Acton Academy Pocatello
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Hi! We are the Armstrongs...
With four children at home, we’re firm believers that every child comes to earth with their own spark and unique talents. For us, parenting is all about guiding and giving them the right tools to unlock inner potential and take on their own Hero’s Journey.
Throughout history, the idea of a Hero's Journey has always inspired people to fight for their own paths and liberty. That’s exactly why we fell in love with Acton Academy. It’s a space where young learners are given a call to learn, all the tools they need to succeed, and encouraged to find their unique contribution to the world instead of just fitting into a mold. A place where accountibility and strong character are valued, and critical thinking is developed.Â
We’re still figuring things out as we go, but we’re certain about one thing: we want ourchildren to have a meaningful life. That means helping them develop critical thinking, master 21st-century skills, and learn to learn, do, and be.Â
Bringing Acton Academy Pocatello into our lives has been the beginning of our own personal hero's journey. Making a place where our children can have freedom to learn and guidance along the path fills us with meaning and joy. We truly hope your family finds that same kind of magic with us.
Our Beliefs
We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.
1. We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.Â
2. We believe in learning to learn, learning to do , and learning to be.Â
3. We believe in a closely connected family of life-long learners.
4. We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Promises
We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:
1. Begin a Hero's Journey
2. Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery.
3. Become a curious, independent, life-long learner.
4. Embrace the forging of a strong character.
5. Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
6. Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Advisors
Laura Sandefer
Co-Founder - Acton Academy
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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."
