A Wexford K-12 School Empowering Young Heroes to Change the World
Where Learner-Driven Education Ignites Curiosity, Character, and Courage
250+ Acton Academies Worldwide
10,000+ Happy Families
1,000+ Acton Graduates
What if children are capable of far more than we can imagine?
A K-12th Grade School Built For The 21st Century -- Where Learners Are Prepared for the Real World and Empowered to Discover Their Unique Gifts to Make a Difference.
As seen in:
Endorsed by:
Seth Godin
Gary Vee
Sal Khan
Jordan Peterson
What is Acton Academy?
Young people doing challenging work at their own pace.
Collaborating on real-world projects.
Earning points for effort and badges for mastery.
Sharing learning in a tightly bound community.
Using the latest technology and Montessori materials to master reading, writing and math.
On a Hero's Journey, with challenges, adventures, fellow travelers and guides.
Don't Listen to Us --- Hear directly from Acton Pittsburgh families
"He is flourishing and thriving."
"We couldn't be more pleased with their education."
"This is the greatest decision we EVER made for our child."
"Our children ENJOY school consistently."
"I have ZERO concerns when I drop our kids off in the morning."
The Vision Behind Acton Academy
From Meghan & Ronnie Esposito
When we first started this journey, we weren’t looking to open a school — we were just two parents searching for a better way to educate our children.
Like so many parents, we fell in love with Montessori. We loved the hands-on learning, the independence, the respect for children as capable human beings. And for a while, it was everything we hoped for.
But as our children grew, so did our questions.
→ How will this prepare them for real life?
→ What happens when they outgrow the Montessori model?
→ Why do most schools — even progressive ones — still group kids together and teach them the same thing at the same time?
It just didn’t make sense.
Then We Discovered Jeff & Laura Sandefer
Around that same time, we stumbled upon the story of Jeff and Laura Sandefer — a couple from Austin, Texas, asking the exact same questions.
Jeff, a successful entrepreneur, built a billion-dollar energy company and ran one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the country. Laura, an experienced educator, saw firsthand how traditional schooling often stifled creativity and individuality.
Frustrated with the limitations of conventional education, they asked a bold question:
What if school could empower young people to take charge of their own learning?
Their answer was Acton Academy — a learner-driven community where students develop real-world skills, take ownership of their learning, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Since opening the first Acton in 2009, their movement has spread to over 350 schools worldwide — including ours.
The Story That Changed Everything For Us
One of our favorite stories from Jeff is a moment with his young son, Sam.
Jeff asked him,
“How can I help you on your Hero’s Journey?”
Sam thought for a moment and then said something that stopped us in our tracks:
"Dad, the best thing you can do is go on your own Hero’s Journey. If I see you chasing your dreams with everything you’ve got, I’ll know I can do it too."
That simple answer became a compass for us.
We realized this isn’t just about school. It’s about life. It’s about all of us — parents, guides, and young heroes — courageously becoming who we were created to be.
So We Made the Leap
Acton Academy Pittsburgh started in a living room — just a handful of families willing to dream bigger for their kids.
Today, it’s grown into a 15,000-square-foot space serving Kindergarten through 8th grade — with high school launching in 2026.
But for us, this has never been about just one school.
It’s about building something bigger — a "mall of holistic education" — a place where learning looks different, feels different, and where young people are trusted to take ownership of their lives.
Every day, we watch young heroes step up, take risks, fail, try again, and grow into the kind of people the world needs most.
And we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.
Acton Academy has grown into a worldwide movement
There are over 350+ schools across 30 U.S. states and 20 countries, offering innovative, learner-driven education.
Need To Know MORE About What Acton Academy Can Do For Your Child?
At Acton Academy, We Call Our Classrooms "Studios" Because Students Are Learning Through Movement, Exploration, And Hands-On Activities. Find Out How Our Learning Design Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential.
Ages 4-7 Years Old
Spark Studio
The Spark Studio community is designed specifically for the child, and the entire environment is created to facilitate the primary child’s learning process.
Maria Montessori observed that children learn by doing and wrote that the “hand was the instrument of the mind”.
Independence, coordination, order, self-discipline and concentration are developed. Children work individually and cooperatively with materials that engage their curiosity.
Ages 8-11 Years Old
Elementary Studio
The Elementary Studio is where children develop a deep love of learning and kindness in relationships with others. This studio builds a foundation of learning and discovery through personalized Core Skills, exploratory Quest projects and play.
Core Skills – reading, writing, math and computer science – are self-paced and mastery-based using adaptive technology. Students explore the arts, sciences, history and natural world through hands-on projects each afternoon.
Ages 12-15 Years Old
Middle School Studio
The Middle School Studio is for students ages 12-15 who have already proven that they are able to work independently.
They will have opportunities and responsibility to expand their education including apprenticeships each year with heroes in the community.
Students continue collaborating, building their character and friendships with their studio-mates who will challenge and support them through peer review of their work.
Ages 16-18 Years Old
Launchpad Studio
Our hero has faced many challenges up to this point and has come out on the other side. Now comes one of their biggest challenges yet: high school.
As the hero prepares for the end of their school journey and the beginning of the next one - whatever that may be.
Launchpad works to help them create as many tools as possible to assist in their future quests in life. This is where their responsibility as the oldest members of the Academy really takes shape.
Success Stories from
Acton Academy
At Acton Academy, we believe every young hero writes their own success story. While we provide the tools, environment, and encouragement, it is the learners themselves—through grit, curiosity, and perseverance—who shape their futures. Each success is a testament not to Acton, but to the learners and their families who embrace the Hero’s Journey.
Entrepreneurship:
An alumna launched a venture-backed startup before most peers had chosen a college major.
Professional Excellence:
A graduate landed a high-level tech role straight out of high school, proving skills can trump degrees.
Accelerated Learning:
An Acton Guatemala City learner graduated high school at 14, earned an MBA by 17, and is now launching ventures.
Academic Recognition:
A Texas alumna became a Calvin Coolidge Scholarship finalist, earning a full ride to any U.S. college to study neuroscience.
Innovation & Leadership:
An Acton graduate was named a Top 20 Under 20 innovator, receiving Silicon Valley grants for entrepreneurial ideas.
Real-World Impact:
Acton learners pitch businesses at Shark Tank-style events, gaining real investors and real-world confidence.
Day In The Life
Watch This Award Winning Video
Dr. Jordan Peterson says:
"Factory Schools Are Failing Our Students."
Discover why he believes Acton Academy is a positive force for change.