Ready to Change the World?

Become a Guide at Excella: An Acton Academy

We’re seeking a passionate, entrepreneurial Apprentice Guide to empower learners in our innovative, learner-driven school to find their calling and change the world.

Position

Kinder/Spark (4–7) & Elementary (7–11) Apprentice Guide

Job Type

Full-time

Start Date

August 1, 2026

Location

In-person

Salary

$25,016 – $56,000 / year

Why This is Not a Teaching Job

Traditional schools focus on conveying information. We focus on enabling transformation. As a Guide, you don't lecture; you curate an environment where learners discover their own callings.

Entrepreneurial Freedom

Build and lead a studio culture. You are the CEO of your classroom, supported by a world-class network.

Mission-Driven Work

Directly impact the lives of children by helping them find their unique strengths and passions.

Intellectual Challenge

Master the Socratic method and game theory to create compelling learning experiences.

The Acton Academy Model

Mixed-Age Studios

Learners progress together, fostering peer mentorship and social dynamic.

Self-Paced Learning

Using adaptive technology for core skills, ensuring mastery before moving on.

Real-World Quests

Project-based learning that tackles real problems, culminating in public exhibitions.

No Grades or Tests

Replaced by mastery badges, portfolios, and exhibition of work.

Your Mission as a Guide

The Lead Guide is the heartbeat of our Elementary studio. You are responsible for setting the tone, managing the energy, and creating the challenges that allow learners to grow.
Your goal is to eventually become obsolete—to guide the learners so well that they can run the studio themselves.

Your Mission as a Guide

The Lead Guide is the heartbeat of our Elementary studio. You are responsible for setting the tone, managing the energy, and creating the challenges that allow learners to grow.

Your goal is to eventually become obsolete—to guide the learners so well that they can run the studio themselves.

Key Responsibilities

Instead of creating lesson plans, you will:

Prepare the learning environment (The Studio).
Lead Socratic discussions (Launches).
Create and curate 'Quests' (projects).
Coach learners in goal setting and accountability.
Maintain studio culture and the Contract of Promises.
Communicate learner progress to parents via portfolios.

Ideal Candidate

Are you the guide we're looking for?

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Adaptable, resilient, and thrives in dynamic environments.
Passion for Education: A genuine belief that children are capable of greatness.
Strong Communication Skills: Clear, professional, and inspiring verbal and written communication.
Independent & Adaptable: Takes ownership of work and embraces new ideas and feedback.
Kind But Firm Personality: Can provide warm support while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.

Skills & Experience

THE MUST-HAVES (Required)

Experience working with children (4–11 years old preferred).
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated love of lifelong learning.

THE BONUS (Preferred)

Experience in mentoring or coaching young people.
Familiarity with project-based learning.
Entrepreneurial experience.
Proficiency with technology and online learning platforms

Compensation & Details

Salary Range

$25,016 – $56,000/year, depending on experience and role progression.

Role Type

Full-time position.

Schedule

Monday – Friday.

Work Setting

In-person, at our school location.

Growth & Impact

Become Lead Guide

Take on leadership for a specific studio, guiding learners with more autonomy.

Open Your Own Acton Community

Learn the tools and processes to launch and lead your own Acton community.

Take Leadership Roles

Expand your impact through operational leadership or curriculum design within our growing network.

How Learning Actually Happens Here

A Learner Driven School

Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms.
Mentor teams encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable.

21st Century Learning

The latest in educational tools and technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.

Measuring Mastery

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions.

Parents use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in “Learn to Be” Badges.
Portfolios and the Journey Tracker (our internal goal-setting and tracking software) captures rough drafts, photos, and other creative work.
Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers or the public for a real world test.

A Tribe of Learners

We operate on a "Contract of Promises"—mutual agreements made by learners and guides that define how we treat one another. Accountability is driven by peers, not authority.

You will join a tight-knit community of guides across the global Acton network, sharing resources and support.

"Acton Academy is the future of education. It unleashes human potential in a way that traditional schooling simply cannot."
— Quote from Jeff Sandefer, Acton Academy Co-Founder