Because we take children seriously. Waypoint is designed for families who believe young people are capable of real responsibility, deep thinking, and meaningful work. We focus on academic mastery, strong habits, and personal ownership—so learners grow into confident, capable individuals who know how to direct their own lives.
Waypoint is part of the global Acton Academy network, following the same learner-driven Learning Design developed at Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. This connection gives us access to proven systems, shared resources, and a community of experienced founders and Guides. While each Acton is independently owned and operated, the core model is consistent—and continuously refined through shared learning and best practices.
Yes—and more. In our Spark Studio (ages 4–7), we follow authentic Montessori principles: hands-on materials, freedom within limits, mixed-age classrooms, and purposeful work that builds independence.
As learners grow, Waypoint builds on this foundation with mastery-based academics, hands-on projects, apprenticeships, and Socratic discussions. The result is a learning environment that starts with Montessori independence and evolves into a self-directed model designed for older learners.
At Waypoint, freedom is always paired with responsibility. Learners help create and enforce clear boundaries, track progress through transparent systems, and hold one another accountable. This isn’t chaos—it’s practice for real life. By running their own studio, resolving conflicts, and managing shared systems, children learn the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills they’ll need to lead families, businesses, and communities in the future.
Traditional schools rely on teachers to deliver information. At Waypoint, we believe children learn best when they take ownership. That’s why we have Guides, not teachers. Guides don’t lecture or hand out answers—they ask powerful questions, set up challenges, and create an environment where learners discover truth for themselves. Acting as mentors and storytellers, Guides model curiosity, grit, and kindness, inspiring young people to persevere. This approach builds self-directed learners with the critical thinking, character, and courage- skills that matter far beyond school.
At Waypoint, the Hero’s Journey is not about struggle for its own sake. It’s about pursuing something worth earning. Learners set ambitious goals and take on challenges because what lies on the other side—skill, confidence, independence, and self-respect—cannot be gained any other way. Along the way, failure is expected and used deliberately: as feedback, as information, and as a chance to improve. The journey matters because each challenge leaves the learner more capable than before.
Many learners with ADHD or dyslexia thrive in Waypoint’s self-paced, learner-driven environment. However, we are not equipped to serve children who require significant accommodations or one-on-one support. Because our model relies on independence and peer collaboration, learners must be able to work on their own and engage productively with others.
Although we don’t use traditional grade levels, every learner’s mastery of core skills is carefully tracked and documented in a format compatible with transcripts. In addition, Waypoint learners build portfolios of their best work—essays, projects, businesses, and apprenticeships—that demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, and real-world achievement. Together, these provide a rich, complete picture of a student’s abilities.
History comes alive through Quests—hands-on projects where learners explore the people, places, and ideas that shaped civilization. Instead of memorizing dates, they read great stories, engage in Socratic discussions, and wrestle with big questions around power, self-government, justice, and leadership. The goal is not just knowledge of the past, but the critical thinking and leadership skills to shape their future.
Science is taught through Quests—real-world projects where learners experiment, build, and solve problems. Instead of memorizing facts, they design experiments, test hypotheses, and apply concepts in meaningful ways. Socratic discussions push them to ask “why” and integrate across disciplines. The goal is not just scientific knowledge, but curiosity, creativity, and confidence in tackling the unknown.
No. The school day provides time for learners to set goals and make meaningful progress. While some learners choose to continue projects at home, homework is never required. Evenings are for family, rest, and life outside school.
Technology is used intentionally. Learners spend focused time using adaptive software to build strong foundations in reading, writing, and math. This efficient approach frees the rest of the day for projects, discussion, outdoor play, and hands-on work.
In the Spark Studio (ages 4–7), screen use is minimal. Older learners gradually transition to about two hours per day, balanced with paper-based work and collaboration.
