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 May, Kindergarten & Primary School from August 2026
Another location in German-speaking Switzerland to follow in mid-2026

Info & application optionsInfo & application options

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

Guides don’t give answers; instead, 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 (Wi-Fi free).

Uncompromising organic health: From farm to plate

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

Holistic environmental design: Pedagogy you can feel

At Acton, the environment is no accident; it’s part of the curriculum. We’ve replaced the traditional classroom with a sensorially optimized living space:

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

Which entry point 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 – accompanied 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 – growing in imagination, resilience, and community.

More about the kindergarten More about the kindergarten

Acton Academy Primary School

A place of learning for children who act as the heroes of their own lives. In quests, they develop courage, empathy, and a results-oriented 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: Daycare May & School August 2026

Dübendorf

Daycare, Kindergarten & Primary School

To the Dübendorf locationTo the Dübendorf location

Opening: August 2026

Second location – German-speaking Switzerland

The exact location will be announced shortly.

Stay informedStay informed

Children learn best when they feel safe and seen

Many parents feel it: something isn’t right. But they often can’t name it exactly. Children need relationships and orientation – otherwise, stress arises: at home, during goodbyes, and in learning.

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

Exhausted children in the afternoon – Overwhelmed, irritable, without real joy.

Tears during the morning goodbye – Children are reluctant to go

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

An international educational model – established for over 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 and continuously developed internationally – in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Research on active, dialogue-based forms of learning proves:

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 first is: settling in, trust, and relationship. We provide attachment-oriented support, with time in nature, islands of calm, and a daily structure that provides security.

Acclimatization: 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 – here begins the hero’s journey

Children learn self-directedly – within clear structures. They build a solid foundation of core skills, apply 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 accompany them consciously and in a structured way.

Daycare → Kindergarten

Familiar approach, clear steps, integration of parental knowledge.

Kindergarten → Primary School

Fluid, 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 in the 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 consciously prepared and accompanied in exchange with the parents.

People you can trust with your child

In the end, it’s not just the concept that decides – but the relationship. That’s why we show you 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 really know the children – and take parents seriously.

Clear structures – freedom through focus

Rituals, rhythms, and guardrails provide security – so children can grow Socratically 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 → Insight & 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 during the introduction
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 FAQs give you a quick overview.

We are also happy to answer your questions personallyWe are also 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 introductory 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 exact data on the individual 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 when it is 100% understood and mastered.

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

Gentle, structured, and with close communication with parents.

How are costs/contributions regulated?

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: daily rhythm, rules, learning goals, reflection, and guidance by guides provide security and orientation.

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