When it comes to learning about the Acton Academy model, there are so many resources out in the world right now, from different websites to blogs to YouTube videos to Podcasts and books. The list is endless. And for someone who is trying to learn about Acton, getting started can be a bit overwhelming.
When I first learned about Acton, it was through word of mouth first and then when I decided I wanted to be involved in starting an Acton Academy, I was lucky enough to see and experience Acton Academy in action in Austin, TX. I was overwhelmed and completely moved by the founders, by the guides I met, by the other owners, and by the learners. It was incredible to witness. And I know, it’s not likely that every person who is curious about Acton Academy has an opportunity to visit a long-standing Acton campus, and while Acton ELI is working diligently to be a shining example, I wanted to share some of my favorite resources to help you feel what Acton is really all about.
Even as owners and guides, our team is constantly referencing great materials like these to help us learn, grow, and embody the Acton Academy model.
Books to Read:
Courage To Grow by Acton Academy Co-Founder Laura Sandefer. When it comes to really understanding the how and why behind Acton Academy, this book is the perfect place to start. It recounts Laura and Jeff’s journey into why they started Acton Academy, how messy it was in the first couple years, and how through their trust and grit they founded what has become a community of amazing schools.
This book is pretty short and easy to read. There’s also an audiobook version of this that is under 4 hours to consume.
Unschooling Rules by Clark Aldrich. This easy to read book breaks down 55 different ways to “unlearn” what we’ve always thought to be true about the general educational system in order to make space in our minds for a better way for our children to be educated (ie– self directed, play based, with an emphasis on deep focus). This, too, is a quick read and gives the reader some pretty profound topics to consider. While this one doesn’t necessarily talk about Acton Academy, many of the concepts that are weaved throughout the Acton Academy model can be found throughout this book.
YouTube Videos Worth Watching:
The Dad Saves America Show: How To Run A School With 3 Adults or Less— This 80 minute episode is an interview between Laura Sandefer and John Papola, the host of The Dad Saves America Show. They spend time talking about the beginnings of Acton, where they are now, and John spends a lot of time asking Laura some really great questions. I like this episode for a couple reasons, first, I think he’s a great interviewer and helps to lead a really interesting discussion, AND his child is currently enrolled at an Acton Academy so he has a great perspective from which he leads the interview.
Disruptive Education– This video highlights the founders of Acton Academy and incorporates some footage of an Acton in action including the guides and learners. It also highlights some specific questions for the learners to answer.
The Learner Driven Revolution– This SXSW recording highlights founder Jeff Sandefer and why he feels so strongly about a learner driven model of education and how Acton Academy really embraces this in the fullest way.
A Day In The Life At Acton Academy– This video takes the viewer through a day in the life at Acton Academy in Austin, TX. Even though this video is 9 years old, the concepts that are highlighted in this video still apply. If you have older children who want to be part of an Acton Academy, this is a good one for them to watch as well.
Websites:
The main Acton Academy website has lots of information and really gets to the point of what Acton Academy is all about.
Our website has a lot of the same information but you’ll find the few things that are specific to us at Acton Academy Eastern Long Island. Additionally, the blogs I’ve written so far outline the different Acton concepts and how we’re learning and implementing them in real time.
More To Come!
This list is in no way comprehensive. I plan to add to it as I find more things that are great for sharing, so please check back. Hopefully by taking a look at even a few of these resources anybody who ends up on this blog post can find the information they need to feel well-informed about Acton Academy.
-Janel