What is the Learning Commons?
What is the Learning Commons?
The Learning Commons is the center of learning, knowledge construction and learner/faculty collaboration. In this dynamic space, learners can research, explore ideas, collaborate, initiate projects, and take ownership of their learning.
Opportunities are provided for everyone to extend their learning beyond the classroom, pursue their interests, strengthen their academic skills, and develop the confidence needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Within the Learning Commons, Middle School and Academy learners will find specialized support services in mathematics, science, literacy, research, media, and innovation. Each area is staffed by professionals with expertise in these fields, who provide guidance and support to help learners develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Supporting the Whole Learner
Learning Through Inquiry and Collaboration
Our spaces provide opportunities for individual study, small-group collaboration, guided academic support, research, creative work, and independent exploration. Professional staff work alongside learners and teachers to help learners identify their needs, develop strategies, think critically and become increasingly confident and independent in their learning.
We welcome learners to visit and make use of our services:
Literacy Studio
The Literacy Studio supports learners as they develop their reading, writing, research, and communication skills.
Learners are guided in developing questions, finding and evaluating information, organizing and communicating ideas, and using sources responsibly. Through individual and collaborative work, they develop confidence as researchers and communicators.
Math / Science Studio
The Math / Science Studio provides opportunities for learners to explore mathematical and scientific concepts, ask questions, analyze problems, reach conjectures and develop solutions.
Through guided support and collaborative learning, learners are encouraged to approach challenges thoughtfully, apply their understanding in new contexts, and develop confidence in their ability to solve problems.
Media Studio
The Media Studio provides learners with opportunities to communicate their learning through digital media and creative production.
Learners explore different ways to present ideas, develop digital literacy, collaborate with others, and make thoughtful decisions about how information and stories are communicated.
The Sabbagh Library
The Hasib J. Sabbagh Library is an integral part of the Learning Commons and a welcoming space for reading, research, inquiry, collaboration, and independent learning.
Through reading, research, and exploration, the Sabbagh Library encourages learners to become curious, knowledgeable, ethical, and reflective learners who are open to different perspectives and engaged in lifelong learning.
The Incubator
The Incubator provides a collaborative space where learners develop ideas and engage in project-based learning connected to authentic contexts. Learners are encouraged to experiment, respond to challenges, and learn through the process while developing creativity, critical thinking, resourcefulness, collaboration, and resilience.
The Incubator also supports the annual ACS Athens Innovation Summit, a student-led and student-run event where learners showcase projects, exchange ideas, and engage in collaborative innovation.
Innovation Lab
Learners can also participate in programs held in the Innovation Lab. The specially designed spaces promote the development and sharing of ideas thereby resulting in original projects.