My friend would sleep on her textbook before a biology exam thinking the words might sink in. She also played recorded lectures while she slept hoping for the same easy fix. Sadly, there is no easy fix for true learning. As much as we talk about the love and fun of learning at Acton, there … Read More One Truth We Can’t Get Around at Acton – Guest Blog Post by Laura Sandefer

It was 1972. I was 8 years old with two red braids hanging down to my waist on either side of my sunburned face. I was on a deep sea fishing trip with my father – my dream come true. “Let her do this by herself.” My father’s jagged voiced struck the captain as he … Read More On Trusting the Children….Guest Blog Post by Laura Sandefer

Hobbes is our 11-week old Tasmanian devil in Australian Shepherd clothing. We took him to one of Austin’s dog-friendly restaurants last night. Probably not the wisest choice for his first “on-leash” experience but we survived. In feeling around to get his leash on, I realized how stifling his bright red collar had become. I quickly … Read More Loosen the Collar Guest Blog Post by Laura Sandefer

We want our children to read well now. We want out children to write and speak with perfect grammar now. We want their struggle to be over now. We want them to be good at math now. We want social conflicts to be resolved now. Traditional schools give instant gratification. It’s probably why I loved … Read More Breadth and Depth but No Instant Gratification – Guest Post by Laura Sandefer

In this 1-minute video, several Eagles share what they wish their parents knew about the 360 Surveys (also called Full Circle Feedback.) The Eagles explain their Acton lives better than I can; however, I feel compelled to share my story on this topic in hopes it will help another parent who has a child come … Read More 360 Peer Review – Guest Blog Post Laura Sandefer

How Studio Covenants and Freedom Levels Prepare You for a Hero’s Journey in the Real World Acton Academy is a special place reserved for those committed to becoming a Hero on a Hero’s Journey, determined to find a calling that will change the world. Below are three important principles about the frameworks, systems and structures that will … Read More How Acton Academy prepares a student for the real world.

Dear Eagles, Thank you for visiting with me last Thursday and sharing your concerns regarding the badge process. (Several of our older Eagles requested a meeting with me to discuss badge requirements).  Eagles your opinions, ideas, and requests are very important to me.  I take all of the feedback I receive into careful consideration.  I … Read More Meeting with Eagles

Old habits die hard.  You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  The only person that likes change, is a wet baby.  There are millions of catchy phrase lines expressing the sentiment that change is hard.   I have pondered the question of whether transitioning into a different learning style was harder for a student or … Read More Frequently Asked Questions

Our emphasis at the start of the school year is FUN. We believe learning is one of the most fun things in life and we want our environment to reflect this. A close second to the fun is creating our boundary system. Boundaries ensure safety and security – intellectually, emotionally and physically. Without limits, freedom and … Read More Guardrails For Serious Fun – Guest Blog Post Laura Sandefer

The most powerful takeaways we offer at Acton Academy are self-management, self-governance, character, high-level communication skills, learning how to learn and opportunities to dive deeply into areas of your greatest passions and gifts. Badges are a way to showcase this work. It is their most important function. Thankfully, badges also allow us to translate these … Read More What We Wish Our Parents Knew About Badges – Guest Blog Post Laura Sandefer