Inside, a group of kids are doing something that looks nothing like the classrooms most of us grew up in, no teacher at the front, no rows of desks, no grades. Instead? Students tracking their own goals, mentoring each other across age groups, and building actual things while adults step back and let them lead.

Current families call it "life-changing." So we sat down with Dani Foltz, the Co-Founder, Head of School, and Lead Guide at Acton Academy Venice Beach, to find out what's really going on in there, and whether this whole "Hero's Journey" thing is as cool (and rigorous) as parents say it is.

Dani: We're a learner-driven K–12 micro school where students embark on what we call their Hero's Journey, basically, they're learning how to become curious, independent thinkers who love learning for its own sake. We're all about "learning by doing," so everything here is project-based and hands-on. Kids work through core academics, math, reading, writing, history, geography, but always within a real-world context. They're building, creating, debating, and presenting constantly.

We're currently rebuilding post-COVID—like a lot of little community gems, we lost about 23 families who moved away from LA during that time. Right now we’re at 14 students total, and we have space for up to 30 learners, which means you get a super focused, intimate environment where kids are truly known.

We meet Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM, right here on Lincoln Boulevard. You can find us at actonvenice.org or follow along on Instagram @actonvenice.

Dani: We don't have teachers in the traditional sense, we have Guides. And Guides don't lecture from the front of the room. Instead, they act as coaches, game makers, and culture-builders. They circulate, observe, redirect when needed, and support goal-setting and conflict resolution. But the students? They're doing the deep work, the thinking, the discussions, the decision-making.

It's a big mindset shift for families at first, but once you see it in action, it clicks. The kids are so much more engaged when they're not just being told what to do.

Dani: You'd probably see:

You wouldn't see a Guide teaching from the front. You'd see them coaching quietly, asking questions, helping a student think through a problem, not solving it for them.

Dani: All types of young learners usually do well here, especially when they come to us early, because we have such a focus on finding joy in learning.

But if a learner comes to us later, like late middle school or high school, the ones who thrive most are typically:

That said, some students struggle at first if they need frequent prompting, heavy structure, or continual external validation. But most grow into the model with time and support. We've seen kids blossom once they realize they're in charge of their own learning.

Dani: Great question, because rigor is huge here, it just looks different. We emphasize mastery-based learning, which means skills are truly mastered, not just "covered." Students move at their own pace through individualized learning pathways. If you haven't mastered something, you don't move on, simple as that.

We use structured practice tools and learning technology to build foundational skills, and then students apply what they've learned through real projects. For writing, we do cycles of drafting, feedback, revision, and then public exhibition. Kids present their work to peers, parents, and sometimes the wider community. That accountability is what drives the quality up.

There are no grades here, just mastery. And trust me, students know where they stand.

Dani: Oh, absolutely. And we don't shy away from it, we lean in. Students build social-emotional skills through things like:

The goal is for students to handle their own conflicts, regulate their emotions, and repair relationships without an adult swooping in to fix everything. It's hard at first, but the growth we see is incredible.

Dani: The best-fit parents tend to be folks who:

If you're the kind of parent who wants to see your kid build resilience, time management, and self-awareness, even if the path there looks messy, you'll probably love it here. If you need constant reassurance through grades and gold stars, it might feel like a big leap.

Dani: Our learners transition into all kinds of pathways:

What we hear most often from families is that students leave with strong time management skills, emotional maturity, a solid sense of self, and the confidence to communicate with adults and peers. Whether they're heading to college or a gap year or straight into work, they're ready.

Dani: Parents are always shocked by how quickly learners grow into independence and ownership. They're also surprised by the maturity that develops in a mixed-age culture, when 12-year-olds are mentoring 6-year-olds, everyone rises to the occasion.

And here's the thing parents don't expect: the rigor. There are no grades, but the accountability is real. Students are responsible to themselves and to their peers. That's often more powerful than a report card.

Oh, and families notice that their kids start using the language of goals, time management, and problem-solving at home. It's pretty wild to hear a 9-year-old say, "I need to set better boundaries around my deep work time." 😂

Dani: Head to actonvenice.org to learn more about our philosophy, schedule a tour, or reach out with questions. You can also follow us on Instagram @actonvenice to see what daily life looks like here.

Acton Academy Venice Beach isn't for everyone: and that's okay. But if you've got a kid who's curious, independent, or just craving something different than rows and worksheets, it's worth checking out.

With just 14 students and a whole lot of trust in young people's ability to lead their own learning, this tiny school on Lincoln Boulevard is quietly doing something pretty remarkable. Current parents rave about it. And now you know it exists.

Acton Academy Venice Beach
2210 Lincoln Blvd, Venice
M–F, 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM
actonvenice.org
@actonvenice

Looking for more unconventional school options in the area? Check out our guide to LAUSD's alternative learning programs or browse the Venice Rising calendar for family events and workshops.

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