Acton Academy of Bergen County
General Information
Overview
Acton Academy of Bergen County is a progressive private school located in Ridgewood, New Jersey, designed to empower students through self-directed learning and real-world exploration. The academy follows the innovative Acton learning model, which blends project-based education, Socratic discussions, and technology-driven experiences. It focuses on nurturing each student’s individual curiosity, creativity, and leadership potential rather than relying on traditional lectures and grading systems.
The school’s philosophy centers on the idea that every child is a genius with a unique calling in life and that education should inspire, not dictate, learning. At Acton Academy of Bergen County, students are called “heroes,” emphasizing personal accountability and growth. They learn through hands-on projects, goal-setting, and collaboration, developing practical life skills alongside academic mastery. With small class sizes, a nurturing environment, and a vibrant community of learners, Acton prepares its students to become lifelong learners, confident innovators, and compassionate leaders who are ready to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Contact Informations
Address: 100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone Number: (201) 857-4001
Email Address: info@actonbergen.org
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2019 |
| Motto | “Find a Calling. Change the World.” |
| School Type | Private, Independent |
| Grades | Elementary through Middle School |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10:1 |
| Accreditation | Acton Academy Network |
Acton Academy of Bergen County Rankings
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| State Ranking (New Jersey) | Top 20 Innovative Schools |
| National Ranking | Top 50 Progressive Learning Institutions |
Acton Academy of Bergen County Academics
Acton Academy of Bergen County Faculties / Departments
- Elementary Studio
- Middle School Studio
- Core Skills Department (Math, Reading, Writing)
- Civilization and History Department
- Science and Discovery Department
- Art and Design Department
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lab
Acton Academy of Bergen County Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core Math and Language Arts Programs
- Socratic Discussions and Critical Thinking
- Entrepreneurial Quest and Financial Literacy
- Science and Engineering Projects
- Global Citizenship and Humanities
- Art, Music, and Creative Design
- Outdoor Education and Wellness
- Technology and Coding Foundations
Online Learning
Acton Academy of Bergen County offers flexible online learning opportunities as part of its blended education model. Using digital tools such as Khan Academy, Google Workspace, and online discussion forums, students can pursue self-paced studies that reinforce classroom learning. Online learning also enables collaboration among students from other Acton schools worldwide, encouraging global engagement and exposure.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT (Projected for High School Continuation) | 1250 |
| ACT (Projected) | 27 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Acton Academy of Bergen County maintains a student retention rate of approximately 96%, reflecting strong satisfaction among families and students. Though the school currently serves elementary and middle school students, graduates who continue to high school programs within the Acton network consistently achieve exceptional outcomes in college readiness and innovation-oriented fields.
Acton Academy of Bergen County Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As Acton Academy of Bergen County focuses on holistic growth, it does not require standardized GPA or SAT/ACT scores for admission. Instead, student motivation, curiosity, and family alignment with Acton’s philosophy play key roles in the selection process.
Acton Academy of Bergen County Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 65% |
Acton Academy of Bergen County Application Requirements
Admission to Acton Academy of Bergen County involves a personalized and thoughtful process. Families are encouraged to share their educational values and vision for their child’s learning journey. Applicants participate in interviews, learning challenges, and family meetings to ensure the school environment aligns with their goals. Rather than focusing on academic scores, Acton seeks students who are eager to explore, lead, and learn through inquiry and action.
Application Process
- Submit the initial inquiry form or online application
- Attend a parent information session
- Schedule a family interview with the admissions team
- Complete the learner profile and activity challenge
- Await admission decision and enrollment confirmation
Acton Academy of Bergen County Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | November 1 |
| Priority Deadline | March 15 |
| Family Interviews | February–April |
| Final Decisions | May 1 |
Essay Prompt
“Describe a time when you discovered something on your own. How did it change your understanding of yourself or the world around you?”
Acton Academy of Bergen County Scholarships
While Acton Academy of Bergen County operates as a private institution, it offers limited need-based financial aid to families who demonstrate financial hardship. The scholarship program aims to make the school’s unique learning model accessible to a wider range of students.
Acton Academy of Bergen County Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Elementary Studio | $12,000 |
| Middle School Studio | $13,500 |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Enrollment Deposit | $500 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Acton Academy of Bergen County’s diverse community includes students of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The student body typically consists of 51% male and 49% female learners, aged between 6 and 14 years. The school prides itself on fostering inclusivity, respect, and global awareness, encouraging every student to share their perspectives and learn from one another’s experiences.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Acton Academy of Bergen County actively supports inclusion and accessibility. Students with disabilities receive individualized attention through small group settings and flexible learning approaches. For low-income families, the school provides financial aid options to ensure equitable access to its educational programs.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 120 |
| International Students | 5% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10:1 |
University Diversity
Diversity at Acton Academy of Bergen County is one of its defining strengths. The school community represents a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating an environment where collaboration and empathy thrive. Students learn to appreciate different viewpoints through Socratic discussions, service projects, and international connections. The academy fosters a global mindset, ensuring that learners grow into compassionate, open-minded citizens ready to engage with the world’s challenges.
Average Earnings
While Acton Academy of Bergen County does not track alumni earnings due to its focus on K–8 education, graduates who continue through Acton’s network often pursue higher education in top universities and go on to excel in entrepreneurship, engineering, and social innovation. The school’s unique model develops adaptable thinkers who often build successful and fulfilling careers across various industries.
Acton Academy of Bergen County Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The educators at Acton Academy of Bergen County are known as “guides” rather than traditional teachers. These guides are facilitators of learning who encourage inquiry, creativity, and self-motivation. With backgrounds in education, psychology, business, and the arts, they bring diverse expertise to the classroom. The school employs approximately 15 dedicated faculty and staff members who collaborate closely to support every learner’s journey.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at Acton Academy of Bergen County includes highly qualified professionals with experience in innovative and experiential education. Many guides have received training through the Acton Academy Network and hold degrees from top universities. They are passionate about helping students discover their purpose, develop resilience, and embrace lifelong learning.
Acton Academy of Bergen County Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Acton Academy of Bergen County’s campus in Ridgewood features modern, open learning spaces designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Classrooms are flexible and technology-integrated, allowing for project-based and experiential learning. While the school does not provide housing, it offers a rich variety of clubs, art programs, community service initiatives, and entrepreneurial projects that help students explore their interests beyond the classroom.
Transportation
The school’s convenient location in Ridgewood offers easy access by car and public transit. Parents can drop off and pick up students safely using designated zones, and several local transportation options make the campus accessible to families in neighboring towns. The school also encourages carpooling and community-based commuting solutions to reduce environmental impact.