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We know choosing the right learning environment is a big decision
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about CHOICE—our philosophy, daily life, expectations, and more.
FAQs
Will children be grouped into grades?
No.
We believe that children learn best when working with younger and older children rather than split into groups based solely on age. As they work together, they become a tribe that mentors one another. Core skills (reading, writing, math, languages) are all individualized, and learners work simultaneously on their goals.
What that looks like: We have a studio for children ages 4-7 that follows a Montessori and Reggio Emilia learning style. Ages 7-10 follow an Acton Academy style of learning, full of challenges, creativity, and self-governance. Ages 11-14 continue to follow an Acton Academy style of learning while incorporating passion driven learning.
How do I know if my child is learning?
There are no A,B,C,D, and F grades at CHOICE. Learning is measured in a much more meaningful way. Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by assembling portfolios, taking part in public exhibitions, earning points for effort, and earning mastery badges.
Portfolios: Learners build electronic and hard copy portfolios as they compile rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative work.
Exhibitions: Public exhibitions at the end of most Quests allow young heroes to present work to parents, experts, customers, or the public.
Points: Learners earn points based on effort (which is objectively measured with activity tracking.)
Badges: Badges measure mastery. Most importantly, badges celebrate the progress of the learner. Badges are earned in core skills such as reading, writing, math and spelling. Character development is measured with “Learn to Be” badges.
We offer the Iowa national standardized test yearly for any child who wants to take it.
Is CHOICE a religious school?
No. The founders of CHOICE have a strong and active faith in God as our Creator and Heavenly Father, and in His son Jesus Christ. We also believe that family is the center of a child’s life, and the home is the best place to teach religious principles and doctrine. CHOICE teaches moral principles of honesty, integrity, hard work, compassion, and charity. CHOICE leaves religious doctrines and principles for the family to teach.
Polictics?
Families that belong to CHOICE love liberty so much that their children are free to have discussions without an adult authority. CHOICE is a learner-led education environment. Employees (adults) with CHOICE, promise to be Socratic in nature with the learners and refrain from sharing anything political or religious. Employees do not intervene in political or religious discussions amongst learners, as they are free to question and discuss any subject while at CHOICE.
What is a learner-driven environment?
A learner-driven environment is a carefully designed educational environment that allows students to take an active role in their own education, to make choices about what they will study and how they will study under the guidance of a teacher (Guide) who knows each student personally. Teachers (Guides) still have a very important role to play in the learner-driven environment. However, instead of functioning as “sages on stages,” they participate in the learning process as a coach and guide students as they work independently and together.
Is CHOICE a private school?
CHOICE is an independent school, which is not government financed or government directed. CHOICE wants each child to follow their own learning journey. Learning goals are created by each child, with input from the child's greatest mentors - their parents. CHOICE supports the goals chosen by each family. Children at CHOICE learn life-long habits that help with excellence and self-governance. CHOICE does not receive government funding in order to remain independent and free to innovate. This is really how CHOICE is able to operate such a unique learning environment. Parents however, are able to apply for grants or scholarships in order to assist in paying tuition.
Is there any financial assistance?
Families have used Carson Smith’s Children’s Education Fund Scholarship, Harmony Educational Services, OpenEd, and Utah Fits All to help pay tuition.
Does CHOICE serve children with special needs?
All people are heroes that have challenges to overcome. Some children may struggle in a traditional learning environment, yet thrive at CHOICE.
We may not be able to serve all children with learning challenges. Our school is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you have questions about your specific learner.
Is CHOICE an accredited school?
CHOICE is an accredited lschool through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
What is an Acton Academy?
The first Acton Academy was created by Laura and Jeff Sandefer in Austin, Texas in 2009. As of 2025, there are more than 350 schools that use the Acton Academy model to assist in independent learning.
If you would like to find out more about Acton Academy, please request an info kit.
Parental Involvement
CHOICE sees the family as central to a child’s education, it is our philosophy that the family (not the school) is responsible for a child’s education.
Parents participate in goal-setting and yearly planning meetings with the school to help guide their child’s learning direction.
The Parent Contract requires parents to “acknowledge personal responsibility,” trust the self‑paced learning process, and support their child in a learner-driven way at home, rather than solving their child’s problems for them.
Parents are also expected to meaningfully engage: attend exhibitions, read weekly communications, respond when asked, give feedback, and model respect within the community.
Our philosophy emphasizes mentorship over control: parents should allow their children to “fail early, cheaply, and as often as necessary” and resist intervening directly in challenges, instead guiding conversations about tools and strategies.
Sibling Tuition
CHOICE keeps our tuition as low as possible, for all students. We therefore do not offer any multiple student/sibling or paid-in full discounts.