!

Thursday, October 1 at 2:30 PM

Exhibition #1

Friday, October 2 at 6:00 PM

Parents on a Hero's Journey Dinner

Please bring dinner for you and your family. Learners and siblings will have a separate activity with childcare during the meeting portion of our time.

Will you be joining us?

Monday, October 5

Fall Break

There will be no school October 5-7.

Tuesday, October 13

Picture Day

We’re excited to welcome Bridget Jaffin Photography to the studio on October 13th for learner portraits! Families and siblings are welcome to join their learners for photos. Sign-ups for individual time slots will be available in October beginning at 8:15a.

Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 PM

Atlanta Streets Alive

Georgia Ave and Cherokee St

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Atlanta Streets Alive will be back in Grant Park on October 18th. Meet us at the intersection of Georgia Ave. and Cherokee St. to bike, scoot, or stroll down together! For more information, visit the link below.

Atlanta Streets Alive