173. Parent Choice Leads to Empowerment for All with Tyson Junkers

2023-08-01

Download

Too many parents think they don't have power and choice in their children's education, but this week's podcast guest proves otherwise. During COVID, Tyson Junkers saw his children thrive because they were learning at home in a project-based learning environment that Tyson himself developed. And as schools went back to in-person, his son was entering kindergarten. They visited a number of traditional schools and saw the discomfort in his children's eyes. After searching for a solution and a lot of discussion, Tyson and his family moved and opened an Acton Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida.

After searching for a solution and a lot of discussion, Tyson and his family moved and opened an Acton Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The result is a school that allows children to pursue their life passions while learning, making mistakes, and starting again. The school teaches character and values as part of the learning process, embedding it into everything they do. And it creates a system where teachers are empowered to do what's best for their students instead of holding everyone back.

Listen in to this thoughtful and empowering conversation about how parents have the power to do what's best for their own children, and the community at large.

About Tyson Junkers:

Like you, we want to be confident in the school we send our children to. The problem is that conventional schools aren't always equipped to foster children's spirit, creativity, and passion for learning, which made us feel like we were losing our children to the public education system.

We wanted a school that focused on our children's future instead of its own. One that lets children experience real-world, hands-on projects. One that throws away pointless tests in favor of mastery and excellence in everything from leadership skills to community involvement to academics. One that doesn't have teachers but Guides who put every decision, big or small, into our children's hands. And one that celebrates failing as a way to push yourself forward. And we knew we weren't alone.

Like you, there's nothing more important to us than our kids. We, too, would do anything to see them thrive in life and on their educational journey. That's why we started an Acton Academy in Palm Beach Gardens, which has been called one of the most important education developments in the world.

So, instead of your child not getting the individualized education they deserve where they see learning as a choir, your child will discover their unique strengths through family values, Christian faith, and the freedom to explore, create, and grow.

Jump in the Conversation:

[1:54] - Where Tyson's path began

[7:10] - Why Tyson decided NOT to open a school (and then changed his mind)

[9:15] - Key concepts of Acton Academy

[10:46] - Making every child independent and resilient

[16:20] - Bring past careers and experience into the school

[17:31] - How the voucher system works in Florida

[19:56] - Competition is okay in schools

[22:20] - Growth mindset applies to educators too

[23:43] - What is the outcome we're all after? That's what matters

[25:32] - The system is holding back great teachers

[26:48] - Turbo Time