OUR PROGRAMS
We’re a blend of the best of the old and the new – a community one-room schoolhouse, like those that built America, fused with the best of modern technology and 21st century organizational design.
At Acton Academy at Fall Creek, each hero learns real-life skills and advances at their own pace through hands-on projects and world-class technology.
OUR LEARNING STUDIOS
Spark Junior
(ages 3 to 4)
Little Minds Ignite and Shine!
“Spark Junior” is a vibrant learning environment tailored for potty-trained youngsters who can comfortably spend 2.5 hours away from their parents. The studio fosters a nurturing atmosphere where children engage in various activities under the guidance of trained educators and loving heroes from the upper studios.
The learning environment emphasizes building and making activities, encouraging creativity and exploration through hands-on projects. Additionally, ample time is dedicated to outdoor play in a safe and stimulating playground setting. Fine motor skills are honed through activities designed to develop dexterity and coordination.
Values like kindness and sharing are actively promoted, cultivating a sense of empathy and community among the young learners. Moreover, children are encouraged to develop an awareness of themselves and their emotions, fostering personal growth and self-awareness from an early age.
Important work includes:
– Kindness
– Sharing
– Awareness of self
Spark Studio
(ages 4 to 6)
Where curiosity ignites learning!
Offering full- and part-time options, the Spark Studio blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches to foster collaboration and independence through play.
Play in the studio focuses on building essential skills such as fine motor abilities, listening, and social behaviors like kindness and sharing. Children engage in a variety of activities including playground play, board games, learning games, and puzzles. This important work supports both academic and social development, instilling character traits like kindness, critical thinking, and responsibility.
At Spark Studio, children learn to make responsible choices, listen to others, and develop awareness of self and others. The environment encourages a friendly demeanor and emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy.
The studio aims to cultivate a unique, curious, and independent spirit in each child, fostering a passion for learning from an early age. Inspired by Montessori and Socratic teachings, Spark Studio prepares children to transition to Acton Discovery Studio (Early Elementary) by instilling essential character traits such as critical thinking and responsibility. Through hands-on experiences and play-based challenges, Spark Studio lays the foundation for lifelong learning and positive impact on the world.
Important work includes:
– Responsible Choices
– Friendliness, Kindness, & Sharing
– Awareness of self & others
Discovery Studio
(ages 6 to 8)
Where learners discover, learn, & thrive!
Discovery Studio is a enriching learning environment tailored for children ages 6 to 8 who have successfully demonstrated the developmental milestones of both “Spark Junior” and “Spark” studios.
In addition to age and readiness, indicators for enrollment in this studio include the ability to write their name, copy a sentence, and possess a strong desire to work towards specific academic achievements, such as their FIRST reading or math badge (Badges serve as indicators of mastery).
Daily Socratic discussions and hands-on projects introduce goal setting, growth mindset, productive collaboration, and help increase self-awareness. Personal responsibility, emotional accountability, character development, and fun are hallmarks of this studio as these young heroes begin to identify and discover what it means to be an independent learner!
Important work includes:
– Responsible Choices
– Friendliness, Kindness, & Sharing
– Awareness of Self & Others
– Learning to Read
– Mathematical Patterns & Puzzles
– Handwriting Practice
Explorer Studio
(ages 8 to 11)
Where learners develop a deep love
of learning and kindness in relationships
with others
Explorer Studio marks the commencement of an academic adventure. Focused on the development of essential skills, learners engage in challenges to enhance reading, writing, and math proficiency while developing leadership qualities within the Acton Academy framework.
Described as a close-knit neighborhood, the Explorer Studio encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and character development. Learners cultivate a growth mindset, replacing external motivators with intrinsic motivation for hard work and enjoyment.
Respect forms the foundation, guiding the establishment of studio rules collaboratively. The curriculum emphasizes fun, kindness, goal-setting, inquiry, and a comprehensive foundation in Math, Reading, Writing, and Civilization through hands-on, project-based learning across various disciplines.
Important work includes:
– Responsible Choices
– Friendliness, Kindness, & Sharing
– Awareness of Self & Others
– Reading to Learn
– Math Formulas, Patterns & Puzzles
– Written Expression of Learning
– Servant Leadership
Mission Studio
(ages 11-14)
Where learner work hard to
develop real-world skills
Mission Studio extends learners’ core skills of Reading, Writing, and Math, guiding them through the Hero’s Journey and life’s adventures. The curriculum integrates Socratic Discussions and Collaborative Quests within the Pendleton community, emphasizing Servant Leadership badges as part of the Mission Studio Covenant.
We envision each learner discovering and pursuing their individual and unique passions aiming to equip them with skills and tools to navigate their life’s purpose.
The Mission Studio fosters hard work, real-world skill development, and literal exploration. Learners cultivate independent thinking, forge strong friendships, hone leadership skills, and approach their work with integrity, preparing to make a positive impact on the world.
Important work includes:
– Responsible Choices
– Friendliness, Kindness, & Sharing
– Awareness of Self & Others
– Reading to Learn
– Reading Deep Books
– Extending ELA Concepts
– Extending Math Concepts
– Written Expression of Learning
– Servant Leadership & Apprenticeships
Launchpad
(ages 14-18)
Where learners discover their
next step in their Hero’s Journey
Launchpad heroes at Acton Academy at Fall Creek gear up for real-world success by acquiring essential skills, mastering them through apprenticeships, and initiating genuine startups, businesses, and projects.
Positioned in a dynamic work environment, students immerse themselves in their chosen fields alongside mentor entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and role models. The Launchpad Studio serves as the culmination of the Hero’s Journey, propelling students into the world with a transformative vision.
Learners prepare for success by building portfolios that showcase their skills and value, fostering passion, organizational leadership, and readiness for impactful global contributions. Embarking on this journey entails discovering a passion, leading a small organization, preparing for the Next Great Adventure, and effecting profound change in the world.
CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR
Open to All!
Every year, young people from central Indiana build business from the ground up!
Our business fair inspires children to discover their interest and passion for entrepreneurship. This event is part of the largest entrepreneurship movement for kids in North America, which gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses at a one-day market.
It’s open to ALL CHILDREN in central Indiana ages 5-15.
What to expect from the fair:
Young Entrepreneurs develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
Event Date and Schedule:
Saturday after Labor Day (timed with the Pendleton Fall Creek Heritage Fair)
9:00 am: Participant Check-In, Set-up & Sneak Peek Shopping
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Public Marketplace & Judging
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Awards Ceremony
Our youth are capable of far more than we can imagine. When we can inspire them through stories of entrepreneurs who have gone before, emphasize the journey of growth over the result itself, and give them the opportunity to learn through real-world, hands-on experiences, these #kidpreneurs will be inspired to discover their most precious gifts.
SUMMER CAMPS
Every summer, we open up our campus to the local community and host a variety of week-long summer camps.
Our camps fill up fast! Sign up below to get updates on camp information and registration!
Summer 2025 was a HIT!
Even though our summer camp session is over, we are always planning for the next! See below to get an idea of the types of camps we have to offer.
Sign up to get updates for Summer 2026!
Art with Emmy 01 + 02 (two camps)
At “Art with Emmy” camp, budding artists unleash their creativity through a diverse array of daily art and craft activities. Under Emmy’s expert guidance, participants explore painting, drawing, crafting, and more. Each day is a new canvas for self-expression, fostering imagination and friendship, as masterpieces come to life with every brushstroke.
Survivor
Survivor Camp immerses adventurers in exhilarating outdoor challenges and wilderness skills. Led by seasoned guides, participants navigate through team-building exercises, survival training, and exciting competitions. Amidst the rugged terrain, they forge bonds, conquer obstacles, and discover their inner strength. It’s an unforgettable journey of resilience and camaraderie in the great outdoors of Falls Park.
Lego Masters 01 + 02 (two camps)
Lego Camp I and II offer an immersive experience where young builders ages 5-11 explore the boundless creativity of Lego bricks! Guided by skilled Lego “master builders” 😊, campers engage in hands-on activities, from constructing towering structures to crafting intricate designs. Through teamwork and problem-solving, they unleash their imaginations and build lasting memories, one brick at a time.
Entrepreneurship (E-ship)
Ready to turn your ideas into reality? At E-ship Camp, you’ll discover what you’re passionate about while learning the skills and tools needed to launch your own business. Dive into the basics of entrepreneurship, gain hands-on experience, and prepare to shine at our grand finale: setting up your very own pop-up business on the last day of camp! Whether you dream of starting a small business or just want to explore your creative side, this camp is your first step toward success.
Slime Camp!
Calling all slime enthusiasts! At Slime Camp, you’ll dive into the world of stretchy, gooey fun while exploring the science behind slime. Create colorful, glittery, and totally unique slime recipes, and conduct exciting experiments to see how slime reacts and transforms. From stretchy challenges to slime-making competitions, this camp is all about creativity, discovery, and hands-on fun. Get ready to mix, squish, and take home your very own slime creations!
Theater Camp 01 + 02 (two camps; each two weeks in length)
Over the course of TWO exciting weeks, kids will dive into the world of theater, improvisation, acting games, and creative exercises. We’ll work on focus, attention, memory, and expand imagination through fun improv scenes and activities. At the end of the two weeks, our young actors will present a final performance for family and friends.
Led by professional actor and instructor, trained at the the world-renowned Russian University of Theatre: Alexey Efremov.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures Camp invites thrill-seekers to a haven of outdoor games and nature exploration. Led by expert guides, participants engage in thrilling hikes, epic scavenger hunts, and spirited team challenges. Amidst the beauty of the Falls Park, friendships flourish, and a love for nature deepens. It’s where the joy of play meets the wonders of the great outdoors.
Chess
Chess Camp invites aspiring strategists to a realm of intellect and skill. Participants delve into the intricacies of the game, honing their tactics through lessons, puzzles, and thrilling matches. Amidst the intensity of competition, friendships form, and a lifelong love for the royal game blossoms.
Book Making
Book Making Camp sparks the imaginations of young creatives as they embark on a literary journey. Guided by published author, Lyndie Metz, participants explore the art of bookbinding, illustration, and storytelling. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, they craft their own tales, bringing stories to life one page at a time.
Have a general question?
Let’s build something together.
GIVING
Acton Academy at Fall Creek is a non-profit that runs lean to help keep tuition costs as low as possible. Donations are an essential piece of the equation.
Achieving our mission (to inspire everyone who enters our doors to find a calling that will change the world) is made possible through the generous donations of our parents, staff, and the broader community.
Contributions support the school’s operations, enable us to provide support for faculty development and tuition assistance for families in need, and ensure that we continue to provide the breadth of our educational opportunities.
Acton Academy at Fall Creek is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible.
ACTON ACADEMY AT FALL CREEK 