By: Audrey Teller My education began in the comfort of my home, where I was unschooled, free to explore topics that interested me. This form of education fostered a love for self-directed learning, which seamlessly aligned with the principles of Acton Academy when I transitioned there for high school. Attending Acton Academy was unique because... Continue Reading →
Where Are They Now: Acton Academy Hampton Roads Graduate
By: Arthur Hill I attended Acton Academy Hampton Roads since its founding in 2016, though it was under a different name at the time, and graduated in 2019 at the age of 15. Before that, almost the entirety of my education was done at home through textbooks and websites such as Khan Academy. Math was... Continue Reading →
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation And Why It Matters in a Learner-Driven Environment
When it comes to educating our children, it is important to consider motivation. As Maria Montessori once said, "The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'" This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind Acton Academy Hampton Roads and... Continue Reading →
The Learner-Driven Podcast
I am thrilled to be launching the Learner-Driven Podcast on March 10th! You will hear from some amazing micro-school founders, homeschooling parents who follow the learner-driven approach, as well as learners. Stay tuned! You can subscribe to our YouTube Channel here
The Consequences of Quitting
In modern parenting and education, the idea of letting young people quit activities they no longer enjoy or find challenging has gained popularity. Advocates argue that it empowers them to make decisions about their own lives and fosters a sense of independence. While these are valid points, there is a downside to this approach that... Continue Reading →
Where Are They Now: Acton Academy Hampton Roads Graduate
Our first official graduate (class of 2020) turned 18 this past Friday. She has one semester left at Old Dominion University before graduating with a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and then plans to attend medical school to become an MD. She has a 4.0 GPA and presented her chemistry research, for which she received... Continue Reading →
Skills Needed for the Future
One of the concerns with traditional schooling is that it does not prepare young people for the jobs of the future. The jobs of the future are likely to require a mix of technical, soft, and foundational skills due to the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving nature of work. Here are some of... Continue Reading →
Benefits of a Learner Driven Environment
As a parent, it is natural to want the best for our children and to provide them with every opportunity to become happy, successful, hard-working adults.A learner-driven environment empowers young people to take ownership of their education and allows them the time to pursue topics and subjects that genuinely interest them. They are encouraged to... Continue Reading →
Portfolios Instead of Report Cards
In today's digital age, the value of a solid online presence can be an advantage. For young people, creating an online portfolio to showcase their passions and projects can be a game-changer for college acceptance and future employment opportunities.Gone are the days when a simple resume and cover letter were enough to make a lasting... Continue Reading →
Value of a Child’s Artistic Expression
It is easy for parents to dismiss such activities as mere child's play, but I encourage you to consider the more profound significance behind this seemingly simple act. When a young person devotes a significant amount of time and effort to a creative pursuit, it speaks volumes about their passion, focus, and determination. It is... Continue Reading →