A true Acton family is one that fully embraces our learner-driven mission and actively enriches our community. These families trust their young hero’s ability to take responsibility for their own education, they value character and curiosity over test scores, and they partner with us (and their child) on this learning journey.
They are the first to lend a hand or share a story – enthusiastically referring new families and welcoming them into the fold. In short, they live out Acton’s values in their home and community, helping our Acton tribe grow and thrive.
Is there anyone who comes to mind who you would want sitting beside your learner the next time they take on a big challenge?
That's the goal. That is how we will grow.
Example of one of our "love letters" to our Acton families:
Dear Acton Familia,
Each new school year brings many things – the anticipation of new adventures, the joyful exuberance of play-dates with friends and hands-on projects, and (sigh) for parents, the hustle and bustle of getting everyone to school, picked up on time and off to the next activity. Amidst this flurry of each busy day, one thing keeps resurfacing in my mind.
And that is the “BIG WHY” behind our community. The reason we set our alarms to get up early and find our way into this remarkable place each and every morning. My own experience in life has been that often the “what” of life can become so consuming that it is easy to lose sight of the WHY we chose to pursue the very things that fill our calendars.
With the rush of the new school year behind us and holidays coming fast, I’d like to take a brief moment to reflect on our “why” here at Acton.
And in the true spirit of a Socratic Guide, I will pose a question that I heard recently from a fellow Acton owner. I’ve not been able to shake it since hearing it:
“How valuable is it for your child to get an education?”
I suspect we all have various answers to this question and could even assign different monetary figures to it. A little back of the napkin math never hurt anyone. 🙂
But then he shifted the question in one subtle but powerful way:
“What if I asked you how valuable would it be for your child to discover a calling?”
That’s an entirely different question, isn’t it?
It changes the game.
If you are anything like me, my educational journey was one where I became adept at fulfilling requirements, checking boxes, and jumping through hoops. At the end of the day, I found that I had built a transcript filled with decent grades, acceptance into a prestigious college, and a record as a “good” student.
But if I’m honest, little else. No strong sense of self. No clear identity. No sense of purpose, or direction. Regardless of what the grades on that transcript might have said, I can’t help but feel that the whole thing was a big charade.
Which me brings me back to those alarm clocks, and why we all get up early and drive through lanes of traffic to Acton each morning.
I believe with every bone in my body that there is greatness embedded in each of our young heroes. Not just potential greatness. But the actual seeds of genius. Each one unique. And perhaps with a lot of nurturing, a potential world-changer.
This gift of genius is something more beautiful, more profound, more valuable and important than we could ever imagine. So if a child’s education must be above all else, be an invitation – it should be an invitation to become the person we were created to be, to discover the greatness within each of us. It is a mission to find the sacred point where that unique spirit (genius) intersects with a deep hunger of the world – THAT is the point of finding a calling.
Anything short of THIS… is an injustice.
Seriously. Read that sentence again. If we fail to deliver THIS, it is an injustice to those young little souls whom we love the most!
As we all get ready for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I hope you will cast your eyes back to our “BIG WHY.”
Over the coming year, you will certainly hear excited reports from your learner about the “what” of their days – the lip dubs, quests, Children’s Business Fair ideas, Studio Contracts, Core Skills, launches, Town Halls, Peace Table, and all the things that set Acton apart.
These are important moments with your child when they are sharing. They are worthy of celebration and reflection. But amidst it all, I will encourage you… I will challenge you to tie it back to our BIG WHY.
The “whats” will inevitably have many ups and downs – victories and defeats, conflicts and tears, and then making up again. But it’s the “WHY” that will inspire and sustain each Hero over a journey filled with many upcoming adventures.
Being a Hero is hard. But ‘Heroes do hard things’ and picking ourselves up after getting knocked down is what defines us… I would say what MAKES heroes at Acton.
With much love and appreciation that you chose to journey this path with us, all together.
~ Tobin & Martina
P.S. Question of the Day: What nearly kept you from choosing Acton—and what helped you decide?
P.S.S. If a letter sparks a thought or win at home, would you text it to me? Those stories help us serve you (and all the families) better.