01
Bilingual from Day One
Spanish and English are part of everyday studio life, building communication skills, confidence and cultural curiosity.
Our approach
What Makes Us Different
02
Maker Quests at the Core
Hands-on STEM, design and engineering challenges invite learners to create, test, reflect and try again.
03
Citizens of the World
Through curiosity, collaboration and meaningful projects, learners build the courage to make a difference.
Spark & Elementary Studios · Ages 4–11
Learning Powered by Curiosity
From purposeful play in Spark Studio to independent quests in Elementary, children learn at their own pace, build confidence, and grow as curious, capable heroes.
Discover our two studios →
“We don't just teach children two languages. We raise children who belong to two worlds, and are ready to lead in both.”
Start the journey
A Small Studio. Big Possibilities.
Explore our values, learn about our approach, and discover whether Learning Casita is the right fit for your family.
Meet our educators
Meet Our Guides
Meet the people supporting our heroes on their learning journeys in Spark and Elementary Studios.
Camila Richey (Ms. Cami)
Spark Studio Lead Guide · Ages 4–6
Ms. Cami is the Spark Lead Guide at Learning Casita: An Acton Academy. Originally from Colombia, she is a native Spanish speaker passionate about bilingual education, Montessori, and nature-based learning.
With a background in Business Management and Montessori education, Ms. Cami is passionate about creating an environment where children develop independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. She believes every child has unique gifts to discover and the potential to become a confident, lifelong learner.
She holds an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma from the North American Montessori Center and a Positive Phrasing certificate from the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Inspired by the Acton philosophy, she guides learners as they take ownership of their journeys, embrace challenges, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Kaleib Richey (Mr. Richey)
Elementary Studio Guide · Ages 6–11
Mr. Richey is the Elementary Studio Guide at Learning Casita: An Acton Academy. With a background in Spanish and experience as a high school Spanish teacher, he brings a passion for language, culture, and hands-on learning.
Having lived in Mexico for two years, Mr. Richey developed a deep appreciation for cultural immersion and meaningful learning experiences. As a soccer coach, he also values teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Inspired by the Acton philosophy, he is committed to guiding learners as they take ownership of their education, develop strong character, solve problems, and discover their unique gifts. He also holds certifications in dyslexia training, mental health training, and blended learning.
Outside the studio, Mr. Richey enjoys sports and spending time with his family.
The Acton philosophy
The Hero's Journey
In a hero's journey, challenges become opportunities to grow. Each learner discovers their strengths, practices resilience, and takes increasing ownership of their path.
Children are heroes, not students.
We don't teach children what to think. We create the conditions for them to discover how to think, and who they want to become.
Guides, not lecturers.
Our adults are guides on the journey, not lecturers at the front of a room. They ask questions, challenge assumptions, and believe in each child's capacity to figure things out.
Learning is intrinsically motivated.
When children choose their goals, track their progress, and experience the real satisfaction of mastery, they don't need to be pushed. They run.
How we work together
Studio Promises & Contracts
One of the most powerful things we do at Learning Casita is ask children to create their own rules. From the very first days of the school year, learners gather to discuss, debate, and draft their Studio Promises, the agreements that govern how they treat each other and how they work.
Created by learners, not adults.
The Studio Promises are not handed down from on high. They are written by the children themselves, through Socratic discussion and genuine negotiation.
Enforced by the community.
When a promise is broken, it's the learners, not the guides, who address it. This builds real accountability, real empathy, and real ownership.
Renewed every year.
Each new school year begins with a fresh conversation. What do we want our studio to feel like? What do we owe each other? The answers evolve as the children grow.
Why Learning Casita
What Makes Us Different
01Bilingual Spanish–English studio: fluency built into every day
02Hands-on STEM challenges and maker projects at the core
03Global citizenship woven into quests and projects
04Self-directed, mastery-based progression
05Mixed-age learning community (ages 6–11)
06A small, intentional community in NE San Antonio, TX
The Acton Academy commitment
Our Mission, Beliefs & Promises
Learning Casita is committed to the mission, beliefs, and promises that unite learner-driven Acton Academy communities around the world.
Our mission
To inspire each person who enters our doors to discover a calling that changes the world.
Our Beliefs
- Every person has a gift with the potential to make a profound difference.
- Learning means learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
- A close community of lifelong learners helps us grow.
- Economic, political, and religious freedom matter.
Our Promises
- Embark on a Hero's Journey.
- Recognize unique gifts and commit to mastery.
- Grow into curious, independent, lifelong learners.
- Build strong character through challenges and choices.
- Appreciate the arts, nature, and the mysteries of life.
- Value economic, political, and religious freedom.
Learn more from Acton Academy's official Mission, Beliefs & Promises ↗. The statements above are adapted for readability.
Come See It for Yourself.
The best way to understand Learning Casita is to experience it. Request an Info Kit or reach out to schedule a visit. We'd love to meet your family.
Learning grows with your child
A Place to Belong, Explore, and Become.
Each studio meets children where they are. Younger learners develop independence through purposeful play and exploration; older learners build academic mastery, collaboration, and responsibility through meaningful work.
Mixed-age community
Children practice learning with, helping, and being inspired by peers at different stages.
Guides who ask questions
Adults create a supportive environment and encourage learners to think, choose, and reflect.
Bilingual by design
Spanish and English are woven into a welcoming daily studio experience.
Ages 4–6 · Early childhood
Spark Studio
Where wonder becomes the beginning of independence.
Our Spark Studio is inspired by Montessori principles and Acton's emphasis on joyful, self-directed discovery. Children learn through purposeful play, hands-on materials, movement, stories, art, and outdoor exploration.
The focus is on confidence and readiness: caring for themselves and their environment, developing friendships, practicing kindness, and discovering the foundations of language and number sense.
- Hands-on Montessori-inspired work and imaginative play
- Early reading, writing, and math readiness at an individual pace
- Creative expression, music, nature, and sensory discovery
- Independence, emotional regulation, and collaboration
Ages 6–11 · Elementary
Elementary Studio
Where young heroes take ownership of meaningful work.
Elementary learners develop mastery in reading, writing, and math through personal goals and self-paced practice. They learn to ask powerful questions and take on increasingly ambitious projects alongside their peers.
Socratic discussions, hands-on STEM and maker quests, peer collaboration, and shared Studio Promises develop critical thinking, character, and real-world problem-solving.
- Individual goal setting and mastery-based academic progress
- Hands-on STEM, engineering, design, and project-based quests
- Socratic dialogue, communication, and collaborative problem-solving
- Leadership, accountability, and community agreements
Growing at every stage
One Journey, Each Child's Own Pace.
The ages above describe Learning Casita's planned studios. Placement and readiness are considered individually, especially where age ranges meet at six years old.
Discover the Right Studio for Your Family.
We'd love to learn about your child and answer your questions about our bilingual, learner-driven approach.
Educational approach informed by Acton Academy's official studio model and Acton Academy FAQs. Studio ages and local programming reflect Learning Casita's stated plans.
Recommended reading
Books for the Journey
Courage to Grow
Laura Sandefer
An introduction to the Acton Academy learning philosophy and the power of trusting children.
Free to Learn
Peter Gray
Explores the role of play, autonomy and self-directed learning in child development.
The Self-Driven Child
William Stixrud & Ned Johnson
Practical ideas for supporting autonomy, motivation and resilience.
Mindset
Carol S. Dweck
Understand growth mindset and why the learning process matters.
Hunt, Gather, Parent
Michaeleen Doucleff
A perspective on encouraging capable, collaborative and responsible children.
The Coddling of the American Mind
Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt
Ideas for cultivating resilience and independent thinking.
Understand the model
Explore the Philosophy
The Hero's Journey
A framework for growth through challenges, reflection and discovery.
Explore the Hero's Journey ↗Self-Directed Learning
Learners set goals, track progress and take ownership with supportive guides.
Discover the Learning Model ↗
Enrollment FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Who is Learning Casita for?
Learning Casita is designed for children in our Spark Studio (ages 4–6) and Elementary Studio (ages 6–11) who are curious, self-motivated, and ready for a different kind of school experience. We welcome families from all backgrounds who share a belief that children are capable of more than traditional schooling asks of them.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day begins with a morning launch, a brief community gathering where learners set their intentions for the day. In Elementary, core skills time includes self-paced math and reading programs. Afternoons are often devoted to hands-on quests and project-based challenges. Spark learners enjoy age-appropriate hands-on exploration, play, and foundational skills. The day closes with reflection. Daily routines vary by studio.
Is Learning Casita accredited?
Learning Casita follows the learner-driven Acton Academy approach. School affiliation and accreditation are not the same thing. Please contact us for the current accreditation status and any specific enrollment or homeschooling requirements for your family.
How do children progress without grades?
Learners track their own progress through mastery-based systems. They advance when they demonstrate mastery, not when the calendar says so. Tools may include Khan Academy and other adaptive platforms, with learner portfolios that document their growth. Progress is visible, meaningful, and owned by the child.
What is the role of the guide?
Guides at Learning Casita are not teachers in the traditional sense. They do not primarily lecture or deliver content. Instead, they ask questions, set up challenges, facilitate Socratic discussions, and create the conditions for children to discover things for themselves. A guide’s job is to believe in each child’s capacity, and to never give away what a learner can find on their own.
How do I apply or learn more?
The best first step is to request an Info Kit. We’ll send you information about our model, schedule, and enrollment process. From there, we invite families to connect with us and learn more about the studio. Use the button below or visit our Contact page to reach out directly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Get in Touch
Email
[email protected]
Location
NE San Antonio, TX
Serving families across NE San Antonio, TX.
Response time
We aim to reply within one business day.
Not sure where to start?
Request the Info Kit for an introduction to the studio and enrollment process.
Request Info Kit →
How it works
A Simple, Thoughtful Process
Request Your Info Kit
Begin by requesting an Info Kit to learn about our studios and enrollment process.
We Review & Reach Out
Our team responds to your request and shares the next steps for your family.
Family Conversation
We discuss expectations, the learner-driven model and your questions.
Welcome to the Studio
We share enrollment steps with families offered a place.
Ready to Apply?
Our online application is almost ready. Request the Info Kit or contact us and we'll send you the application as soon as it opens.
Request Your Info Kit
We'll be in touch within one business day.