To the Parent Who Dreams Big for Their Child

Most parents know that traditional school isn’t working—but only a few dare to seek a better way. 

You’re here because you want something different for your child. You know there’s more to education than sitting still in rows of desks, checking boxes, doing homework, and taking tests.

You want them to thrive—not just survive the school system.

You're not alone.

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Founders of Hero's Journey Academy - Jeremy & Renee Molley along with their two heroes - Charlie and Will.

Our Story: Why We Created Hero’s Journey Academy

We are parents, dreamers, and doers who dared to question the status quo.

Like you, we wanted to provide the best possible learning environment for our children that would spark their natural curiosity, inspire them to be lifelong learners, challenge them to grow in character, and equip them to be leaders that will change the world.

After experiencing the limits of traditional education—public school, private school, and homeschool—we realized that none of them fit our vision of what learning could be. 

For us, it wasn’t one defining moment—it was a series of eye-opening experiences. I remember sitting in a classroom, confined to a desk, memorizing facts for tests—facts that faded as quickly as they were learned—and feeling my sense of wonder slip away.

When I became a parent, I knew there had to be a better way. 

For years, my wife and I searched for answers. We looked to see where the world’s most innovative thinkers—people like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates—sent their children to school.

That’s when we discovered Acton Academy: a global network of schools built by visionary Harvard MBAs and master educators. Combining Montessori’s hands-on exploration with self-directed mastery, the Acton model was everything we dreamed of—and more.

But life was busy, and we put it off—until 2020 turned the world upside down. That’s when we decided to stop waiting and open the school our children deserved.

Today, Hero’s Journey Academy has grown to something extraordinary—not just for our kids, but for families across our community.

  • A school where children develop meaningful skills through real-world challenges.
  • A school where good character is celebrated and rewarded.
  • A school where children learn how to think, not what to think.
  • A school that feels like Hogwarts, keeping the magic alive and making learning an adventure, not a chore.
  • A school where children wake up on Saturdays wishing it were a school day.

It's the school we wish we had gone to!

And it works! We’ve watched learners transform—growing from hesitant and unsure to bold, capable, and resilient leaders of their own lives.

The Hero’s Journey Approach

Your child isn’t just a student—they’re the hero of their own story, embarking on an adventure filled with challenges, allies, and guides.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, they forge their own path—fueled by curiosity, purpose, and wonder.

At Hero’s Journey Academy, we guide learners to discover their unique gifts and use them to solve challenging problems.

This approach is part of a global movement of over 300 Acton Academies, where learners develop real-world skills, build character, and grow into bold, independent thinkers ready to lead.

What Makes Hero’s Academy Unique?

Self-Mastery and Independence

True education doesn’t fill children with facts; it invites them to discover meaningful truths for themselves. Each day, learners set goals, track progress, and reflect on achievements, developing the self-discipline and confidence to lead their own growth.

Public Exhibitions & Portfolios: Instead of grades and report cards, learners showcase their work in public exhibitions—presenting to peers, families, and the community. These experiences build real-world communication skills, confidence, and the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.

Self-Paced Mastery in a Supportive Community

In mixed-age studios, younger learners are inspired by older peers, while older learners grow as leaders by mentoring others.

This collaborative model fosters accountability, independence, and a growth mindset, allowing learners to thrive at their own pace— mastering the core skills of reading, writing, and math with adaptive learning tools and hands-on challenges.

Think, Lead, Collaborate

We don’t hand learners answers—they learn to ask bold questions and lead meaningful conversations. Through daily Socratic discussions, they sharpen critical thinking, learn to articulate ideas clearly, and listen with empathy.

Peer-Led Studios

Learners help create studio rules, accountability systems, and even resolve conflicts, experiencing leadership in action. Age-appropriate freedoms balanced with clear boundaries help them grow in independence and self-regulation.

Entrepreneurial Experiences

From launching small businesses at our annual Ascension Children’s Business Fair to pitching innovative ideas, learners gain hands-on experience that fosters confidence, creativity, and a can-do spirit.

Lifelong Learning Community

No homework. No busywork. Just meaningful work that sparks curiosity and creativity. Our studios are dynamic spaces where learners take ownership of their journey and grow together in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Guided Exploration

Guides don’t lecture; they ask questions that inspire deeper thinking and exploration. This Socratic approach fosters curiosity, sharpens critical thinking, and develops lifelong learners.

Biology Isn’t in a Book—It’s in the World Around Us

Our learners spend as much time as possible outside, cultivating a deep respect for the natural world. By planting gardens, exploring ecosystems, and observing wildlife, they develop a sense of connection—learning from life, not just about it.

Is Hero’s Academy right for my child?

We understand, choosing a bold, unconventional path can feel uncertain at first.

Our school is a perfect fit for families like the following:

  • People who believe the traditional school system no longer works to prepare children for the modern world.
  • Entrepreneurs.
  • Creators and creatives.
  • Out-of-the box thinkers.
  • People who want the benefits of child-directed learning without having to make a full-time commitment to homeschooling.
  • Families with flexible schedules.
  • People who need flexible attendance for travel and family obligations.
  • People who want to maximize their family time.
  • Trailblazers and trendsetters.
  • Families who value their freedom and want their children to develop a love of learning.

Parents looking for the items listed below may be challenged by our School's philosophy and may feel it is not the right place for their family:

  • Those who treasure social prestige and really prefer a traditional education.
  • Those who are "blamers" and ultimately will gossip and criticize, no matter what.
  • Those who aren't sure their child is ready yet for the responsibility and struggles—and occasional tears—of truly independent learning (and may be right).
  • Those who are not committed to being on a Hero's Journey themselves.
  • People who want the benefits of child-directed learning without having to make a full-time commitment to homeschooling.

Failed Solutions You’ve Probably Tried

Homeschooling

Only to realize it’s a full-time job and nearly impossible to be your child's parent, teacher, and coach.

Expensive tutors

Provided short term academic gains but failed to address the root cause of disengagement or lack of motivation.

Educational apps

Screen based apps that felt more like distractions, leaving children missing hands-on, real-world experiences

Public schools

Who wouldn’t want to make use of the education we’re all funding? Yet it felt like a factory-like system ruled by bells, rigid schedules, and worksheets our grandparents used- stifling creativity and individuality.

Private schools

Prestige focused institutions that replicate the same rigid, prison-like structures of traditional education—emphasizing grades and standardized tests. The same prison, just with nicer cells.

Maybe you’ve already tried one or more of these solutions and found they didn't meet your child’s needs? You're not alone.

The Heroic Invitation:
Will You Answer the Call?

The world is changing—and we’ve joined 300+ Acton Academies around the globe who believe that children can lead the way.

Every child is capable of more than we often realize. It's time to see what your child can truly achieve.

You’ve already taken the first step by seeking something different. The next step is simple—but it could change everything

Take the First Step: Schedule Your Tour

Seeing is believing. Schedule a visit to experience the Hero’s Journey difference firsthand. Walk through our studios, meet our guides, and meet our young heroes.

Next Steps ⬇️

01

Schedule a Tour

Here!

02

Audition

Show us your family is ready for an Adventure!

03

Trial Experience

Will it be a good fit?

04

Join the Adventure

Secure your spot and start your hero’s journey!

Answer the call. Your child’s story starts now.

“The hero’s journey always begins with a call to adventure—and answering it changes everything.”