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Acton Pittsburgh Has Been Revolutionizing Pre-K-12 Education In PA since 2019

10,000+ Happy Families

250+ Acton Academies Worldwide

1,000+ Acton Graduates

Brand New 15,000 Square Foot K-12 School Right Here in Wexford Pa

As seen in:

Endorsed by:

Seth Godin

Gary Vee

Sal Khan

Jordan Peterson

The Vision Behind Acton Academy

Jeff and Laura Sandefer’s journey began with a personal mission: to create a school that could nurture their children’s potential, creativity, and curiosity. Dissatisfied with traditional education systems, they asked a bold question: What if we could reimagine education to ignite the genius in every child?

Jeff, a successful entrepreneur and business leader, understood the importance of innovation, resilience, and problem-solving. As the founder of a billion-dollar energy company and a celebrated business professor, Jeff had seen firsthand how these traits shaped success. Laura, an experienced educator, brought her deep understanding of how traditional schooling often stifled individuality and creativity.

Together, they envisioned Acton Academy: a learner-driven community where students are empowered to take ownership of their education, celebrate challenges, and embrace failures as opportunities for growth. This vision led to the opening of the first Acton Academy in Austin, Texas, in 2009.

The Vision Behind Acton Academy

Jeff and Laura Sandefer’s journey began with a personal mission: to create a school that could nurture their children’s potential, creativity, and curiosity. Dissatisfied with traditional education systems, they asked a bold question:

What if we could reimagine education to ignite the genius in every child?

Jeff, a successful entrepreneur and business leader, understood the importance of innovation, resilience, and problem-solving. As the founder of a billion-dollar energy company and a celebrated business professor, Jeff had seen firsthand how these

traits shaped success.

Laura, an experienced educator, brought her deep understanding of how traditional schooling often

stifled individuality and creativity.

Together, they envisioned Acton Academy: a learner-driven community where students are empowered to take

ownership of their education, celebrate challenges, and embrace failures as opportunities for growth.

This vision led to the opening of the first Acton Academy in Austin, Texas, in 2009.

What is Acton Academy?

Acton Academy was founded on the belief that every child is a genius waiting to be unlocked. Here’s how it stands apart:

Learner-Driven Communities: Learners take charge of their learning journey, setting goals and tracking their progress.
Socratic Discussions: Encouraging critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and deep understanding.
Real-World Projects: Practical, hands-on experiences that build problem-solving and teamwork skills.
The Hero’s Journey: Inspiring students to discover their unique purpose and make a meaningful impact.
Global Network: Acton Academy is growing rapidly, with over 250+ schools worldwide and counting. Every new campus is a testament to the success of this innovative model, creating a vibrant, connected community of learners across the globe.

Success Stories from

Acton Academy

Entrepreneurship: An alumna launched a Silicon Valley company backed by venture capital.
Professional Excellence: A graduate secured a high-level position at a Silicon Valley firm straight out of high school, choosing to forgo college altogether.
Accelerated Learning: A student from Acton Academy Guatemala City graduated high school at 14, completed an MBA by 17, and is now pursuing new ventures.

Acton graduates have also been accepted into prestigious universities, including Vanderbilt University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Jeff Sandefer: From Billionaire at 29 to Creating an Education Revolution

Jeff Sandefer’s success story is as inspiring as the students he mentors. As a billionaire entrepreneur by 29, he founded one of the most successful energy companies in the U.S. and became a celebrated professor at the Acton School of Business. His innovative teaching methods earned him recognition as one of the top MBA professors in the country by BusinessWeek.

Jeff’s passion for education and belief in the potential of every learner fueled the creation of Acton Academy. His vision continues to inspire educators and parents worldwide to embrace a learner-driven approach.

Acton Academy Pittsburgh

Started in 2019 and Growing Rapidly

Ronnie and Meghan Esposito, founders of Acton Academy Pittsburgh, were inspired to create a learner-driven educational environment after recognizing that traditional classrooms didn't meet their children's needs. Ronnie questioned the effectiveness of conventional methods, stating, "I never understood how putting 25 to 30 kids in one room and teaching them the same thing at the same time could be effective."

Their journey began in their living room, where they started a micro school to provide a more personalized learning experience. Over five years, this initiative expanded significantly, culminating in a 15,000-square-foot facility that now serves kindergarten through eighth grade, with plans to introduce high school levels starting in 2026.

The Espositos' vision extends beyond a single institution; they aim to create a "mall of holistic education," offering diverse learning models that honor families as active partners and foster a love for learning. This approach aligns with the core principles of microschooling, emphasizing personalized education and community involvement.

Through Acton Academy Pittsburgh, Ronnie and Meghan continue to inspire young learners on their quest for knowledge and purpose, demonstrating the impact of innovative, learner-centered education.