Frequently asked questions

Real questions from real parents. Read this first.

Start Here: What is Flourish All About?

  • We are a learner-driven, mixed-age learning program for children aged 3–18, designed to nurture independence, curiosity, and real-world readiness—without traditional teachers, grades, or exams.

  • Acton Academies are a global network of learner-driven schools founded on the belief that every child is on a Hero’s Journey to discover their gifts and make a meaningful impact in the world.

    The first Acton Academy was launched in Austin, Texas in 2009 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer—a successful entrepreneur and a former teacher—who wanted something radically better for their own children. They created a school with no teachers, no homework, no grades, and instead focused on purpose, mastery, independence, and real-world work.

    Today, there are over 300 Acton Academies worldwide, each independently owned and operated, but aligned by shared principles such as:

    • Learner-driven studios, not teacher-led classrooms

    • Mixed-age groupings that promote collaboration, leadership, and peer accountability

    • Real-world Quests, Socratic discussions, and apprenticeships

    • A belief in freedom with responsibility, and in children as powerful, capable human beings

    Actons are not franchises.

    Each one is started by parents who want their own children to attend, not by investors or education companies. This ensures founders have skin in the game—they are personally committed to the quality and integrity of the learning experience.

    Flourish shares this DNA. We’re proud to be part of the global Acton network, while building something uniquely rooted in our local context here in Pune. We don’t run schools for compliance or competition. We build learning communities for courage, curiosity, and calling.

  • We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life.

    Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

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  • At Flourish, we deeply believe that every child that enters through our doors is a genius and possesses a unique skill (or a set of skills).

    If these skills are discovered and honed, they would be in a position to make a serious dent in the world. Whether this is in the field of science, math, technology, literature, art, choreography, sports — does not matter.

    Given enough time and practice, our learners can be world-class in their chosen fields and change the world.

  • No. Flourish is for families who value autonomy, accountability, and purpose over grades, homework, and comparisons. If you’re seeking a conventional academic path or tight structure, this may not be the right fit.

  • Flourish is not affiliated with any Indian education board. We are accredited by the International Association of Learner Driven Schools (IALDS) and are part of the global Acton Academy network.

    Flourish is not a school.
    For all legal and regulatory purposes, your child will be considered a homeschooler while at Flourish.

  • Our Spark Studio (ages 3–6) is a pure Montessori environment with added play-based exploration.
    Our Elementary and Middle School Studios are inspired by Montessori, but use modern, tech-integrated tools and real-world projects.

  • No. While we encourage reflection, purpose, and inner growth, we do not promote any religion.

    We believe religion, values, and political alignment are family-based choices. We respect all beliefs but do not take a stand either way. These are decisions for each family to make—not the school.

  • No uniforms. Learners dress comfortably and respectfully. We believe in self-expression, not standardization.

  • No. We celebrate effort, progress, and mastery—not comparisons. Every child’s journey is different.
    That said, learners do earn badges for completing their goals and requirements.

  • It depends—but generally, the younger they are, the easier the transition.

    Children below the age of 10 usually adapt quickly, as they’re still forming their ideas of what “school” should be. They tend to embrace autonomy, self-paced learning, and mixed-age collaboration with curiosity and ease.

    However, after the ages of 11 or 12, it becomes significantly harder for many learners to unlearn the mental model of traditional schooling—where they’re used to being told what to do, when to do it, and how success is defined.

    As such, admissions are much easier when learners are younger, and get progressively more challenging with age—unless they’re coming from a similar learner-driven or homeschool environment.

  • At Flourish, learners are in charge of their own learning paths—including how and when they take milestone exams like Grade X and XII.

    Based on their chosen path, learners select a board that aligns with their goals and give the exams as private candidates. Flourish does not teach to the test, but learners are more than prepared—knowledge-wise and skills-wise—to do well if they choose to take them.

    Popular board options in Maharashtra for private candidates include:

    • NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling)

    • Maharashtra SSC and HSC boards

    • Oxford and Cambridge IGCSE / A-Levels

    Many Indian and international colleges are also now accepting SAT scores or portfolio-based applications, making the traditional Grade X/XII exams optional in some cases.

    At Flourish, learners don’t take exams because they have to—they do it because it serves their chosen path.

  • Our learners leave LaunchPad with strong portfolios, real-world experiences, and deep self-awareness. Some pursue top universities, others launch ventures, take gap years, or follow unconventional paths—all guided by purpose, not pressure.

    Whatever path they choose is deeply intentional. By the time they graduate, learners have spent 4+ years in LaunchPad narrowing down their interests, testing them through apprenticeships and real-world projects, and pursuing them at the highest standard.

    If a learner chooses to apply to a prestigious university, it’s because they believe it aligns with their calling—not because it’s fashionable or expected.

    At Flourish, we don’t just prepare young adults for exams—we prepare them for life.

How Learning Works at Flourish

  • Someone who solves problems, takes initiative, learns from failure, and seeks mastery—not just marks.

  • Yes. Given the right environment, tools, and trust, children are far more capable than most adults think.

    Watch: Sugata Mitra – Build a School in the Cloud

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  • No. In fact, we strongly discourage tuition classes for academic subjects.

    Flourish is built on the belief that learners take ownership of their progress when given the right tools, time, and trust. External tuitions often disrupt this process by reintroducing top-down teaching and dependence.

    If a learner is struggling, we work with them directly to identify the gap and support them—without outsourcing it.

    Once a child goes home, their time is 100% their own. We respect their space to rest, explore, play, or pursue other passions. There is no homework.

  • Homework is a waste of time—and we don’t do it.

    We believe deep, focused work should happen at the primary place of learning.
    At home, children need freedom to rest, connect with family, or follow their own interests. If a child is constantly working after hours, something is broken in the learning model.

  • The Socratic Method is a form of teaching based on the Greek philosopher Socrates, who believed that real understanding comes not from being told answers, but from questioning your own thinking.

    At Flourish, this means our guides never lecture or provide solutions. Instead, they ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that challenge learners to think critically, reflect, and arrive at their own conclusions. It’s not about memorizing facts—it’s about learning how to think.

    This method builds courage, clarity, and independence. Learners practice respectful disagreement, sharpen their reasoning, and develop the ability to express themselves with confidence.

    We don’t believe in passive absorption of knowledge. We believe in earning wisdom—one question at a time.

  • Correct. We have “Socratic Guides,” not teachers.
    They never give answers or lecture, but create the right environment and ask the right questions.

  • Each learner has a personal progress plan.
    They set goals, track their own learning, and move forward only when they’ve mastered a concept—not when the calendar says so.

  • A peer who checks in daily, helps set goals, and keeps your child accountable—like a study buddy and coach combined.

  • The entire purpose of Flourish is to reflect the real world—not shield children from it. From day one, learners set real goals, face real challenges, and receive honest feedback.

    They work in teams across age groups, experience both success and failure, and learn to take ownership of their progress. From Middle School onward, they take on real-world apprenticeships to explore interests and build skills.

    At Flourish, your child won’t just be prepared for the real world—they’ll already be living in it.

  • Quests are 6-week, real-world projects where learners solve problems, build things, and explore big ideas—like launching a business, designing a city, or studying ancient civilizations. These experiences build collaboration, research skills, and resilience.

    Writer’s Workshops also run for 6 weeks and mirror how real writers work. Learners go through multiple drafts, peer reviews, and feedback cycles—because no meaningful piece of writing happens in one shot. They learn to revise, reflect, and improve their work over time.

    The 6-week format gives learners the time and agency to dive deep into areas of interest, unlike traditional schools where a bell rings every 30 minutes and cuts learning short.

  • We meet each learner where they are.
    Our tools are adaptive and personalized—so your child moves forward at their pace, not the system’s. If there’s a gap, we don’t hide it—we help them close it, without shame or pressure.

  • We use screens intentionally, not constantly—as tools to support learning, not as sources of entertainment.

    • Spark Studio (ages 3–7): No screens at all.

    • Elementary Studio: Learners use screens for 45 minutes to 1 hour per day, primarily for self-paced tools in math, reading, and writing. That’s more than enough for their core work.

    Most of the day is unplugged—filled with peer discussions, projects, Socratic dialogues, and hands-on experiences.

    We treat screens as instruments for progress, not distraction. Every learner signs a tech contract when they join the tribe, committing to use their laptop only for work while on campus—not for entertainment.

Structure, Curriculum & Outcomes

  • We don’t operate with fixed grades. Flourish is a mixed-age, learner-driven community where children progress based on ability—not age or academic labels.

    However, for ease of understanding, our studios roughly correspond to traditional grade levels as follows:

    • Spark Studio: ages 3–7

    • Elementary Studio: grades 1–5

    • Middle School Studio: grades 6–8

    • LaunchPad Studio: grades 9–12

    Learners move to the next studio when they’re ready—academically, socially, and emotionally. Not just because they’ve hit a birthday.

  • No. Learners at Flourish are not grouped by standard classes or grades.

    Instead, they join mixed-age studios where they work with peers of different ages and skill levels. Within each studio, learners are grouped by ability, not age, especially for core skills like reading, writing, and math. This allows each child to be challenged at the right level and to grow at their own pace.

  • Younger children learn from older ones, and older children reinforce their learning by helping younger ones.
    Everyone progresses individually in core skills like reading, writing and math.

  • Studios are collaborative spaces, like child-friendly startups. No blackboards. No lectures. Just open workspaces where children learn to manage time and work like real-world teams.

    Please take a look at our Studios page for more information.

  • Not exactly.
    Our learners chart their own paths, often exceeding standard curriculums. When needed, we align with Indian guidelines to ensure flexibility.

  • Yes. Our network’s learners have gotten into top universities globally.
    They graduate with strong portfolios, real-world experience, and clarity about who they are and what they want.

  • Absolutely. Families who’ve transitioned report that their children adapt quickly—and often stand out for their maturity and independence.

  • We track progress daily through goal-setting, reflections, and one-on-one check-ins. Mastery is demonstrated through real-world projects, peer feedback, and public exhibitions of work.

    There are no grades or report cards. We assess understanding—not just effort—by asking: Can the learner apply this skill meaningfully?

    To support this, we also conduct IOWA Assessments twice a year. These are optional and families can choose to opt out. The results are for internal use only and help us verify that a learner’s reported progress matches their actual level. They are never used for ranking, and scores are not shared with parents.

    Our goal is to identify gaps early and provide the right support.

Studio Culture, Discipline & Community

  • Be a guide at home. Trust the process.
    Hold your child accountable to goals—not marks. Align with our values and show up for your child’s journey.

    Be your child’s biggest cheerleader and celebrate their successes!

  • We don’t allow drop-in observations, as they disrupt the flow and focus of the studio. However, every Thursday is Parent Coffee, where Flourish parents are welcome to join the morning Socratic launch and quietly leave afterward. You’ll also be invited to open houses, public exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.

    That said, we do not allow visitors or outsiders to observe the studio during work hours. We believe the studio space is sacred. It belongs to the learners—and they are not show ponies to be put on display.

  • We don’t bribe or punish. Instead, we help learners reconnect with purpose, re-engage with their community, and reflect on their goals. This is where real growth happens—learning to push through boredom, fear, or resistance.

    Our studios are filled with motivators—both intrinsic (like a sense of progress, peer recognition, personal goals) and extrinsic (badges, exhibitions, public showcases)—designed to encourage effort and consistency. Parental accountability also plays a key role in helping learners stay on track.

    That said, while this approach works beautifully for most, some children may need more structure and adult direction than we offer. In such cases, Flourish may not be the right fit—and that’s okay. It’s important to find a learning environment that works for your child and your family.

  • Each studio creates its own community contract, outlining shared values and commitments. Learners hold each other accountable using tools like Eagle Buck violations, 360 degree feedback, conflict resolution and town hall meetings. It is democratic and learner-led.

    We have a powerful peer-to-peer accountability system—including tools like Eagle Buck Violations—that takes care of 99.95% of issues without adult intervention.

    Adults rarely step in. When chaos emerges (and it will), we let it unfold. That’s intentional. It gives learners the chance to step up, lead, and restore order—a core part of what it means to grow into someone others can trust and follow.

    When adults swoop in to “restore discipline,” that’s a leadership opportunity lost. At Flourish, we’d rather build leaders than enforce obedience.

Day-to-Day Logistics

  • No. Flourish is a full-time, independent learning environment.
    We are not an enrichment or after-school program. Our learners do not attend traditional schools alongside Flourish.

  • It’s not recommended.

    While we don’t enforce attendance policies or track time like traditional schools, we do have a carefully designed schedule and rhythm to the day. Eagles who consistently miss time or attend irregularly tend to struggle with momentum, miss key discussions, and fall out of sync with the studio flow.

    To get the full value of the Flourish experience, consistent presence matters—not just for your child, but for the community they’re a part of.

  • We run a 10-month academic year from June to March, aligned with most Maharashtra schools—but with greater flexibility for family travel.

    The year is divided into 6 sessions of 6 weeks each, with a 1-week break after every session. During Diwali and Christmas, these breaks are extended to 2 weeks.

    These breaks are intentional. They give learners time to rest, reset, and reflect, and allow Guides to recalibrate and prepare for what’s next. They also help families travel during off-peak times, avoiding the rush and crowds of traditional school calendars.

    It’s part of the rhythm of deep, intentional learning.

    • Spark: 9 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM depending on age

    • Elementary: 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM

    • MS & LP: 8:30 AM to 3 PM

  • Not as yet.
    Parents usually arrange carpools or private van or rickshaw services together.

  • No. We are independently owned, but part of Acton Academy’s global network, which shares best practices and resources.

  • Over 300 worldwide, including 6 in India as of 2025 (Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Wayanad, Bengaluru & Kolkatta).

    The entire list can be found here:
    http://actonacademy.org/find

Activities, Art, and Sports

  • Yes. Art is integrated weekly. Learners explore different media, culminating in public exhibitions.

  • We offer daily physical play and structured PE sessions three times a week to build strength, coordination, and confidence.

    However, due to our intentionally small size, we don’t run formal school sports teams.

    Instead, most of our learners are active members of local clubs or training programs in sports of their choosing—everything from football and tennis to martial arts and swimming. We encourage families to pursue these passions outside the studio, where learners can train and compete at their own level.

  • Entrepreneurship is a core part of the Flourish experience.

    Every year, learners participate in at least one entrepreneurship-focused Quest, where they build real businesses from scratch. This journey culminates in the Children’s Business Fair (CBF), where even 6-year-olds are encouraged to create a product, price it, and sell it to real customers.

    Learners pitch ideas, handle money, take feedback, and learn what it means to create value in the world.

    We believe entrepreneurship teaches some of life’s most important skills—grit, creativity, courage, responsibility, and contribution—and we make sure every learner gets that opportunity early and often.

Admissions & Fees

  • We admit learners throughout the year, but only at the start of each session—which happens 6 times annually (roughly every 6 weeks).

    If you join mid-year, fees are pro-rated based on your session of entry. This allows families to join when they’re ready, without waiting for a traditional academic year to reset.

  • Our updated fee structure is available on the Admissions & Fees page.

    • A 25% Seat Fee is paid at the start of every academic year to confirm your child’s place.

    • The remaining 75% is split across 10 monthly payments.

    • Families enrolling more than one child receive a 10% sibling discount, starting with the second sibling.

    We keep the fee structure as transparent and predictable as possible—no hidden extras.
    There are no registration or admission fees.

  • It’s true—Flourish is not a low-cost operation.

    We are a small, purpose-driven community located in a central, green campus in the heart of the city. Our learners have access to world-class tools and materials—the same ones used by top Acton Academies in the U.S. (where fees are often 4x higher).

    We invest heavily in training our Guides, curating exceptional learning tools, and building a space that reflects our values of independence, curiosity, and real-world readiness.

    Also, unlike traditional schools with 2,000+ students, we operate as a 60–70 learner academy by design. The same economies of scale simply don’t apply—every cost is distributed across a much smaller, tightly knit community.

    The result? A richer, more meaningful learning experience—built for depth, not scale.

  • We charge fees monthly so you’re never tied to something that doesn’t work for you.

    If at any point you feel that Flourish isn’t the right fit for your family, you’re free to leave without having committed to an entire year’s fee in advance. This flexibility is intentional—it reflects our belief that families should stay because they believe in the journey, not because they’re financially locked in.

  • Yes—fees are still due.

    While we charge monthly for your convenience, these are not monthly fees. They are your family’s share of the total annual cost, simply broken into 10 payments. If you plan to continue at Flourish, those months remain part of your commitment, even if you’re temporarily away.

    This helps us plan, budget, and maintain the quality of experience for all learners—year-round.