Learning Design

Our Philosophy

We believe that:
Clear thinking leads to good decisions,
Good decisions lead to the right habits,
The right habits lead to character,
And character determines destiny.

Traditional School

Rows of desks and a teacher at a blackboard

Memorization and testing of rules and facts

Report card measures your success

One teacher lectures to many students

Worksheets just like our grandparents used

School like a factory with bells, shifts, and one-size-fits-all

Axiom Acton

Work collaboratively like at Google or Facebook and outside as much as possible

Learn real skills and apply them in projects

Set personalized goals then transparently track progress

Everyone's a teacher; everyone's a student

Professional tools for art, engineering, and storytelling; Cutting-edge adaptive tech for Core Skills

School like a journey, with big goals, mentors, tools, and a destination you care about

At Axiom, we strive to provide an outdoor learning space as much as possible. Each day will be a blend of the indoors and outdoors; whether exploring nature, holding Socratic discussions, or reading in the fresh air. We believe the health, emotional and developmental benefits of being outside is crucial to forging strong, inquisitive and resilient character.

"Children deserve to grow and learn in a place and alongside a force, that is as wild and alive as they are."

Nicolette Sowder

Here are just a few benefits for children learning outdoors.

Physical Health

Improves nutrition
Improves eyesight
Improves balance
Improves range of movement
Promotes muscle development
Strengthens immune system

Character Development

Higher levels of creativity
Builds imagination
Teaches responsibility
Creates opportunities for awe and wonder
Encourages healthy risk-taking
Promotes experimentation
Develops critical thinking skills

Mental and Emotional Health

Improves cognition and thinking
Increases focus
Increases mood
Decreases anxiety
Builds confidence
Provides regulation sensory input for the nervous system
Improved self-regulation skills

21st Century Learning

Cutting edge educational technology allows for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.

Thoughtful Socratic discussions about what makes a hero, history, and self governance allows for growth in critical thinking and the ability to clearly and powerfully think, write and speak.

Groups quests and hands-on projects provide experience to practice and fine tune skills needed to solve real world problems. Hands-on project based Quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.

Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

A Learner Driven Community

Students collaborate to develop and sign a contract that describes community responsibilities. It reminds them to hold one another accountable through respectful interactions and compassionate actions. Weekly town halls are held for the community to work through any difficulties together. This supports a consistent environment of thoughtful accountability.

Running Partners encourage and support one another by listening, affirming and helping each other set and attain goals.

Portfolios and Mastery Markers Showcase
"LEARNING TO BE"

Heroes embrace the mastery of skills and their own progress by assembling portfolios, taking part in public exhibitions, and focusing on a growth mindset.
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Mastery Markers are a way for parents, learners, and guides to document progress and monitor development of core skills in literacy, math, and personal character.

Portfolios showcase the processes behind the learning journey to mastery through photos, videos, and other creative work.

Exhibitions at the end of most quests allow young heroes an arena to present, display, or demo their work in a personal and developmentally appropriate way to families and the community for real world feedback.

Portfolios and Mastery Markers are not monitored until age 7.

Personalized Tools

Explore Our Learning Design

Micro-School in PA