June 7, 20210Comments

The Mystery Promise

By Laura Sandefer, October 25, 2012 “We promise your child will learn to cherish the arts, the wonders of the physical world, and the mystery of life.” We probably should have stated

by Laura Sandefer

June 1, 20210Comments

Parental Intestinal Fortitude: A Parent’s Story Of An Acton Exhibition

By Laura Sandefer February 23, 2021 Sharing stories is the fastest road to understanding, growth, and connection. With that in mind, I interject my series of Essential Elements with a story. Yesterday,

by Laura Sandefer

May 17, 20210Comments

Wait…and See

Today's post written by Laura Sandefer is so simple but so powerful. Our world is fast-paced with a microwave mentality for results. However, in order for our children to learn,

by Laura Sandefer

May 10, 20210Comments

Essential Element: Mixed Age Studios

By Laura Sandefer February 8, 2021 The element that promises an Acton learner-driven experience will thrive is also the simplest of all: the mixed-age environment. Children are teachers and learners. They learn

by Laura Sandefer

April 26, 20210Comments

Principles Of A Learner Driven Community

By Laura Sandefer March 16, 2021 While each Acton Academy community has its own culture and personality, we are bound by the same key principles that drive our daily work: Principle #1.

by Laura Sandefer

April 12, 20210Comments

The Learner Driven Approach: How And Why It Works

by Laura Sandefer March 25, 2021 The learner-driven approach inspires, equips, and connects young people who embrace a Hero’s Journey to make principled decisions towards a more satisfying and fulfilling life

by Laura Sandefer

March 22, 20210Comments

Hearing Or Listening? – A Story From The Studio

By Laura Sandefer March 2, 2021 During a recent Socratic discussion, a six-year-old reminded her peers that they need to listen and not just hear. This led to a rich discussion about

by Laura Sandefer

March 1, 20210Comments

Acton’s Essential Element #1: The Hero’s Journey

By Laura Sandefer, February 3, 2021 Nemo. Luke Skywalker. Mulan. Odysseus. Dorothy. The Little Engine that Could. These stories strike a chord of yearning we share – adventure, identity and meaning in

by Laura Sandefer

February 1, 20210Comments

Back To The Basics: What Does It Really Mean To Be Learner-Driven?

by Laura Sandefer January 31, 2021 With over 200 Acton Academies and 600 Acton Children’s Business Fairs around the world it’s easy to get overwhelmed in trying to figure out the

by Laura Sandefer

January 11, 20210Comments

Why No Required Reading Lists?

By Laura Sandefer, September 17, 2013 First, let me paint a little vision for you: What you will see at Acton Academy: children who are late to group discussions because they cannot put

by Laura Sandefer

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