Reimagine Your Child's Education
Acton Academy Blue Ridge is an innovative private school in Staunton, VA where young people take charge of their own education, embrace challenge, and have fun learning.
OUR VISION
We’re the Gearys. We homeschooled our children for years and saw them excel academically. They loved the freedom of homeschooling, but we realized they needed more—a community of peers where they could practice life’s most important skills like teamwork, leadership, and integrity.
We started this school for families like ours who value freedom over conformity, independence over blind obedience, and taking meaningful risks over the comfort of mediocrity. If you share these priorities and are seeking an alternative to traditional schooling or homeschooling, we hope you’ll consider joining us on your own hero’s journey!
A school for entrepreneurs, creators & Free Thinkers
What if that time was filled with meaningful experiences like...
- Setting their own goals and mastering real-world skills, instead of plodding through dry textbooks
- Conquering challenges that matter to them, instead of wasting time on busy work
- Working at their own pace, instead of struggling to keep up or being held back
- Completing hands-on projects with friends, instead of enduring endless lectures stuck in a desk
- Building character for a lifetime, instead of cramming to pass a test.
EDUCATION REIMAGINED
your child will spend 1,000 Hours at school each year
TRUE EDUCATION
We go beyond imparting Knowledge
Which is a better measure for the quality of your child’s education? Is it their grades, test scores, and homework? Or, is it whether they love to learn, have mastered the skills to do hard things that matter in the real world, and possess the mindset and character needed to change the world for the better?
Learning to Learn
Deep discussions, self-directed learning, and personal goal setting equip young heroes to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Learning to Do
Whether launching a business, programming a robot, or creating a living habitat, learners acquire real-world skills every day.
Learning to Be
Personal virtues like self-awareness, teamwork, honesty, & kindness are developed by practicing conflict resolution & building community.
OUR APPROACH
What it Looks Like
“Children come into the world exquisitely designed, and strongly motivated, to educate themselves. They don’t need to be forced to learn; in fact, coercion undermines their natural desire to learn.”
— Dr. Peter Gray
Each afternoon, your child embarks on immersive, multi-week “quests” where academic learning transforms into real-world adventure. Picture them working in teams to design a sustainable garden, launch a business, or solve a mystery using chemistry—all tied to a compelling narrative. They step into the shoes of real-life heroes, tackling challenges with hands-on projects as they build confidence, creativity, and a deep understanding of how their learning shapes the world. Every day is a journey of discovery, rooted in purpose and adventure.
Imagine your child becoming more and more the hero that they were created to be. At our school, this is guided by the Hero’s Journey—a map for navigating life’s challenges and triumphs. Through purpose-driven work, they uncover their unique calling and embrace “doing hard things” with courage and resilience. They practice essential skills like setting boundaries, resolving conflicts, and giving and receiving feedback, all while celebrating mistakes as stepping stones to growth. Every day your child builds character, discovers their gifts, and develops the confidence to overcome obstacles and form meaningful relationships—all while preparing to make a lasting impact on the world.
At our school, your child discovers the thrill of entrepreneurship, learning autonomy through self-directed learning and hands-on experimentation. Picture them brainstorming, building, and testing a real business during our Entrepreneurship Quest, then proudly showcasing it at our Acton Children’s Business Fair. They manage real money, interact with real customers, and navigate real challenges—learning resilience and problem-solving along the way. With a focus on growth through failure, they embrace mistakes as opportunities, developing both independence and a collaborative spirit.
At our school, learning feels like an adventure your child can’t wait to begin each day. Imagine them in a vibrant, open studio filled with cozy nooks, collaborative spaces, and creative energy. Mixed-age classrooms buzz with interaction, where learners teach and inspire one another. Whether they’re working quietly alone, brainstorming in a group, or sprawled on a couch deep in thought, every child finds their own rhythm. With no homework and a focus on teamwork and freedom, your child will discover the joy of learning in a place that feels more like a second home than a school.
ENDORSEMENTS
What People Are Saying About Acton
As Seen In:
We Are IALDS Accredited
The International Association of Learner Driven Schools is an accrediting entity focused on learner-driven communities.
Now Enrolling
If you're seeking an educational experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where your child can embark on a journey of self-discovery, critical thinking, and real-world exploration, your journey starts here.
- Fill out the short survey below
- Complete your research & answer a few written application questions
- Meet with us for a casual interview
Acton Academy Blue Ridge
224 Taylor St
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 324-9686
