We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way;
We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
We believe in a closely connected family of life-long learners.
We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Begin a Hero’s Journey,
Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery.
Become a curious, independent, life-long learner.
Embrace the forging of a strong character.
Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
A Vision Born from Shared Dreams
Our path to founding Acton Studios of Rochester began long before we officially embarked on this journey. It traces back to a conversation between Nick and me in 2011, a time when the idea of starting a more experiential school model was just a dream. We hadn't yet started our family, but even with our differing educational backgrounds, we found common ground in our educational philosophies, particularly our belief in a more experiential approach to learning.
A Desire for Meaningful Education
Throughout our lives, we observed numerous family members and friends graduate high school and enter college, often without a clear direction or passion. This observation was a stark reminder of our own quests in our late 20s and early 30s to discover our true callings. Nick, in particular, seemed naturally attuned to his inner drive - what he refers to as his "inner spark." While he adeptly navigated traditional paths to success, we both craved something more: a life ignited by internal passion and purpose. This desire wasn't just for ourselves, but also for future generations, hoping they might discover their sparks much earlier in life.
Embracing Child-Led Learning
As parents, we embraced a child-led learning approach both at home and in other environments. This path wasn't always straightforward - often going against societal norms - but it resonated deeply with us, igniting a familiar spark. While we occasionally attempted to align with conventional expectations, these periods were marked by a sense of loss, a departure from our true calling.
The Acton Academy Revelation
The concept of Acton Academy first reached us through a podcast, rekindling our early discussions and resonating profoundly with our core beliefs. As we listened, a sense of destiny enveloped us - a calling, perhaps, or simply an overwhelming sense of alignment with our values. Delving into Acton's philosophy through the book 'Courage To Grow' and other resources, we found ourselves unequivocally drawn to its mission. It was a clear decision: we were ready to embark on this transformative journey.
Joining a Movement of Change
Our gratitude towards The Sandefer's pioneering efforts in establishing Acton Academy is immeasurable. Joining a network that embodies our long-discussed ideals felt like a dream realized - a chance to contribute to a movement we deeply resonated with.
Our Core Belief: The Power of Youth
We firmly believe in the extraordinary capabilities of young individuals. Society often underestimates them, but we've witnessed the immense potential that arises when they are empowered to explore their autonomy and nurture their unique sparks from a young age. At Acton Studios of Rochester, we're committed to fostering an environment where the mind, body, and soul are in harmony, promoting a healthy lifestyle and self-awareness among our youngest learners.
Embarking on a Collective Journey
As we join this incredible journey with Acton Academy, our excitement is boundless. We're not just building a studio; we're nurturing a community where every child can embark on their own meaningful journey, discovering and honing their passions and potential. We invite you to join us on this exciting adventure, shaping a new generation of inspired, autonomous learners ready to explore and impact the world.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
Melissa, a passionate educator and visionary, often describes herself as a spiritual being navigating the complexities of the material world. Her story begins in a quaint town near the scenic Letchworth State Park, where her early professional life took root in a dynamic and multifaceted environment.
Early Professional Experiences
Melissa's career trajectory diverged from the conventional path of college education right after high school. She embraced the opportunity to work and earn at a young age, valuing real-world experience over academic pursuits during a period of self-discovery. This phase of her life was marked by a deep exploration of various roles that honed her skills in management, customer service, and operational efficiency. Melissa's commitment and adaptability in these roles fostered a sense of independence and self-confidence, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial spirit.
Creative Pursuits and Education
Her professional journey was punctuated by a continuous quest for learning and creativity. Melissa pursued education in Graphic Design at GCC and later delved into Interior Design at MCC. Her experience in graphic and sign design, combined with an interest in website design, revealed her innate creative flair. Despite enjoying these creative endeavors, Melissa felt a calling towards more active and engaging roles, leading her to balance multiple jobs to satisfy her diverse interests and energetic nature.
Transition to Parenthood and Entrepreneurship
The birth of her son in 2015 marked a significant turning point in Melissa's life. With various factors at play, she and her family made the thoughtful decision for her to focus on raising their children. During these years, Melissa explored various side ventures, embracing the joy and learning that came with each new challenge. This period was instrumental in shaping her approach to education and personal growth.
Founding Acton Academy
It was this rich tapestry of experiences and her journey as a parent that ultimately led Melissa to the founding of Acton Academy. Here, she combines her passion for holistic, child-led learning with her entrepreneurial spirit. Melissa's diverse background and continuous quest for knowledge and self-improvement are at the heart of her educational philosophy. She is committed to nurturing a learning environment where children are encouraged to explore their potentials and discover their unique paths, much like she did throughout her varied and enriching career.
A Community-Centric Visionary and Mentor
Nick Borkowski, a dedicated professional with a strong background in business and finance, is the co-founder of Acton Studios of Rochester. While Nick's professional journey includes significant achievements in business development and strategic planning, it is his volunteer work with the youth in the community that truly defines his passion and commitment.
Educational and Professional Background
Nick's educational background includes a degree in Business Management from St. John Fisher University, with concentrations in Finance and Marketing. He is also a Certified Lease & Finance Professional, a testament to his expertise in the finance sector. However, beyond his professional pursuits, Nick is deeply committed to making a positive impact in his community.
Rooted in Community and Youth Development
Nick Borkowski's engagement with his community is both deep and diverse. He serves as an active board member for the Fairport Raiders Athletic Association, where his contributions far exceed the usual scope of administrative responsibilities. In this role, Nick's true passion is evident as he takes on the role of coach and mentor for young athletes. His approach is holistic, focusing not just on enhancing their athletic abilities but also on fostering their personal development and their abilities to work effectively as part of a team.
Beyond his involvement in athletics, Nick dedicates his efforts to various committees and student groups at The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, his alma mater. His commitment here reflects a dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Additionally, Nick's role as a volunteer with Flower City Habitat for Humanity underscores his deep commitment to community service and improvement. His diverse range of volunteer activities is a testament to his belief in the power of giving back and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Pioneering the Acton Children's Business Fair in Rochester
One of Nick's most notable contributions is his instrumental role in launching the first Acton Children's Business Fair in Rochester, New York. This initiative reflects his passion for fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills in young minds. Through this event, Nick has created a platform for children to explore their creativity, develop business acumen, and gain real-world experience in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Bringing Vision to Acton Academy
In co-founding Acton Studios of Rochester, Nick has seamlessly integrated his strategic planning skills with his passion for community and youth empowerment. His vision for the academy is grounded in his belief in the boundless potential of young people. Nick is dedicated to cultivating an educational space where students can flourish, embrace their passions, and evolve into well-rounded, responsible individuals, equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or co-found seven successful businesses. As a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas, Jeff’s students five times voted him the school’s Outstanding Teacher and Businessweek named him one of the top Entrepreneurship professors in America.
Jeff went on to co-found the Acton School of Business, an MBA program perennially ranked by the Princeton Review among the best in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world.
Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school’s governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science. After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City.
Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.
Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy.
Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious."
