Why I’m Sending My Child to Acton Academy North Cincinnati

And why you’ll want to join us

“Hello, my name is Mr. Blatman, and I’m your teacher today,”

is something I used to say until I had a number of experiences during the 2022-23 school year that allowed me to see the conflicts of interests of the traditional education system.

The teachers were mostly great, but based on numerous hush-hush conversations I had across multiple districts, one saying:

“ya know, Joshua, I’m a highly qualified teacher, but I really don’t know why. I mean, I have to teach exactly the same things they do, at exactly the same schedule, whether it’s what the kids need or are interested in, just like they do. It really doesn’t make any sense.”

I knew the system wasn’t working for children or families.

Before we go down a rabbit hole, I want to tell you about the incredible solution I found to the problems I saw at 5 different school districts with 50,000 students, across north Cincinnati, Ohio.

I’m Choosing Learner Driven Education With My Own Family

We started this journey in January of 2023, while I was still teaching in public schools, and we’re finally getting ready to launch this fall—so I didn’t have to send my child to the school district I ran away from (yes, I live back in my childhood school district; it’s a beautiful story actually), and so I didn’t have to commit to something I didn’t really feel was for me in homeschooling.

If you haven’t met me yet, I’m the owner of Acton Academy North Cincinnati, and this fall, 2025, I’m enrolling my own elementary-aged child at our new school in Mason, Ohio.

As we prepare to open our doors, I’m not just building a school for our community—I’m choosing it for my own family. If you’re a parent like me, wondering where your child will thrive next year, let me share what I’ve learned about Acton and why I’m so excited for you to join us on this adventure.

What’s So Special About Acton That I Can’t Wait to Share?

I’ve always dreamed of a school that doesn’t feel like, well, school—no endless worksheets or joyless routines. No kids saying (and this literally happened in one 6th grade class):

6th grader: “Do I have to keep my screen brightness all the way up?” whiningly.
Me: “Huh? What do you mean? Why?”
Another 6th grader: “The teacher makes us keep our brightness all the way up, I think so she can walk by and see what we’re doing.”
Me: “What? So we’re institutionalizing oversight now? Can’t I just trust you? Tell you what, if I let you adjust your screens so they’re comfortable on your eyes, will you promise me to stay on task?”
Them: “Yes!” A collective sigh of relief moved through the room and complaints off-gassed about why they hated that they had to leave their brightness up.
“That’s why you’re our favorite teacher.”

That, and dozens of other less fun stories showed me that the model wouldn’t change, is why I’m launching Acton Academy North Cincinnati in Mason.

The Beauty of the Acton Academy Model

Our Discovery Studio, for kids ages 5 to 11, trades rigid grade levels for a self-paced, hands-on approach where mastery is normalized and character is incentivized. My child will dive into math, reading, and writing at his own rhythm, then spend afternoons on “Quests”—celebrating his individuality with his peers on group projects and real-world simulations. Think crafting a mini-business or exploring a historical mystery with friends.

Imagine Learning about electricity in middle school, not by sitting in desks and memorizing formulas, but by building a model city that has to have working lights that they can explain at an exhibition!

We call it the “Hero’s Journey,” and I can’t wait to see my child step into the role of hero in his own learning story.

Imagine your child coming home buzzing with excitement, not dread. As the owner, I’m creating that spark for them, not from scratch, but by standing on the shoulders of the incredible Acton Academy network of over 300 schools in 37 countries that have crafted an incredible model we lovingly call “Learner Driven”—and I want your family to experience it too.

Isn’t it time we gave our kids a place where learning feels like an adventure?

How Will Acton Nurture My Child—and Yours Too

I know my son—he’s full of potential but needs to figure things out on his own. He’s already achieved most first grade standards and I know sitting in a desk and waiting to be told what to do will bore him to tears and he’ll learn to hate learning. That would be the worst.

Maybe yours are the same.

At Acton, our Guides don’t hover or dictate; they ask big questions, guiding kids to set goals and discover answers. With tools like Khan Academy and Lexia, my child will master skills when he’s ready, not when a bell rings. The multi-age studio means he’ll learn from older peers and mentor younger ones, building confidence I can’t wait to witness.

Coming from Montessori and entering Acton in first grade, it’ll be an easier adjustment for him than it will be for other families with more traditional school experience, but I’m betting that freedom will unlock something amazing in all of them. Whether your child is a go-getter or needs a little encouragement, I’m inviting you to join us and watch them soar.

What Will Our Kids Gain Every Day?

Picture this: you drop your child off at our Mason campus, and they kick off with focused work—math, reading, whatever lights them up—using tech and real tools that help them develop skills instead of just test scores.

After lunch and plenty of outdoor play (because we know they need it!), they’ll team up for Quests that feel like play but teach grit and teamwork. No assigned homework to weigh them down, schoolwork that children do at home is work they choose because they’ve set goals on Monday and want to stay on track, because on Friday, badges, not grades, will mark their victories.

I’m counting the days until I hear my kid chatter about their latest project over dinner—and I want that for your family too.

Doesn’t that sound like the kind of day our kids deserve?

Will Acton Set Our Kids Up for Greatness?

As a dad, I obsess over protecting my child’s curious mind, defending his psychological safety, and setting him up now for the future—will they be ready for what’s next?

As Acton’s owner, I’ve seen how our global network of over 300 schools produces kids who don’t just survive but thrive. My child will leave the elementary Discovery Studio with rock-solid core skills, plus the problem-solving and resilience the world demands. I’m not worried about test scores—I’m thrilled he’ll grow into a thinker and doer, along with all the other children who attend Acton Academy North Cincinnati.

Join us, and let’s give our kids a head start on a future that’s theirs to shape.

What Do We Need to Know to Jump In?

We’re launching in Mason this fall, and giving tours of our new space behind Starbucks, Across from P&G—perfect for families like ours. Tuition for our first year will sit right at $10,000, and we’re giving founding families a 10% lifetime discount—a steal compared to many private schools, and we’re building a scholarship fund with the Warren County Foundation to make it work for more of us.

With only 11 spots left in the Discovery Studio for grades 1-5, I’m urging you to grab an info kit at actoncincynorth.com and book a tour now. I’m saving a place for my child—and I’d love to save one for yours too.

Does Acton Match What We Want for Our Kids?

For me, it’s about raising a child who’s curious, kind, and brave. Acton isn’t religious, but we honor all paths to divinity and weaves character and ethics into everything—no preaching, just real growth. I want my son to relate to folks from other religions, not fear them, and work with others to embrace struggle and come out stronger, and that’s what we’re offering here. If you’re like me—craving a school that celebrates your child’s spirit—I’m inviting you to be part of this with us.

Let’s Start This Journey Together

It’s officially Spring, 2025, and I’m counting down to fall.

As the owner, I’m pouring my heart into Acton Academy North Cincinnati. As a parent, I’m choosing it for my own child because I believe in it that much. I want our kids to love learning, to see themselves as heroes, and to step boldly into their futures.

Head to actoncincynorth.com, download the info kit, and come see what we’re building. Let’s make this the year our families say yes to something extraordinary—together.

With spots filling fast, I’m ready to welcome my child—and yours. Will you join us?

Talk soon,

Joshua Blatman