As a parent of young children, I have always believed that each of them arrived on this earth carrying unique gifts and passions, treasures that belong to them alone and are meant to shape the world in their own special way. My role as their parent is not to mold or direct them toward someone else’s idea of success but to inspire and equip them to uncover the potential already alive within. I see this unfolding as a Hero’s Journey, an adventure filled with discovery, courage, and meaning.
This belief is what first drew me to Acton Academy, a place where learners are respected as capable, thoughtful individuals on their own path, not simply students trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Acton offers something rare and precious: an environment where children learn to "do" and to "be," not just to "know." They are prepared with 21st-century skills, invited to solve real-world problems, and inspired to become the heroes of their own lives.
For me, this is not just about my own children. It is a mission I feel deeply for the world’s children. I believe every young person deserves the chance to discover their calling, to live with purpose, and to make a meaningful impact. This is the work that matters most to me, and I am committed to helping bring this kind of education to as many families and communities as possible.
This isn’t just a philosophy—it is my life’s work. I have been part of Acton Academy since the Fall of 2014, and the Hero’s Journey is something I believe every child and adult deserves the opportunity to experience. As Co-Founder/ President of our company, I have the joy of working not only with young heroes on campus but also with their families, Heads of Program, and Guides who are shaping the future alongside them.
My background has given me a deep appreciation for personalized, learner-driven education. I spent several years at the San Francisco Schoolhouse and served as Lead K-1 Summer School Teacher at Live Oak Elementary, also in the Bay Area. I earned my B.A. in Liberal Studies with an Elementary Teaching Emphasis from San Francisco State University. These experiences, especially in multi-age classrooms with highly individualized curricula, helped shape my belief that every learner deserves an education that meets their unique needs.
At Acton, I love the challenge of supporting blended studios and fostering authentic relationships among learners, Guides, and families. Watching children grow, not only in skill but in character, continues to inspire me every single day and keeps me deeply passionate about this work.
Beyond the studio, I enjoy living the wonderful life of a wife and mama. You might find me traveling, running, or camping with my family, adventures that remind me the Hero’s Journey is for all of us, not just our young learners.
I am still learning so much on this journey myself, but one thing is certain: I want my children, and the world’s children, to be ready for lives of meaning, purpose, and joy, equipped not just to succeed but to thrive as lifelong learners and courageous heroes in an ever-changing world.
Kelsy has been working for Acton Academy since the Fall of 2014. Acton Academy and the Hero's Journey is something that she believes every child and adult should have the opportunity to be a part of.
Being the President of the company not only means working with young heroes on campus but with the families, Heads of Programs, and Guides of the heroes, as well.
Kelsy also has experience working in multi-age classrooms with highly individualizing curricula and enjoys the challenge of meeting the needs of each child. Working with blended studios and helping foster relationships makes the day-to-day exciting. Witnessing the growth of the children keeps her passionate about her work.
She worked at the San Francisco Schoolhouse for several years and in the summer months, she worked at Live Oak Elementary as the Lead K-1 Summer School Teacher, also located in the Bay Area.
Kelsy attended San Francisco State University for her college years, obtaining her B.A in Liberal Studies- with an Elementary Teaching Emphasis. Outside of the studio, you may find Kelsy living the awesome life of a wife and mama. She enjoys traveling, running, and camping.
Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or co-found seven successful businesses. As a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas, Jeff’s students five times voted him the school’s Outstanding Teacher and Businessweek named him one of the top Entrepreneurship professors in America.
Jeff went on to co-found the Acton School of Business, an MBA program perennially ranked by the Princeton Review among the best in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world.
Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school’s governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science. After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City.
Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.
Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy.
Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious."
Begin a Hero’s Journey,
Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery.
Become a curious, independent, life-long learner.
Embrace the forging of a strong character.
Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way;
We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
We believe in a closely connected family of life-long learners.
We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
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