Business Details
6 Years
experience
Innovative K-12 Education in Indianapolis
Acton Academy Northwest Indianapolis reimagines education by fostering a learner-driven environment where students discover their unique gifts and develop the character to change the world. Founded on principles of self-paced learning, multi-age collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, we prioritize curiosity, independence, and accountability. Our approach integrates cutting-edge technology and cognitive science to create a dynamic space where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We emphasize mastery over memorization, encouraging students to take ownership of their education through personalized learning plans and project-based challenges.Our community values economic, political, and religious freedoms, cultivating leaders who embrace lifelong learning and service. With a focus on character development and critical thinking, we prepare students to navigate complexity with confidence and integrity. Our Net Promoter Score of 98 reflects families' enthusiasm for our innovative model, which prioritizes transparency, growth, and a hero's journey mindset. We serve families in Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, and surrounding areas, offering a transformative alternative to traditional education.
Services
Self-Paced Learning
Character Development
Real-World Projects
Multi-Age Classrooms
Learner-Driven Approach
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We implement a learner-driven model with self-paced, mastery-based learning.
- Our curriculum emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
- Students engage in real-world projects and collaborative problem-solving.
- Multi-age classrooms foster leadership, empathy, and peer learning.
- Our Net Promoter Score of 98 reflects exceptional family satisfaction.
What people say
Love of learning renewed
Thriving environment
Character development focus
Self-paced mastery
Community culture
Services
Self-Paced Learning
Students progress at their own pace through customized learning plans that adapt to individual strengths and challenges. Technology-driven tools and Socratic guides support mastery of core skills while fostering independence. This approach cultivates intrinsic motivation and lifelong learning habits.
Character Development
Daily focus on courage, integrity, and empathy through peer interactions and reflective practices. Students learn accountability through community governance and conflict resolution. Character growth is measured through demonstrated virtues rather than grades.
Real-World Projects
Students tackle authentic challenges through exhibitions and entrepreneurial ventures. Projects integrate multiple disciplines while addressing community needs. This builds problem-solving skills and connects academic concepts to practical applications.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Learners aged 5-12 collaborate in flexible groups that mirror real-world teamwork. Older students mentor younger peers while reinforcing their own knowledge. This fosters leadership, social skills, and a supportive community environment.
Learner-Driven Approach
Students set personal goals and track progress through digital portfolios and badges. Self-assessment and peer feedback replace traditional grading. This cultivates ownership of learning and intrinsic motivation for continuous growth.
People
Liz Collar
Head of School
Liz Collar graduated from Grove City College with degrees in History and Education. She brings experience in homeschooling and youth leadership development to Acton Academy. Her educational philosophy emphasizes curiosity, character, and community in a learner-driven environment.
J.D. Collar
Director
J.D. Collar combines 15 years of entrepreneurship with a Master's in theology. He focuses on fostering courage, creativity, and growth mindset at Acton. His background includes business leadership and church ministry roles in Indianapolis.
Laura Sandefer
Advisor
Laura Sandefer co-founded Acton Academy after careers in aviation insurance and education program development. She holds a Master of Education from Peabody College and advocates for learner-driven education models that emphasize character and independence.
Jeff Sandefer
Advisor
Jeff Sandefer co-founded Acton Academy and served as a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas. Recognized as a top entrepreneurship professor, he brings business leadership experience and educational innovation expertise to the school's development.
Questions
What makes Acton Academy different from traditional schools?
We use self-paced learning, multi-age classrooms, and mastery-based assessments instead of lectures and standardized testing.
How does character development work at Acton?
Students practice virtues through community governance, peer mentoring, and reflective exercises integrated into daily learning.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for learners aged 5-12 in mixed-age studios that promote collaborative learning.
How is progress measured without grades?
Students earn digital badges for skill mastery and maintain portfolios demonstrating their learning journey.
What is your Net Promoter Score?
Our NPS of 98 reflects exceptional family satisfaction with our innovative educational approach.
How do you prepare students for college?
We focus on critical thinking, self-direction, and communication skills that prepare learners for academic and life success.
Reviews (1)
Courtney Daniels
Nov 09, 2020
Report
As a former public school teacher, my experiences lead our family to homeschool and then we found Acton Academy. Both of our children have had so much growth this year. Weve seen their leadership skills sharpened, critical thinking skills honed and how well they have been able to work collaboratively with their peers. The four Cs oftwenty-first Century skillsare critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Acton helps to develop each of these skills in a developmentally appropriate way. I love how they allow our children to read their choice of books during drop everything
