Naperville family opens their own school
When the Curtis Family of Naperville couldn't find the perfect school for their young children to attend, they decided to open their own.
Paul and Gina Curtis, parents of four, are bringing a new kind of school to Naperville and surrounding communities.
Arrow Academy is one of 270 Acton Academies located throughout the world. The original Acton Academy was started in Austin, Texas, over a decade ago by a couple who dreamed up the ideal school for their children. The school has caught the attention of families and educational innovators all over the world during the last decade. Each independent Acton school was founded by parents who believe there is a better way to educate their children and help other like-minded families in their community.
What makes this school unique?
Arrow Academy is truly learner-driven. This means that children are in charge of their learning and the space that they do it in. Each learner has a personalized learning plan and sets individual goals for their learning.
Instead of teachers, the school has "guides." Guides do just want it to sound like - they guide learners in the learning journey. They serve as coaches and resources instead of lecturers or evaluators. They are there to set up "guardrails" and ensure learning is safe and constructive. The tools used for learning and the learners themselves are more effective than one single teacher can be.
You won't find homework or tests at Arrow Academy. The time dedicated to learning during school hours, the tools used, and the way those tools are implemented is powerful and effective enough that students don't need to spend hours continuing to practice. Students earn badges to show that they've mastered the material they're studying. Additionally, learners demonstrate what they know through public exhibitions of their work. At the end of each academic session, learners invite their families and the community to see and evaluate the work they've done.
If you're looking for proof that this model works, Acton learners are regularly scoring two grade-levels higher on standardized tests than their traditionally schooled peers. More importantly, the feedback that Actons get from parents is that their children love learning again. They're excited to go to school. Parents see their children being joyful, curious, and successful in their learning. And that means so much more than any test score ever could!
Arrow Academy is located on the campus of Northern Illinois University in Naperville: 1120 Diehl Road Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60563, www.arrowacton.com
Arrow Academy is a private prekindergarten to eighth grade Montessori-inspired school in Naperville. Arrow Academy is registered with the Illinois State Board of Education and accredited by the International Association of Learner Driven Schools. The school is offering three programs for the 2021-2022 school year - a lower elementary program, an upper elementary program, and a middle school. Arrow Academy will open a high school program as learners grow.