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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.

  • A full-day learning environment with organic meals, outdoor experiences and flexible care from 7 am to 7 pm.

  • Location: Dübendorf, another location in German-speaking Switzerland to follow by the end of 2026

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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

Acton Academy Switzerland – our locations

Flexible care from 7 am to 7 pm

Dübendorf

  • Daycare, Kindergarten & Primary School

  • Founders Circle 2026: 10% lifetime discount on monthly fees for the first families. Enquire now to see if places are still available.

Opening: Late 2026

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Second Location – German-Speaking Switzerland

  • The exact location will be announced soon.

  • Be among the first to know when enrollment opens, the opening date is confirmed, and more details become available.

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.

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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.

What our educational approach means in everyday life

Beate Flaschinski is the Educational Director of Acton Academy Switzerland. In the video, she provides insight into the philosophy behind the concept: how children are supported in their development through relationships, guidance, thoughtfully designed spaces, and collaboration with parents.

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:

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Where early years, kindergarten and primary school grow together

At our Dübendorf campus, children can grow from daycare through kindergarten and primary school in one continuous learning environment. With full-day care from 7 am to 7 pm, organic meals and regular time in nature, Acton offers families a calm, reliable and inspiring place for their child’s development.

Limited places per group | Applications: Open

Interested? Request your information pack:

Receive our information pack by email and stay updated on available places, admissions and upcoming school news.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting the form, you agree that the personal information you provide will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo’s privacy policy.

Have questions? Talk to us directly:
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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

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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.

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.

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Private school reimagined – from the child’s perspective

Our primary school is part of the international Acton network. This means: learning grows out of curiosity, responsibility, and real experiences – not from pressure or control. Adults act as guides. Children take responsibility for their learning.

Nature, projects, and community are integral parts of daily life.

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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.

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.

Discover our pedagogy and vision

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Lernen Sie Acton Academy Schweiz
persönlich kennen

Unverbindlich · Persönlich · Alle Fragen willkommen

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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.

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

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

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.

Gentle, structured, and with close communication with parents.

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

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 Aargau

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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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