Self-directed learning in community – from the first step to primary school

At the Acton private educational institution, we accompany children with an attachment-oriented and age-appropriate approach – with clear structures, plenty of nature, and a community for families.

Dübendorf – Daycare from July, Kindergarten & Primary School from August 2026
Another location in German-speaking Switzerland to follow by the end of 2026

Info & application optionsInfo & application options

Socratic Leadership: Learning how to think, not what to memorize

Guides don’t give answers. They ask Socratic questions so children can find solutions and develop their inner compass.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Quests instead of school desks

In multi-week quests, children start businesses and solve real-world problems instead of rote learning.

High-tech without radiation: The LiFi revolution

Data is transmitted via light instead of radio waves – for a fast internet connection without electromagnetic stress (WiFi-free).

Uncompromising organic health: From farm to plate

100% organic, seasonal, and regional food – prepared fresh daily, often from our own organic farm.

Holistic environmental design: Learning you can feel

At Acton, the environment is intentional – it’s part of the curriculum. We’ve replaced the traditional classroom with a sensory‑optimized learning space:

Natural materials: Warm cork floors and solid wood furniture from regional makers support calm and good acoustics.
Healthy indoor climate: wood humidifiers ensure optimal humidity and natural scents that reduce stress.
Biorhythmic light: Specially tuned lighting concepts support concentration and the children’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Snoezelen rooms: Dedicated retreats for targeted sensory relaxation and emotional regulation.

Which option is right for your child?

Entdeckernest daycare

Children aged 2 to 5 experience a gentle start outside the family with us. Security, relationships, and nature are at the center – supported by loving caregivers.

More about the daycareMore about the daycare

Acton Academy Kindergarten

A place full of discovery for children aged 4 to 6. In small groups, they experience play, nature, and exciting quests – building imagination, resilience, and a sense of community.

More about the kindergarten More about the kindergarten

Acton Academy Primary School

A learning environment for children who act as the heroes of their own lives. In quests, they develop courage, empathy and a results-driven mindset.
Socratic discussions and digital tools bring entrepreneurial thinking and action to life.

More about the schoolMore about the school

Acton Academy Switzerland – our locations

Opening: Kita July & Primary School August 2026

Dübendorf

Daycare, Kindergarten & Primary School
Founders Circle 2026: 10% permanent discount on monthly fees for the first 10 families.

To the Dübendorf locationTo the Dübendorf location

Opening: By the end of 2026

Second location – German-speaking Switzerland

The exact location will be announced shortly.
Be the first to know as soon as registration, opening dates, and further details are finalized.

Stay informedStay informed

Children learn best when they feel safe and seen

Many parents sense it: something isn’t right – but they often can’t put their finger on it. Children need relationships and orientation; otherwise stress shows up at home, during goodbyes, and in learning.

Learning feels like a chore – Pressure to perform replaces curiosity.

Exhausted children in the afternoon – Overwhelmed, irritable, with little real joy.

Tears at morning drop-off – Children are reluctant to go.

At Acton, we believe settling in comes before performance. Relationship comes before method.

An international educational model – established for more than 15 years

Acton Academy was founded in Texas in 2009 and is now a global network with over 300 locations. The pedagogical concept is implemented internationally and continuously developed – in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Research on active, dialogue-based learning forms confirms:

Increased intrinsic motivation through self-directed learning
Significantly improved problem-solving and transfer skills
More sustainable knowledge retention compared to purely instructional teaching
Positive effects on personal responsibility and self-efficacy

Accredited by:

As seen in:

Entdeckernest – a home away from home

For young children, what matters most is settling in, trust, and connection. We offer attachment-oriented support, with time in nature, moments of calm, and a daily routine that provides security.

Adjustment period: gentle & individual
Daily routine: rituals, free play, nature, creativity
Parent contact: handovers, updates, conversations

Four children in a park talking and holding a chalkboard and autumn leaves.

Acton Academy Switzerland – the hero’s journey begins here

Children learn self-directedly – within clear structures. They build a solid foundation in core skills, apply their knowledge in projects, and grow through real responsibility.

Lehrplan 21 as a basis
Guides instead of frontal teaching
Learning becomes visible (portfolios & projects)

Gentle transitions that provide security

Transitions are emotional for children and parents – that’s why we support them intentionally and in a structured way.

Daycare → Kindergarten

A familiar approach, clear steps, and the integration of parents’ knowledge.

Kindergarten → Primary School

A smooth transition, with the same language and orientation.

Smiling children with backpacks walking down a school hallway.

Close cooperation with parents

Cooperation with parents is a central part of our daily life. Through digital reviews, personal conversations, and the parent chat, families stay closely connected to what’s happening in the Entdeckernest and at school.

Development meetings take place once or twice a year, where observations, progress, and next steps are discussed together. Transitions between daycare, kindergarten, and primary school are intentionally prepared and supported in close exchange with parents.

People you can trust your child with

In the end, it’s not just the concept – it’s the relationship. That’s why we introduce our team and what we stand for: warm, clear, competent.

Learn more about usLearn more about us

What runs through all our levels

Security & Relationship

Reliable adults who truly know the children – and take parents seriously.

Clear structures – freedom through focus

Rituals, rhythms, and guardrails provide security – so children can grow through Socratic learning and find their own answers.

Nature & real discovery

Being outside, moving, experiencing: learning happens with the body, senses, and heart.

How the start works

Getting to know us → Insights & visit → Decision & start

We explain costs, contributions, start dates, and organization transparently – initial info during the insight and details in the introductory meeting.

Location: German-speaking Switzerland
Offer: Daycare · Kindergarten · Primary School
Daily learning: indoors & outdoors
Costs/Contributions: transparent in the introductory meeting
Start: August 2026

Get to know Acton Academy Switzerland in person

Non-binding · Personal · Contact options in the newsletter · All questions welcome

Info & application optionsInfo & application options

FAQ – Your questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Acton Academy Switzerland and the application process. Our FAQ gives you a quick overview.

We’re happy to answer your questions personallyWe’re happy to answer your questions personally

Is Acton Academy a private school in Switzerland?

Yes. Acton Academy is an authorized private school in Switzerland and follows the Lehrplan 21.

How does the onboarding process work?

Short conversation + next step (visit/insight) – without pressure.

How do we ensure that basic skills are effectively mastered?

Through measurable progress and clear goals. At Acton Academy, we use adaptive digital learning platforms that provide precise data on each child’s mastery of core competencies (math, languages, etc.). Complemented by practical Quests, children learn to apply their knowledge strategically. We focus on excellence instead of time constraints: a skill is only checked off once it is 100% understood and mastered.

How are transitions supported (Daycare → Kindergarten → Primary)?

Gentle, structured, and with close communication with parents.

How are costs/contributions structured?

Transparent during the introduction – matching the model and care level.

Isn't learning at Acton too free or chaotic?

No. For us, freedom means responsibility within clear structures: a daily rhythm, rules, learning goals, reflection, and guidance from guides provides security and direction.

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Private schools in the canton of Aargau have become an important complement to the public school system. They are especially popular with families who place particular importance on individual support, learning in smaller classes, and alternative educational approaches. Beyond the standard curriculum, private schools also offer bilingual programs, Montessori or Waldorf education, intensive suppor [...]

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