Resources
Things families here have found worth their time
This is not a reading list and there is no order to work through. Browse what looks useful, ignore the rest. Most of it is what we hand to parents who ask “where do I even start?”
After a straight answer rather than a reading list? The frequently asked questions cover tuition, ages, the language of the studio, accreditation and how to come and see it.
Books
Courage to GrowLaura Sandefer — how the first Acton Academy started, told by one of its founders
MindsetCarol Dweck — why praising effort rather than talent changes what a child will attempt
Unschooling RulesClark Aldrich — principles for natural learning
One World SchoolhouseSalman Khan — mastery instead of moving the whole class along at one speed
The Talent CodeDaniel Coyle — what deliberate practice looks like, and why struggle is the pointSome titles are available on Audible. Carol Dweck's Mindset is also available in Latvian. If you would like a physical copy, just ask — we keep a small library for Acton Academy Riga parents.
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In the press
Acton Academy is not one school in one city — it is a movement. It was started in 2009 in Austin, Texas, by Jeff and Laura Sandefer. Today the Acton Academy network has more than 300 schools in 26 countries. The model has drawn attention far beyond education circles.
“This is an important story about learning what matters.”
— Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow — on Laura Sandefer's book Courage to Grow
“An institution like Acton Academy represents something I wish I had had.”
— Gary Vaynerchuk, entrepreneur
“Acton Academy is one of the most important education developments in the world.”— Tom Vander Ark, education strategist, founder of Getting Smart
More reading
If you want to go deeper, or you are weighing us up against another school, these are the pages worth your time.
- A parent’s guide to choosing a school
- Montessori or Acton?
- Waldorf, explained
- Waldorf compared with Montessori
- Homeschooling in Latvia
- How to choose a school
- A school for an active child
- Is Acton right for your family? — a short quiz
- What kind of education suits your child? — a short quiz
- The information pack
Is this the right school for your family?
Fifteen minutes, no commitment — you ask, we answer. In English, whenever it suits you.