Dear Discerning Parents;
I won't name names. But you will recognize them too.
You already know the schools I'm going to refer to below. You've seen their billboards and glossy magazine ads—the $30,000-a-year private schools whose proudest achievement is showcasing their soon-to-be graduates clutching college pennants emblazoned with the most prestigious names.
If you really think about it, it’s the ultimate exercise in name-dropping.
But the question I would pose to parents today: Is that really what you want MOST for your child?
Sure, I can imagine it's impressive at dinner parties to casually mention your child attends the same school as a celebrity or just won the big game in March Madness. But deep down, beneath the pride and prestige, there's a quiet voice inside every parent's head asking, "Is this really what matters in life? Or is there something more?"
When you think about your child's future—when you envision who they'll become—do college bumper stickers truly capture your dreams? Or do you crave something deeper, something more meaningful?
What if your child's education wasn’t measured by acceptance letters alone, but by questions like these:
- How can my child learn to adapt and thrive in a future that's still being invented?
- How can my child discover their passions early enough to make bold, informed choices?
- How will my child know what it means to live a life worth living?
At Acton Academy, these aren't just occasional reflections—they are fundamental questions shaping every moment of our learners’ days.
Our focus isn’t simply on preparing students for college. (Though, if you're wondering, yes—Acton graduates do go on to prestigious universities around the globe.)
More importantly, Acton LaunchPadders often find themselves with choices far beyond university. Employers regularly seek them out because they've already demonstrated real-world skills, meaningful experiences, and genuine grit.
Imagine your child entering adulthood already equipped with confidence and competence—not just credentials. Imagine knowing your child won't need to be burdened by $100,000 of college debt because they've earned opportunities now, not four years down the road.
This is the Acton difference. We never waste time on activities that don’t matter in the long run. Instead, every minute is intentionally spent on developing character, fostering independence, and igniting curiosity. We believe your child's life is too precious for empty achievements or superficial accolades.
So let me ask you again, not with judgment, but with genuine curiosity: What do you truly want for your child?
Is it a school that proudly name-drops colleges? Or is it an education designed to seek and capture what actually matters most for the rest of your child's life?
If these questions resonate, you might appreciate reading more about how Acton approaches academics differently here.
Warmly,
~ Tobin