We believe that home time is family time!

Both in and outside of school, children need time to play free,

time to be creative and curious,

time to pursue hobbies,

time to inspire others,

time for reflection...

time to be a kid.

Kori and Michael Stack, founders of Acton Academy Kennebunkport, with their four children at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah; Summer 2019

For two and a half years we homeschooled our children, which was a wonderful journey. We began homeschooling because we wanted to instill our values, give our children time to run and be free, to be outside, to experience and learn from the real world around them, and simply to spend time as a family. 

What amazed us almost immediately was how creative our kids are and how much they can do on their own. It proved to us, what is already known, that kids want to learn and do it very naturally if we take the risk and step back. We do more service to our kids acting as their mentors, guides, and coaches as opposed to spoon-feeding them information that has no relevance. It feels risky to give up control, but we have seen that loosening the reins and allowing kids freedom is the only way to let them learn who they are and what they are capable of.

Our kids are growing up in an entrepreneurial household, so statistically have a higher chance of being entrepreneurs themselves. But, regardless if they are or not, we want them to be able to think on their own, come up with out-of-the-box solutions to problems, and have the confidence to go against the grain when it's appropriate to set a higher standard.  

When we read about Acton Academy in the book 'Courage To Grow' by Laura Sandefer it encompassed so much of what we were trying to accomplish for our kids in our homeschool. Our reaction to Acton Academy was, "Could this be even better? Could this challenge our kids in an amazing way? And could this help not only our kids, but other like-minded families in our community?" 

At that moment, we were so happy with our own homeschooling and by no means looking to start a school, but we could not ignore that the answer to these questions was an absolute 'YES'! 

So we did what we typically do...jumped in with excitement, faith, and two feet!

Our Learner Driven Communities are run mostly by our students, where closely connected families of lifelong learners are bound by clear covenants. Where "Learning to Do" and "Learning to Be" are even more important than "Learning to Know".

LEARN TO LEARN

Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.

LEARN TO DO

Hands-on Quests for Science, Entrepreneurship and the Arts prepare children for Apprenticeships and real world challenges. 

LEARN TO BE

The Hero's Journey, relational covenants and real world consequences transform difficult decisions into virtuous habits.

Kori grew up in Storrs, CT before attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA for her undergraduate studies. 

After college Kori worked in technology consulting for six years at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte Consulting traveling to client sites around the country. While she was very successful and enjoyed what she did, Kori felt a pull towards education and helping children.  She went back to school where she earned her Master of Math Education from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. 

In Chicago, Kori taught High School math at Lane Tech College Prep for four years before starting a family and prioritizing her role as a mother. Starting an Acton Academy combines Kori's desire to do the best for her children, while also making a difference in other children's lives...truly bringing out her own inner genius.

Kori is happily married to Michael and together they have four energetic, happy children. The live in Kennebunkport, ME ten months of the year, but rent their house each summer in order to give their children the experience of living in different locations around the country. For the past four years they have spent summers in Oregon, Colorado, South Carolina, California, Vermont, and Utah, with international being next on the list.

Kori and Michael have always been very intentional about the way they live their life and raise their children. They have worked very hard to live a simple, but rich life and are extremely grateful.

Michael grew up in Valparaiso, IN before attending Indiana University in Bloomington, IN for his undergraduate studies.

Michael's entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age when he started a lawn-mowing business, Mighty Mowers, at the age of 13. This company ran successfully for 6 years and was sold for profit during Michael's time in college where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Computer Information Systems. 

After beginning his career in the corporate world at PricewaterhouseCoopers the pull of entrepreneurship lead him to a successful career in Real Estate.

Michael went on to follow an opportunity and purchase an existing business in the workers' compensation industry and is now an industry thought leader. He has won Best Blog for the past 7 years, is a national speaker, and founder of the Amaxx Workers' Comp Training Center. 

He has brought innovation to the industry with a cutting-edge learning platform teaching workers' comp cost containment systems. Through an extensive curriculum, professionals can earn their Certified Master of Workers' Compensation designation.  

Michael believes in the philosophy made famous by Zig Ziglar that "you can get everything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want."

Melissa Vigue brings over 20 years of dedicated experience as a homeschooling mother of six, blending deep self-motivation with a strong commitment to servant leadership. Her background includes active duty service in the United States Air Force and the Maine Air National Guard as a Medical Technician, earning an Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force. 

Throughout the years, Melissa has taken on a variety of roles—from leading local homeschool co-ops and assisting her husband in establishing a small family farm, to full-time church ministry and catering events. She has also been actively involved in fundraising efforts for local community groups, demonstrating her dedication to serving others. Alongside these responsibilities, she expertly managed homeschooling and the daily rhythm of her household. Despite a busy schedule, Melissa and her family remain passionate about sustainable living and hospitality, with their small farm in Lyman reflecting their commitment to self-sufficiency. 

As a lifelong learner, Melissa has pursued courses in literature and writing through the University of Southern Maine, continually nurturing her own growth and intellectual curiosity. Reflecting on their experiences with public education, Melissa and her husband chose a Socratic approach to homeschooling—one that encourages critical thinking and fosters a lifelong love of independent learning. This philosophy has greatly benefited their children over the years. 

At the heart of Melissa’s work is a deep belief that family is the foremost institution in society. She is passionate about strengthening families and supporting their unique journeys. Melissa’s involvement with Acton Academy began from her desire to rethink education with a servant’s heart and a positive outlook. She brings a grounded, hardworking, and nurturing approach to supporting Acton learners and families, creating a safe environment where children can grow and explore freely. 

Guided by the principle, “Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge,” Melissa’s vision for a better educational system is reflected in her dedication to servant leadership and community-centered learning at Acton Academy.

Jenna grew up in southern New Hampshire and York, Maine, where her love for the outdoors began. She spent every season of her childhood immersed in nature, either in the forest or in the ocean. She began surfing at the age of 12, competing at 13, and later becoming a surf instructor for children of all ages, as well as offering private lessons for adults. Even in her 30s, she continues to push herself in her favorite sport, surfing bigger waves every year.

After high school, Jenna moved to Northern California, where she studied Herbal Medicine at the California School of Herbal Studies, the oldest herb school in the country. There, she took courses in Body Systems and Herbal Wellness, Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and, finally, a 9-month intensive course in gardening, medicine making, botany, plant identification, and more. She continues to use these skills in her small business, where she crafts herbal remedies and skincare products.

As an entrepreneur, Jenna has a wide range of talents. She incorporates her passion for plants into botanical design for weddings and events and enjoys hosting workshops where she shares her knowledge of the craft. During the warmer months, Jenna can often be found working in her own garden or helping clients care for their established perennial gardens.

Jenna has lived in Sonoma County, San Francisco, and Maui, gaining a wealth of knowledge about plants and people along the way. Her travels have taken her to Australia, Central America, and the Caribbean, further expanding her understanding of diverse cultures and environments. She has called Cape Neddick home for the past nine years, sharing her love of surfing and nature with her partner, Dana.

Jenna has always had a love of working with children. Having grown up as the oldest of four siblings, this helped her cultivate a nurturing and caring personality. Over the years, she has shared her love for plants and health with her two bonus children, who have grown into remarkable young adults. She is deeply grateful for the fulfillment she finds in sharing her skills with children as the Spark Outdoor Guide.

In her free time, you can find her surfing, mountain biking, photographing big waves, or exploring the forest with her 8-pound, tiny but mighty rescue pup, Curry.

Liz has always loved learning new things and being out in nature, surrounded by the beauty of this world. She grew up on the side of Mount Cardigan in Orange, New Hampshire, and spent summers living on a small island with her family. She attended the University of New Hampshire, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and her Master’s Degree in Education. She was also a member of the Women’s Crew team.

Liz enjoys running, cooking, exploring new places, gardening, landscaping, hiking, volunteering, and spending time with her three children and her dog. Her most important and cherished teaching has come from her experiences guiding her own children through life and watching them become curious, independent, and amazing humans.

Liz feels strongly about helping others and enjoys volunteering in her community. She runs a food drive every November, has been a Scout leader and Eagle Scout mentor, and was a facilitator at the Center for Grieving Children for several years. She hopes to share her love for community service with her students because helping others creates connections and fosters compassion and empathy.

Liz is excited to bring her love of learning and her belief that all children are born with unlimited potential to the Spark program. She considers it an honor to be able to guide children and encourage them to grow, learn, investigate and be curious about the world around them.

Parker grew up in New Hampshire where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. His family spent weekends and summers camping, hiking, and biking. He attended college in New Hampshire and then later Wyoming where he received a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Since graduating Parker has worked in various Outdoor Education and Recreation positions in Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Through those adventures, he has experience trip leading, teaching environmental science, facilitating challenge courses, hosting schools, and running expedition programs. He enjoys meeting learners where they are and helping them accomplish challenges they didn’t believe they could do. In his free time Parker likes to spend time in nature by whittling, hiking, and exploring the Maine coast looking for sea glass. On days he is inside he enjoys cooking, putting together a puzzle, and working on mending projects.

TBD

Jenny grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where her love for nature began along the edge of a quiet pond. As a child, she became a young advocate for the pond’s ecosystem and all its creatures, sparking a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. She was also deeply connected to the ocean; her father was a fisherman, her family ran a seafood restaurant, and her parents owned a surf shop. These coastal influences shaped her early years and with parents who were both entrepreneurs she gained the DIY mindset . At around middle school she moved to Kennebunk, Maine, where she later graduated high school. She then headed to Boston to study Fashion Industry Marketing and Merchandising. After realizing that fashion wasn’t her life's calling, Jenny set off on a journey of self-discovery through travel and creative exploration.

She eventually returned to the fresh air and laid-back lifestyle of Maine, where she studied art at the University of Southern Maine and earned her Associate of Science in Education from York County Community College. During this time, she also embraced sustainable living, building a tiny house, launching an organic gardening business, and cultivating a homestead with productive gardens in the mountains. Now in her free time, Jenny is learning carpentry skills while helping to build her family’s camp in the mountains of Bethel, Maine. She also assists her husband with his property management business and makes time to help haul lobster traps with dad. She also enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking, doing creative art projects, and cherishing time with her family.

Jenny is happy to have returned to Southern Maine to be closer to family and the coast. Her greatest passion is working with children, a path that deepened after becoming a mother to her son. She also helps part-time at the nonprofit River Tree Center for the Arts, teaching their youngest learners. She believes in guiding children through hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a connection to the natural world. Jenny is thrilled to make learning fun at Acton Academy with their after school adventures program!

Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science.

After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City.  Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.

Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy.

Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious".

Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide.

As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or co-found seven successful businesses.

As a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas, Jeff’s students five times voted him the school’s Outstanding Teacher and Businessweek named him one of the top Entrepreneurship professors in America. Jeff went on to co-found the Acton School of Business, an MBA program perennially ranked by the Princeton Review among the best in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world.

Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school’s governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.