What exactly is a hero’s journey?
At AWE Academy, we believe that each learner is capable of changing the world. We believe that each learner has a special calling in life, and it is our mission to create an environment to help them find it. Through individualized learning, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, learners embark on an adventure to forge their own paths and ultimately use their learning to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.
How is AWE different from traditional education?
AWE Academy is different from traditional education in its student-centered approach, emphasizing self-directed learning, personalized experiences, and a focus on critical thinking over rote memorization. AWE empowers learners to take ownership of their learning journey and are encouraged to set goals, solve real-world problems, and engage in project-based learning that fosters collaboration and creativity.
How do I know if AWE is a good fit for our family?
AWE may be the right fit for your family if you value a personalized, student-driven approach to learning.
We recognize this non-traditional approach to education may not be for everyone. Families are encouraged to be intentional about their decision to apply. It is important to understand what an ‘Acton academy model’ is and how it differs from public education. You can learn more by reading books such as ‘Courage to Grow’ and ‘Unschooling Rules’.
What kind of learner thrives at AWE?
If your learner thrives in an environment where they have the freedom to explore their own interests, are highly curious, self-motivated, and learn at their own pace, this could be a great fit. If they prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving over traditional testing and grading, AWE may align with their educational values.
What grades do you offer?
We are accepting applications for Fall 2025 for the following studios:
- SPARK Studio (ages 4-6)
- DISCOVERY Studio (ages 7-11)
What does a daily schedule look like?
Our days will begin at 9 am (with drop off at 8:30am) and finish around 3 pm. The school year will be broken up into 5-6 week projects (called ‘Quests’) with 1-2 weeks off between quests to refuel/for holidays. The School year will run from September to early July. For a more detailed picture of what the day will look like click here for day in the life of AWE Academy.
Will AWE prepare my learner for post-secondary education?
AWE Academy’s unique approach, focused on personalized learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving, equips learners with skills that can support success in post-secondary learning environments. AWE fosters self-directed learning, helping students develop independence, resilience, and a strong work ethic—key traits for navigating the demands of higher education.
At AWE, learners work on projects that require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, which are highly valued in a college environment. The focus on real-world experiences also encourages learners to pursue their passions and strengths, setting a strong foundation for choosing and succeeding in their field of study of choice.
Colleges and Universities are constantly evolving, and it is hard to know what admissions will look like in 10 years’ time. Our commitment to you however, is whether or not learners choose higher education, the skills gained at AWE Academy offer a strong foundation for learners to pursue their passion.
How much is your tuition?
Tuition is an investment in your children’s future, so what better place to invest?
Currently, tuition for the school year is $10,000 per year for learners in the Spark, and Discover studios, and additional studios will open as the demand arises.
- $1,000 deposit per learner at time of registration
- Monthly payment plans available
- Part-time options (3 days per week) is available for Spark Studio (ages 4-6) at $7500/year ($750/mth)
Tuition is committed for the entire year and is non-refundable. When you register at AWE Academy, you’re committing to a contract agreement to pay for the full year of tuition. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Head of School. If we determine that a learner is not a good fit for the program a prorated tuition amount will be refunded based on the exit date.
How do you know if children are learning?
Although we don’t issue grades to learners, their progress is measured and tracked through a variety of tools and systems. Our badge system outlines expectations for reading, writing, math, and social/emotional progress by year. Our adaptive learning tools also track student progress and allow for a very transparent view of learning progression.
Leaners work with their guide and their peers to set daily, weekly, and/or session goals from which they can track their progress. They showcase their mastery by meeting their goals, earning badges, assembling portfolios, and taking part in public exhibitions of their work.
Standardized tests are administered in a low stake format each year to provide one more measure of learning. These evaluations and assessments are shared between parents, staff, and students in regular meetings with growth mindset feedback, and we encourage parents to review learner portfolios at any time. The learner’s learning at AWE is measured by their growth in independence, critical thinking, problem-solving, and passion for the learning process itself.
Will learning be aligned with Ontario curriculum?
While we don’t make a point of aligning directly with the Ontario curriculum, we do make a promise to prepare your child for any path that they desire to be on.
Regarding core skills, AWE learners will go through rigorous learning using adaptive, state-of-the-art learning technology to make sure that content is mastered, and any pre-existing gaps are filled. This includes reading, writing and math.
Regarding history, the sciences, arts, programming, and physical education we use project-based learning to deeply explore areas of real-world uses for information, and specific interests among the learners. Since we use an exploratory, project-based method the curriculum will not entirely overlap with what is presented in traditional public schools. What we are preparing our learners for is to be able to think clearly and learn content that matters.