Our Education Philosophy
We were parents just like you - searching for the answer to our children's education.
We believe self-directed, peer-to-peer, learner-driven communities built by our young heroes will deliver transformational learning at a cost all parents can afford.
We believe self-directed, peer-to-peer, learner-driven communities built by our young heroes will deliver transformational learning at a cost all parents can afford.
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We believe that:
Clear thinking leads to good decisions
Good decisions lead to the right habits
The right habits forge character
Character determines destiny
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Founders Zach & Heidi Harsin and their four kids.
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We are the Harsin Family. We love Lincoln and its amazing entrepreneurial spirit. Like many of you, we are learning to parent our four children, Haddie, Sawyer, Milo, and Cohen the only way we know how, by doing, by failing, and course correcting as needed.
As our oldest prepared to enter Kindergarten, we weighed all of our options (public schools, private schools, homeschooling, and even moving to a smaller community). Our family, like yours, simply wanted a joyful, curious childhood to be fostered for our children through learning. Once we found Acton we knew that it could be everything we were looking for...and MORE! Together, with parents, we work together to make Acton the perfect blend of individuality, curiosity, and community. The day we found Acton we knew we had to bring this amazing private school option to Lincoln, not only for our family, but for other like-minded-families struggling find the right fit for their children. We can't wait to embark on this journey and hope you and your family feel called to join. |
Our Promise to your child
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Learn to be curious, independent, lifelong learner
Develop a deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms
Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on Earth
Discover their most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems
Find their unique world-changing calling
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Our Team
There are 300+ Acton Academies in 23 countries around the world! Each as unique as the last, but founded on the common belief that your child is a genius destined to change the world and that learning to do and learning to be far outweigh simply learning to know. Our team believes your child deserves an education worthy of this calling.
Miss abby | Chief Encourager
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Miss Abby grew up on the East Coast where she found her calling for outdoor and experiential education. After graduating from Ithaca College she spent two years working at an outdoor school where she facilitated teamwork initiatives, taught outdoor skills, and lead adventure trips. She recently completed her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and plans to continue on her own journey as a lifelong learner.
Her passion for hands-on learning and cultivating independence led her to Acton. |
Mr. Luke | Head Socratic Guide
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Mr. Luke spent close to a decade teaching middle school before being introduced to the Acton approach to learning. Frustrated and fed up with the traditional model, he was immediately drawn to the idea of building an educational system from the ground up, based on the extraordinary dignity and potential of each child. As he learned more about Acton's learner-driven model, built around the hero's journey, it became clear that he had found something truly wonderful and world changing.
Mr. Luke and his wife have four children and they are thrilled to also be on the Acton parent journey. He is an avid reader and enjoys few things more than talking about great books. He loves the outdoors - camping, hiking, & exploring. He enjoys traveling and is always looking forward to the next family adventure. |
Miss Brittany | Spark studio Guide
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Miss Brittany has a degree in Elementary and Special Education from UNL, but has been drawn to alternative schools, particularly Montessori, since the beginning of her collegiate career.
After taking a gap year post-graduation and working at a Montessori program out in Denver, Miss Brittany came back to the Good Life where she stumbled upon Acton Academy. The more she learned about it, the more her heart was drawn to its beauty. As the Spark Guide, she’s excited to walk alongside each learner on their own journey. In her free time, you may find her in nature, having heart-to-hearts with loved ones, road-tripping to Colorado, or dabbling in the arts. |
Miss Anna | Spark Studio Guide
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Miss Anna has a degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Before finding Acton, she realized that her philosophy of education was evolving and her desires for learning no longer matched the traditional setting. Contemplating leaving teaching all together, she stumbled on Acton and discovered a world that matched her passions perfectly.
Miss Anna loves to bring the 'fun' and believes in being your true authentic self! Something I’m most excited to bring to the community is my love for being your true authentic self! She loves the arts, cross stitching, doing macramé or building a new piece of furniture! |
Miss Ashley | Spark Studio Guide
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Miss Ashley holds a degree in Elementary Education and spent 11 years working within the traditional education system. Over time, she realized her educational philosophy no longer aligned with the conventional model. While searching for the best school for her daughter, she discovered Acton and was immediately inspired by its learner-driven approach.
Miss Ashley is excited to be part of the Acton community as both a guide and a parent. Outside of her work at Acton, she enjoys reading, going on long runs, and exploring new places with her family. |
Miss Elisabeth | discovery Guide
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Miss Elisabeth was born and raised in Ghent, Belgium where she attended Freinet Method schools until she was 17. With a father instructing pedagogy at the college of Ghent and a mother spending her career at the core of local method schooling, Elisabeth followed their footsteps and graduated from the University of Ghent with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. From there she continued her schooling in International Development.
Miss Elisabeth worked as a teacher in several alternative settings where she had the liberty of implementing new teaching strategies and methods. In 2016 she moved to the U.S. to be with her husband and worked at a charter school in Texas, as a behavior technician in Lincoln, and at the same time started a small illustration business. |
Miss Annie | Odyssey Guide
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Miss Anna has long dreamed of a world where young people are truly seen, valued and championed. It would be a world where curiosity is encouraged and space is given to these little humans to explore and dream and grow into all the purpose and potential that lies within them. Stepping into her role at Acton is like stepping into that dream.
A graduate of UCLA and transplant to Nebraska, Miss Anna has spent her career in a variety of educational and youth development settings pursuing this dream. She has committed herself to creating environments that foster authentic youth voice and celebrate the wonder and potential within young people. She believes deeply in being the loudest cheerleader in the room. |
Miss Anna is a lover of laughter, all things adventure, running through the forest, playing in the mountains, diving beneath giant waves, a well made pastry, art, compelling wood grain, puppies and unicorns.
Mr Mark | Interim Adventure/LP Guide
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Mr. Mark graduated from Doane College with a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology. After college, he spent seven years working as a Golf Professional at private country clubs, where he honed his skills both on and off the course.
For the past six years, Mr. Mark has been fortunate to spend his time as a stay-at-home dad, dedicating himself to raising his daughters and being actively involved in their lives. His greatest passion is his family—he has been married to the love of his life, Christina, for almost 15 years. They have two wonderful daughters: Charlotte, who is in the Discovery Studio at Acton Academy, and Amelia, who will be starting in the Spark Studio. |
Mr. Mark enjoys any and all outdoor activities, games, and competitions, always seeking out new challenges and adventures. What drew him to Acton was being part of its vibrant community for the past three years and witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion of those involved in Acton Academy. He is grateful to be part of such a purposeful and inspiring environment.
Miss Libby | Apprentice Guide
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Miss Libby is originally from Ainsworth, Nebraska, but is currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She began her collegiate career in agricultural education, but was quickly frustrated by the traditional system which seemed to break the natural curiosity of the learner. Through her experience with the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, she found Acton Academy. After observing the Acton model, she was hooked.
While Miss Libby always finds a way to keep busy, in her free time you can find her enjoying the outdoors, planning new adventures, or watching Husker sports! She will be graduating in the May of 2026 with her Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication. |
Miss Hannah | Community Liaison
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Miss Hannah holds a degree in Elementary and Special Education, though it was during her student teaching that she realized her strengths and passions were better suited outside the traditional classroom. What began as a summer job in college turned into an 18-year career, where she helped lead and grow programs for a Christian summer camp located across the Southeast.
Miss Hannah and her husband relocated from Georgia to focus more intentionally on family life. They have three children. Encouraged by the experiences of friends already involved with Acton, she’s excited to join a school that inspires young people to discover who they are and take joy in their own learning journey. |
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accreditationActon Academy Lincoln is an independent private school in Lincoln Nebraska. We are accredited by the The International Association of Learner Driven Schools. IALDS is an accrediting entity and organization that is focused on the learner-driven communities.
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"Can Acton graduates go on to college?"
By this time, you might have the impression that Acton Academies are really different from traditional schools. Like, REALLY different. You’re right. Acton Academies are off-the-charts different. On purpose. But if you think Acton students have limited options after graduation, think again!
Rewrite Your Family's Story
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