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 TeamThere 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.
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Miss Devon | Chief Encourager
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Miss Devon graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she majored in Child, Youth, and Family Studies. She originally planned on graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, but knew after just one semester that traditional schooling was not the path for her. When the Harsins introduced her to Acton, she was immediately captivated by the idea of providing children with a space to discover their true passions and calling.
As the Spark Guide this year, Miss Devon is most excited to guide each child in “Learning to Be”, in truly finding out what it means to grow and work alongside others. In her free time, you will most likely find her outdoors - from hiking to running to a good conversation - she believes out in the sunshine is the best place to spend quality time! |
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 Abby | Socratic Guide + 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. |
Miss Elisabeth | Socratic 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. |
When Miss Elisabeth read about the Acton Academy she found exactly what she was looking for--a school with a focus on student-led learning and problem solving. She is very excited to become part of the Acton community!
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. |
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Miss Taylor | Apprentice GuideAfter 12 years in a traditional school setting, Miss Taylor decided to transfer to Acton Lincoln for her Senior year (21-22), having watched Acton transform her brother’s life the year before. During her short time as a learner at Acton, she also interned as a guide in our Spark Studio where she fell in love with working with the young heroes.
She serves as an Apprentice Guide, primarily in the Discovery Studio, where she continues to hone her Socratic skills. She is passionate about the opportunity to see each hero grow on their journey. |
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Miss Nicole | PE Coach & Outdoor GuideBorn and raised in Lincoln, NE, Miss Nicole graduated from UNL in 2002 with her degree in Physical Education. She spent 18 years teaching PE in Lincoln before her journey took her down the path to become a personal trainer and group fitness coordinator. Ms. Nicole is most looking forward to sharing her love for movement in a space that encourages creativity and responsibility. She works to give our learners exposure to a variety of activities allowing them to explore and appreciate the value movement brings to our lives.
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When she's not personal training, coaching, or acting as an assistant outdoor guide for our outdoor program, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, going to CrossFit, enjoying coffee or any food that contains peanut butter, and singing 80s music as loudly as possible with no shame!
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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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