About Acton | Acton Nanaimo

The Acton Story

How did Acton Academies begin?

Laura and Jeff Sandefer began Acton Academy in 2009 as parents who created a learner-driven model of education for their children and their community in Austin Texas. While they approached the challenge as parents first, they also brought with them considerable experience - Laura has a Masters of Education and Jeff had already founded a university level education program in the past.

Acton Academy bases their model of learning on the Hero’s Journey: a story pattern common in ancient myths and modern day adventures in which a hero goes on an adventure, wins a victory and comes home transformed. Children at Acton Academy know why they are being challenged to learn — they are on their own Hero’s Journey to find their passion in life.

Committed to the mission of inspiring children to find their callings, Acton Academy also emphasizes hands-on, real world projects and apprenticeships. The school also uses adaptive game-based programs through Khan Academy and other online tools for teaching core skills, as well as Socratic discussions to challenge and equip children to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

Since the original Acton Academy's small beginnings, Laura and Jeff have grown Acton Academy so other parents can start their own learner-driven communities around the world. There are currently hundreds of Acton Academies worldwide - some set up in family homes and some operating as independent campuses.

Courage to Grow, written by co-founder Laura Sandefer, tells how a small school in Austin, Texas sparked a worldwide awakening of families, who believe every child deserves to find a calling that will change the world. Acton Academy turns learning upside down by equipping children to share learning with each other, in a close-knit community with extremely high standards of excellence.

Over 300 Acton Academy affiliates span the globe, with applications pending from more than 6,300 entrepreneurial parents who want to start a learner-driven community.

Courage to Grow is not a "how to" book, but a fast-paced story of courageous families who found more compelling ways to learn and grow. Along the way, parents and children discovered the questions, tools and frameworks we all need to forge a stronger character and supercharge human potential. Like all good tales, Courage to Grow has a surprise ending, a final lesson you won't want to miss about parenting, and the courage required to live life to its fullest.

"A remarkable book that captures the powerful journeys of Acton Academy’s founders, students, parent community, and — I hope — the future of education around the globe. Any school, whether traditional or innovative, will gain insights from this magical place.”

Ted Dintersmith Education Author, Film Producer, and Philanthropist