 The Acton Academy network of schools was founded in 2009 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer in Austin, Texas. Jeff, an entrepreneur and educator, and Laura, a writer and education innovator, sought to create a learner-driven model that empowers students to take ownership of their education. Inspired by the principles of the Socratic method, project-based learning, and the Montessori philosophy, Acton Academy emphasizes self-paced learning, real-world problem-solving, and developing a strong sense of purpose. The school originally started as an experiment for their children but quickly gained interest from other families. The model, which focuses on mastery-based learning, small multi-age classrooms, and the use of technology to facilitate personalized education, has since expanded into a global network of independent Acton Academies. Each location operates under a shared philosophy but maintains autonomy in implementation. The Acton model challenges traditional education by shifting the role of teachers to guides, fostering an environment where students take responsibility for their learning journey. Many different influences come together to create this unique learning model including:
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 There’s a reason the system isn’t serving people well, and it goes beyond the usual culprits of social media and Covid. Many recent graduates aren’t able to set targets, take initiative, figure things out and deal with setbacks — because in school and at home they were too rarely afforded any agency. A recent article in the New York Times looks at the lack of autonomy. In the article "The Power of Letting Children Make Choices" published on January 2, 2025, the author emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make their own decisions to foster independence and critical thinking. By providing opportunities for choice, children learn to assess options, consider consequences, and develop problem-solving skills. This autonomy not only boosts their confidence but also encourages a sense of responsibility and ownership over their actions. The article suggests that parents and educators should create environments where children can safely explore decision-making, thereby promoting their cognitive and emotional development. Furthermore, the piece discusses the role of goal-setting in a child's growth. Encouraging children to set and pursue personal goals helps them understand the value of perseverance and delayed gratification. The author argues that when children are involved in setting their own objectives, they are more motivated and engaged in the learning process. The article concludes by recommending that adults support children in both making choices and setting goals, as these practices are instrumental in preparing them for future challenges and successes. Giving kids agency doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they want. It doesn’t mean lowering expectations, turning education into entertainment or allowing children to choose their own adventure. It means requiring them to identify and pursue some of their own goals, helping them build strategies to reach those goals, assessing their progress and guiding them to course-correct when they fall short. Many of the points made by the authors are fundamental to the structure and philosophy of. Acton schools and we believe why Acton learners are engaged with their learning, able to plan and execute goals for their learning, and ultimately prepared for the real-world after high school.
If you want to read more from the NY Times article's authors, click here for their book that just came out. If you'd like to learn more about our unique learning model click below to set up a call to answer questions or click to set up a tour of our campus! We're pretty excited about what's happening on our Acton campus here in the Marietta/Kennesaw area and as it turns out, so are many of the top thinkers in education today. See what other people are saying about Acton's unique learner-driven model that blends together the best of the Montessori philosophy, Socratic dialogue, the democratic model, project-based learning, entrepreneurship, and more! Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world.  Tom Vander Ark, host of "Getting Smart" podcast and the former first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation discusses the meaningful learning happening at Acton campuses around the world. Seth Godin discusses the power of the Socratic Guide in Acton schools. For a longer interview with Seth discussing Acton and the power of multi-age learning, click here. We're so excited to be part of a movement transforming education! If you'd like to learn more about this unique learning model. Click below to get questions answered over the phone or set up a tour!
 Our friends over at the National MicroSchooling Center shared their predictions for micro-schools in 2025. Check it out!
5 Predictions for the Microschooling Movement for 2025 |
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