In Upstate New York, A New Acton Academy Takes Off
Jan 7, 2025
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Melissa Borkowski, co-founder of Acton Studios of Rochester, dives into the world of learner-driven education. She shares her journey of launching a new school inspired by personal experiences and the challenges of the pandemic. Melissa discusses regulatory hurdles faced in New York, emphasizing community collaboration in overcoming obstacles. The conversation highlights Acton Academy's innovative educational model, focusing on empowering students through critical thinking and accountability, while fostering a supportive network among micro schools.
Melissa and Nick Borkowski founded Acton Studios of Rochester to create a learner-driven educational environment focused on real-world experiences and personal growth.
The founders successfully navigated New York's strict education regulations by allowing families to register as homeschoolers while implementing the Acton model's innovative structure.
Deep dives
Founding Acton Studios of Rochester
Melissa Borkowski and her husband, Nick, co-founded Acton Studios of Rochester, inspired by their own educational experiences and a desire to create a learner-driven environment. They aimed to offer a different approach to education that emphasizes real-world experiences and personal growth, rather than a conventional curriculum. Their journey began with a yearning to provide an educational model that resonates more with the needs of today's learners, leading to discussions about starting a school even before they had children. The culmination of this dream was their launch in September 2024, starting with six learners, indicating a commitment to expanding educational options in Rochester.
Navigating New York's Regulatory Landscape
Operating in New York, a state known for its strict educational regulations, presented significant challenges for the founders. They faced hurdles regarding compliance and needed to determine whether their program would operate as a school or a different form of educational offering. Through guidance from organizations like Yes Every Kid Foundation, they formed a unique structure for their program, enabling families to register as homeschoolers while utilizing the Acton model. This innovative solution showcased their ability to creatively navigate regulations while staying true to their educational philosophy.
Building a Community of Learners
Borkowski emphasized the importance of community connections in attracting families to Acton Studios. By engaging with local leaders and leveraging social media, they cultivated interest and found families seeking alternatives to traditional educational routes. A notable aspect was that the initial group of six learners came together organically, illustrating the model's capacity to foster community. These connections not only helped launch their program but also created a supportive network for growth and collaboration.
Embracing the Acton Education Model
The Acton model prioritizes learner-driven education, allowing children to take charge of their learning journey, thus encouraging deeper engagement and understanding. Unlike conventional schooling, where standardized curricula dominate, Acton offers a flexible approach that promotes critical thinking and collaborative projects among learners. An exciting first exhibition event, a play based on 'Room on the Broom,' allowed students to showcase their collaborative skills and creativity in front of family members. As they implement systems like peer accountability and learning arcs, Acton Studios aims to refine this educational model to help learners achieve excellence.
Melissa Borkowski is the cofounder, along with her husband Nick, of Acton Studios of Rochester in Rochester, New York that is part of the vast Acton Academy network of learner-driven schools serving thousands of learners around the world.
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