About Laura Sandefer
Laura Sandefer is an author and the co-founder of Acton Academy, a school whose learner-driven model is spreading across the globe with over 130 locations in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, Malaysia and more, and in 2019 is celebrating 10 years of letting children take learning into their owns hands.
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.
Acton Academy and Sandefer have been featured in the Austin American Statesman, Inc., Forbes, National Review, Huffington Post and more. Sandefer has a bachelor of arts and masters of education degrees from Vanderbilt University. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children and three dogs.
The Learner Driven Approach: How and Why it Works
The learner driven approach inspires, equips, and connects young people who embrace a Hero’s Journey… Read More
Principles of a Learner Driven Community
While each Acton Academy community has its own culture and personality, we are bound by… Read More
Two Most Important Traits for Parents
Over the past twelve years, I’ve been inspired by many heroic parents in my midst…. Read More
Top 3 Things a Parent Can Expect When Joining an Acton Academy
I thank Jake Thompson, founder of Heroes Academy in Boise Idaho, for co-writing this with… Read More
Hearing or Listening? – A Story from the Studio
During a recent Socratic discussion, a six-year-old reminded her peers that they need to listen… Read More
Lost Happiness – A Story from the Studio
“Free time!” The announcement from an Eagle at the end of work time always causes… Read More
Recent Press
Vijay Shah – The Humanist Academy
Vijay is currently the co-founder, director, and a Socratic Guide at The Humanist Academy. Has two Master’s degrees, one in from The University of Chicago (Divinity School), and another in School Leadership and Administration from National Louis University.
Michal Leshem – Acton Academy Bergen County
Michal Leshem is a Cyber Technology Expert with over 15 years of experience in an elite Intelligence unit of the Israeli Defense Forces.
Heather Staker – Ready to Blend
Heather Staker is a researcher and author in the United States who has spent 15 years studying innovation in education and the rise of blended learning as the enabler of student-driven learning.
Michael Strong – Expanse Online
Michael Strong is most recently the founder of expanseonline.co, a virtual secondary school program.
Acton Academy
Acton Academy is a one-room schoolhouse for the 21st century with over 140 locations around the world. Joy and rigor merge through our personalized state-of-the-art technology and real world apprenticeships, collaborative real world projects and Socratic discussions. Our young people are driven to find their inner gifts and use them to make the world better.
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Network Affiliates
We are a network of passionate, principled entrepreneurs driven by a singular mission and the promise to guide young people to realize their full potential and live exceptional lives. Do you feel an urgency to give your children the very best learning opportunity? Maybe you are the next Acton Academy owner!
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Courage to Grow
Get the first chapter of the inspiring story of Acton Academy, a micro-school on the cutting edge of disruptive education.
Courage to Grow is the intimate origin story of Acton Academy, one of today’s most innovative schools with a model quickly spreading around the globe. If you have ever wondered if there are more powerful ways for young people to learn, step aboard for a behind the scenes tour of how Acton Academy unlocks the genius in every child, while embracing personal accountability and forging young characters. However, this is not a how-to book. Nor is it a book about educational theory. It is a fast-paced tale of courageous families, transformed by what young people can accomplish when armed with the right inspiration, questions and tools. Like all good tales, there is a surprise ending, a final bit of magic about parenting and life you won’t want to miss.
Contact
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