A primary school that empowers children for lifelong learning

Acton Academy Switzerland is a private primary school where children learn self-directed – with clear structures, real responsibility, and nature as a living learning space.

Many children lose their joy of learning at school

Children are naturally curious and love to learn. But learning requires conditions where they feel safe, are allowed to help shape things, and can find their own pace.

If these conditions are missing, some children withdraw, lose confidence in themselves, or primarily learn to meet expectations – instead of truly understanding.

But learning can be different.

Acton Academy – learning as a personal hero’s journey

At Acton, the child is at the center of their own path. Our model combines character building, self-leadership, and real-world challenges into a clearly structured development process.

Socratic learning instead of front-of-class instruction

Children learn to argue thoughtfully, think critically, and develop their own perspectives.
Guides ask meaningful questions – instead of simply providing ready-made answers.

Guides instead of teachers

Guides accompany, ask questions, and encourage reflection, but do not provide direct solutions.

Quests & project-based learning

In project-based learning formats, children work on real-world problems from science, art, or entrepreneurship.

Studio Contracts & democratic participation

Jointly developed Studio Contracts, Council Meetings, and peer feedback promote personal responsibility and a sense of community.

What children really develop at Acton

  • Self-confidence
    Children experience that their ideas matter – and that their voice is heard.

  • Personal responsibility
    They make decisions, face the consequences, and learn through experience.

  • Resilience
    Challenges become opportunities for learning, not failures.

  • Joy of learning
    Learning becomes something driven by curiosity again – not by pressure or fear.

  • Sense of community
    Children learn to take responsibility for themselves and others – as part of a community.

  • Entrepreneurial thinking & initiative
    Children plan projects with real responsibility, put their ideas into action, and reflect on the results.

What children specifically learn

The learning content is based on Lehrplan 21 and is enriched through Core Skills, Quests, and personal development.

Learn to Learn

Learning independently – within a clear structure.

  • Daily Core Skills time (math, reading, writing)

  • Individual learning pace

  • Digital learning paths

  • Reflection & goal setting

Learn to Do

Applying knowledge – in real projects.

  • Multi-week Quests

  • Real-world problems

  • Collaboration in teams

  • Presentations (Exhibitions)

Learn to Be

Developing personality – taking responsibility.

  • Studio Contracts & Council

  • Reflection & peer feedback

  • Community & self-leadership

  • Eagle Bucks & Character Callouts

Two smiling children writing on a smartboard in a bright classroom.
Five children sitting in a forest, smiling and listening to an adult while holding notebooks.
Smiling children with backpacks walking down a school hallway.
Children from a private school in the Canton of Solothurn doing yoga on blue mats in a gym.
Smiling children gather around a table with drawings and colored pencils and look at a globe.
Children drawing with colored pencils at a table in a classroom.
Small children sitting at a table with colored pencils and listening to an adult in a classroom.
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Two students sitting on beanbags and working on laptops in a busy, modern classroom.
Four children in a park talking and holding a chalkboard and autumn leaves.
Students in overalls at private schools in the Canton of Solothurn working together on technical drawings.
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Two smiling children writing on a smartboard in a bright classroom.

How progress becomes visible

At Acton, it’s not the number on a page that counts, but what a child has truly understood and applied. Learning progress is documented transparently.

  • Portfolios & learning records
    Children document their work, projects, and developmental progress. Parents can clearly see what has been created and achieved.

  • Presentations & exhibitions
    Projects are presented regularly – to fellow learners, guides, or parents. Knowledge is applied, not memorized.

  • Reflection & feedback
    Children reflect regularly: What went well? What is the next step? Feedback complements traditional performance assessments and supports sustainable growth.

Parents as co-creators of the learning culture

In primary school, learning processes are made visible through portfolios, 360° feedback, and project presentations. This allows parents to see specifically how their child thinks, works, and grows. Individual development conversations take place once or twice a year to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps together.

Communication happens through digital daily updates, parent chats, and personal conversations. Parents can contribute to projects as experts, mentors, or feedback providers and actively participate in the learning process.

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Acton Academy Switzerland opens school, kindergarten & daycare in 2026

The first Swiss location of this successful concept is being established in Dübendorf. Another location in German-speaking Switzerland is being planned.

Start of classes: August 2026 | Applications: Open (via newsletter)

Interested? Sign up to stay informed.

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An environment that supports 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).

Digital future

Children work with modern learning software, learn to code in an age-appropriate way, and use AI tools reflectively. Digital competence is not an add-on, but part of everyday life.

Uncompromising organic health: From farm to plate

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

Nature as a learning space

Daily nature time, forest days, and outdoor learning are an integral part of the school day. Movement, fresh air, and real nature experiences promote concentration, health, and self-efficacy.

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.

Is Acton Academy the right school for your child?

A good fit if…

  • You want your child to become independent – supported by clear structures

  • You are looking for small learning groups and real relationships instead of being ‘pushed through the system’.

  • You value project-based learning, nature, and real-life experiences.

  • You want your child to be allowed to learn and develop at their own pace.

  • You value transparency: portfolios, reflection, and insights instead of just grades

Less suitable if…

  • You expect a school with traditional front-of-class instruction and fixed textbook schedules
  • You primarily want grades, tests, and comparisons as the main focus
  • You are looking for a model that is highly standardized and expects little participation

  • You want someone else to take full responsibility (without the child’s own thinking and personal responsibility)

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 forms of learning shows:

  • 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:

Forbes
Inc. magazine logo
The Washington Post
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npr
Education Week

Acton Academy Switzerland – our locations

Opening: Kita July & Primary School August 2026

location 1

Dübendorf

  • Daycare, Kindergarten & Primary School

  • Founders Circle 2026: 10% permanent discount on monthly fees for the first 10 families.

Opening: By the end of 2026

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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.

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Get to know Acton Academy Schweiz
in person

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

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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.

Our primary school is for children aged 6-12. The mixed-age learning environment supports independence, mutual learning, and social strength.

Yes. We follow Lehrplan 21 and combine it with the Acton learning philosophy. Core skills are built step by step – in a child-centered, motivating format.

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

Children build core skills in a structured way and at their own pace. Clear goals, suitable tools, and personal guidance ensure that fundamentals are mastered – without pressure and without a one-size-fits-all pace.

No. We focus on effective learning during the school day. Practice, consolidation, and reflection are integrated – so that family time in the afternoon truly remains family time.

Learning is made visible through portfolios, projects, exhibitions, and regular reflection. Children can show what they have truly understood and put into practice – in a way that’s transparent to parents.

Conflicts are part of learning – they are not ignored here, but supported and worked through. Children learn to name their needs, listen, and take responsibility for their actions. Our focus is on prevention: small groups, dedicated guides, and clear rules help us recognise exclusion early and address it actively.

The first step is a non-binding introductory conversation. After that – depending on the situation – a visit on site is possible so that you can experience the learning environment for yourself and clarify any questions.

Yes. We offer additional childcare hours that go beyond mandatory school hours. We discuss the available models and times transparently during the introductory conversation.

We’ll discuss the exact costs in a personal conversation.