OUR PODCAST
Noodles in the Sandbox Podcast
Noodles in the Sandbox is a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of alternative education, designed for parents who have stepped away from traditional public schools and are seeking the best path for their children. Hosted by experienced educators who lead Acton Academy Northwest Austin (Texas). Together we dive into early education tools, parenting strategies, and focus on cultivating 21st-century skills in a learner-driven environment.
Episodes About Our Learner-Driven Approach
The Role of Structure in a Learner-Driven Environment
In this episode, we discuss how learner-driven environments balance freedom with structure through "creative constraints," empowering young people to manage their own learning within agreed-upon norms and systems.
The Hero's Journey Collection
In this episode, we discuss how learner-driven environments balance freedom with structure through "creative constraints," empowering young people to manage their own learning within agreed-upon norms and systems.
The Hero's Journey Collection
In this episode, we discuss how learner-driven environments balance freedom with structure through "creative constraints," empowering young people to manage their own learning within agreed-upon norms and systems.
VIDEOS
What Makes a Hero?
TED Ed - Matthew Winkler
Explore Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Hero’s Journey and how it applies to life and storytelling. In this video, the narrator illustrates the universal pattern of personal transformation, showing how individuals grow through challenges and triumphs—emphasizing that each of us is the hero of our own journey.
Find a Calling, Change the World
TEDx Talk - Jeff Sandefer
Jeff challenges traditional schooling, showing how learner-driven models empower young people to take ownership of their education and thrive beyond conventional expectations.
Changing Educational Paradigms
TED Talk - Sir Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson challenges outdated, industrial-era schooling that stifles creativity. Sir Ken Robinson critiques standardized testing and rigid structures, advocating for a system that nurtures curiosity, innovation, and diverse thinking.
Let's Use Video to Reinvent Education
TED Talk - Sal Khan
Sal Khan discusses how technology can transform traditional education by personalizing learning. Khan highlights the potential of online platforms to allow students to learn at their own pace, fostering deeper understanding and mastery while promoting self-directed learning.
GET YOUR SCHOOL INFO KIT TODAY!
Your child’s education doesn’t have to fit into a box. At Acton Academy Northwest Austin, learners are empowered to lead their own learning adventure—fueled by curiosity, creativity, and nature. Ready to reimagine what school can be? Grab your free Info Kit and start the journey today!
RECOMMENDED READING
Courage to Grow
by Laura Sandefer
Courage to Grow: How Acton Academy Turns Learning Upside Down by Laura Sandefer is the inspiring story of Acton Academy, an innovative school founded by Sandefer and her husband, Jeff. Frustrated with traditional education, they created Acton as a model that emphasizes self-directed learning, critical thinking, and a growth mindset. Courage to Grow shares the journey of building a school where students learn through real-world challenges, goal setting, and peer collaboration, cultivating responsibility and resilience.
For parents, the book is both a story of educational transformation and a guide for fostering independent, motivated learners. Sandefer offers valuable insights for parents seeking to encourage curiosity and confidence in their children. By reading Courage to Grow, parents can gain inspiration and practical ideas for creating a home environment that supports self-discovery, problem-solving, and a love of learning, empowering children to take charge of their education and future.
Click here to learn more about Acton Academy and how it turns learning on its head!
Unschooling Rules
by Clark Aldrich
Unschooling Rules: 55 Ways to Unlearn What We Know About Schools and Rediscover Education by Clark Aldrich challenges traditional schooling, focusing on flexibility, curiosity, and real-world learning. The book presents insights on self-directed learning, the limits of standardized testing, and the value of life skills. For parents, it offers practical ways to support children’s natural curiosity and make learning a meaningful part of daily life, ideal for those seeking alternatives to mainstream education.
Mindset
by Carol S. Dweck
NurtureShock
by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
NEXT STEPS
Download your free Info Kit and explore how our school empowers lifelong learning.
Book a quick 20-minute call to get your questions answered.
Join us for a 30-minute Pop-In Tour to see our campus in person.
FAMILY APPLICATION PROCESS
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our simple, thoughtful application process and start your journey toward joining our community of lifelong learners.
