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… they needed community. Acton is a tight-knit community with extremely high standards of excellence. We are committed to helping young people 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:
- Begin a Hero’s Journey;
- Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery;
- Become a curious, independent, lifelong learner;
- Embrace the forging of a strong character;
- Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life;
- 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’s childhood shows the power of good stories and games to motivate learning. Being home schooled, she was encouraged to follow her passions and allowed to learn at her own pace, even starting college at age 12. She co-founded AABR to give her own children a similarly tailored, hands-on education, while adding something her childhood lacked: a close-knit community of young people challenging each other, building lasting friendships, & growing together.
Travis Geary
Co-Founder, Head of School
Though he went to public school, Travis has long embraced Acton’s values. Like Acton, he values entrepreneurship and paid his way through college by starting a small business at 18. Also, true to Acton’s spirit of adventure and learning by doing, when he learned Arabic for his Master’s degree, he moved overseas rather than staying in the classroom. He co-founded AABR so his children & yours can live these same values from an early age within a tight-knit tribe that inspires courage, purpose, & community.
Audrey Frazier
Sparks Guide
Audrey is a former home school mom, entrepreneur, and our Spark Studio guide. She is passionate about instilling a lifelong love of learning in young minds. Her Masters degree in counseling has prepared her well for the role of a Socratic Guide by teaching her how to inspire curiosity and help learners see themselves and the world differently by asking good questions instead of lecturing.
Sarah Geary
Co-Founder, Discovery Guide
Sarah’s childhood shows the power of good stories and games to motivate learning. Being home schooled, she was encouraged to follow her passions and allowed to learn at her own pace, even starting college at age 12. She co-founded AABR to give her own children a similarly tailored, hands-on education, while adding something her childhood lacked: a close-knit community of young people challenging each other, building lasting friendships, & growing together.
Travis Geary
Co-Founder, Head of School
Though he went to public school, Travis has long embraced Acton’s values. Like Acton, he values entrepreneurship and paid his way through college by starting a small business at 18. Also, true to Acton’s spirit of adventure and learning by doing, when he learned Arabic for his Master’s degree, he moved overseas rather than staying in the classroom. He co-founded AABR so his children & yours can live these same values from an early age within a tight-knit tribe that inspires courage, purpose, & community.
Audrey Frazier
Sparks Guide
Audrey is a former home school mom, entrepreneur, and our Spark Studio guide. She is passionate about instilling a lifelong love of learning in young minds. Her Masters degree in counseling has prepared her well for the role of a Socratic Guide by teaching her how to inspire curiosity and help learners see themselves and the world differently by asking good questions instead of lecturing.
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.
- Complete Your Research
- Schedule a School Tour
- Submit Your Application
Acton Academy Blue Ridge
224 Taylor St
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 324-9686