About Us

A learner-led community that places young people at the center of their own education through self-directed, peer-to-peer learning

ABOUT US

Hi, We're Travis & Sarah Geary

For years, we homeschooled our four children, and they flourished academically. As time passed, we realized they needed more than academics. Acton is exactly what we were searching for — a tight-knit community with extremely high standards of excellence. We are committed to empowering young people to become self-directed learners through an educational model that challenges the status quo and puts learners first. Here at Acton, your child will be in an environment where learners are encouraged to explore deeply, take chances, and make mistakes as they become the best version of themselves.

OUR SCHOOL

Educational Philosophy

Clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge virtuous character, and character determines destiny.

Our Beliefs

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 lifelong learners.

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, lifelong 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.
 

What Is Acton Academy?

Acton Academy Blue Ridge is an independently-owned and operated school that is part of an affiliate network of over 300 Acton Academies in more than 42 states and 27 countries worldwide. This network finds its inspiration and receives mentorship from the very first Acton Academy, which was founded in Austin, Texas in 2009 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer, a visionary and entrepreneurial couple who were dissatisfied with the constraints of traditional teaching methods their children had encountered. Our network of affiliates is passionate about revolutionizing education, pursuing best practices, and have agreed to protect a learner-driven environment.

The name Acton is a tribute to John Edward Acton, also known as Baron Acton or Lord Acton (1834-1902). He was wary of the insatiable desire for power, which led to his most famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

OUR PEOPLE

Meet Our Team

Sarah Geary

Co-Founder, Guide


Sarah was homeschooled through high school, giving her the opportunity to work at her own pace and start college at the age of 12. She graduated top of her class with a Bachelor’s in Math from Hood College at age 18, followed by a graduate degree and teaching certificate from Wheaton College in IL. She worked a 15-year career in Cyber Intelligence while teaching math and ESL on the side. She started homeschooling her four wonderful children, and that journey led her to co-found Acton Academy Blue Ridge with her husband, Travis.

Travis Geary

Co-Founder, Head of School


Travis graduated from Buffalo Gap High School, then started a moving company to pay for his undergraduate studies in Political Science at JMU. After a brief stint living in the Middle East to learn Arabic, he returned to Virginia to earn his graduate degree at George Mason University and began a career in Cyber Intelligence. More importantly, Travis is a committed husband and father of four wonderful children, who are his inspiration to co-found Acton Academy Blue Ridge with his wife, Sarah.

Laura Sandefer

Advisor; Co-Founder of Original Acton Academy


Laura attended Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies. After working in the aviation insurance industry, she decided to follow her calling into the world of education, earning her Masters of Education at Peabody College. This led her to create fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students at the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Laura married Jeff Sandefer and the inspiration of their three children led Laura and Jeff to co-found the first Acton Academy.

Jeff Sandefer

Advisor; Co-Founder of Original Acton Academy


Jeff is both an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. He founded his first of 8 companies at age 16. 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, ranked by the Princeton Review among the best MBA programs in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world. Jeff is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School.

Sarah Geary

Co-Founder, Guide


Sarah was homeschooled through high school, giving her the opportunity to work at her own pace and start college at the age of 12. She graduated top of her class with a Bachelor’s in Math from Hood College at age 18, followed by a graduate degree and teaching certificate from Wheaton College in IL. She worked a 15-year career in Cyber Intelligence while teaching math and ESL on the side. She started homeschooling her four wonderful children, and that journey led her to co-found Acton Academy Blue Ridge with her husband, Travis.

Travis Geary

Co-Founder, Head of School


Travis graduated from Buffalo Gap High School, then started a moving company to pay for his undergraduate studies in Political Science at JMU. After a brief stint living in the Middle East to learn Arabic, he returned to Virginia to earn his graduate degree at George Mason University and began a career in Cyber Intelligence. More importantly, Travis is a committed husband and father of four wonderful children, who are his inspiration to co-found Acton Academy Blue Ridge with his wife, Sarah.

Laura Sandefer

Advisor; Co-Founder of Original Acton Academy


Laura attended Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies. After working in the aviation insurance industry, she decided to follow her calling into the world of education, earning her Masters of Education at Peabody College. This led her to create fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students at the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Laura married Jeff Sandefer and the inspiration of their three children led Laura and Jeff to co-found the first Acton Academy.

Jeff Sandefer

Advisor; Co-Founder of Original Acton Academy


Jeff is both an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. He founded his first of 8 companies at age 16. 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, ranked by the Princeton Review among the best MBA programs in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world. Jeff is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School.

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.

Top Private Montessori School Omaha Elementary Leadership Collaboration

Acton Academy Blue Ridge
224 Taylor St
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 324-9686‬