Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you serve?

We currently serve children ages 3 years - 5th grade. We are expanding to 6th grade in fall 2023 and will add 7th grade in 2024 and 8th grade the year thereafter.

How is Ethos affiliated with Acton Academy and Montessori?

The Ethos School is part of a network of 300+ Acton Academies around the world.

Our Spark Studio (ages 3-6) is an authentic Montessori primary environment, which serves as the ideal foundation for incorporation of a hybrid Acton Academy & Montessori approach in the Discovery Studio (ages 6-9yrs). The Discovery Studio utilizes a traditional Montessori environment for Core Skills learning with integration of cutting-edge, hands-on project-based learning and Socratic discussions. In principle and philosophy, The Ethos School is in alignment with the Montessori method at all stages of learning. As we expand to include an Explorer Studio (ages 9-12yrs), Montessori principles will remain intact with a deeper focus on self-paced adaptive technology, Socratic guidance, Project-Based Learning, and Apprenticeships beginning in Middle School.

What is your tuition?

Spark Studio (ages 3-6yrs):

5 full days (8:30am-3:00pm) $895/mo

5 half days (8:30am-12:00pm) $745/mo

3 full days (8:30am-3:00pm) $795/mo

3 half days (8:30am-12:00pm) $700/mo

Discovery Studio (ages 6-9yrs):

5 days (8:30am-3:00pm) $995/mo

Explorer Studio (ages 9-12yrs):

5 days (8:30am-3:00pm) $995/mo

*10% Sibling discount

Before-care: 7:45am-8:30am $100/mo

After-care: 3:00pm-5:00pm $200/mo

How long is The Ethos School in session each year and what is the school calendar?

We operate on a 10.5month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together throughout the year.

Does The Ethos School serve children with disabilities?

We are not trained or staffed to serve children with serious learning disabilities, neurodivergent, or who need specialized attention. We treat each and every situation individually, so if you are interested in The Ethos School and believe it is a great fit for your family, please inquire and we will personally assess your unique situation and the fit of your learner.

Will children be grouped into grades?

We believe that children learn best when learning in a multi-age studio with opportunities to share and model for children younger, as well as children older, than themselves. In addition to individualized curriculum, mixed age groups work and learn together.

Is The Ethos School accredited?

Yes, the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.

What do you mean by a learner-driven classroom?

At The Ethos School, we believe in Learning to Be and Learning to Do. An important piece of this is encouraging young people to take responsibility for themselves and hold those around them to a high standard. When something isn’t working, we want our learners to work together to solve the problem, not look for an adult to solve it for them. This creates a sense of independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency that will serve them well in all areas of life, today and tomorrow.

What do you mean by a "Hero's Journey"?

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose in order to live a fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for this special journey.

Is The Ethos School a religious school?

While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and examine the historical importance of religion to the development of Civilization, we do not promote any one religion, while deeply respecting different religious beliefs.

How is individualized self-paced learning possible?

We provide a marriage of timeless Montessori education blended with a 21st century learning environment using the latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading, writing, math, and elective courses. Learners are placed according to ability so that our program can meet the child exactly where they are. Children move on to the next level only after the content has been mastered, which ensures there are no learning gaps.

Without homework and frequent test-taking, how do I know my child is learning?

Learning at The Ethos School goes beyond traditional metrics of grades and test scores. Our learners demonstrate and celebrate mastery of subjects by earning badges, tracking weekly progression as a measure of effort, and presenting their work to the community regularly through public exhibitions as real-world tests. Moreover, through the use of self-paced learning, parents can access progress via badges in areas like reading, writing, and math. The IOWA standardized test will also be offered as part of exposing them to a real-world experience.