From Homeschool to College: My Learner-Driven Journey

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 I was living far from any campus, so my high school experience was remote. This setup allowed me to customize my education further, focusing on building a transcript that would enable me to jumpstart my college education early. At 15, I decided to pursue higher education sooner than most, and by 16, I was a high school graduate and a college student.
Two months before my high school graduation, I enrolled as a dual enrollment student at Tidewater Community College. My transition into a traditional classroom setting was challenging yet exhilarating. Despite never having been in a classroom or taken an exam before college, I adapted quickly, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and working towards a degree in social sciences.

During summers, I work at a local strawberry farm, and in my free time, I indulge in my passions for reading, painting, and playing music. Volunteering at local non-profits is also a significant part of my life, allowing me to give back to the community that supports my academic and personal growth. Reflecting on my time at Acton Academy Hampton Roads, I am immensely grateful for the non-traditional educational path it provided. The learner-driven model of Acton instilled in me a deep love for learning and an appreciation for education as a lifelong journey rather than a hurdle to overcome. It prepared me for adulthood by teaching me the importance of setting and achieving goals, however daunting they may seem.

Acton Academy didn’t just prepare me for college; it prepared me for life. It showed me the value of learning from diverse environments and people of varying ages and backgrounds. This experience has profoundly shaped my worldview and academic pursuits. I look forward to what the future holds, knowing that the foundation laid by my unique schooling experience is solid.