Our Story

When our sons, Lucas and Anders, were young, we found ourselves asking a simple but important question: What kind of education would truly prepare them for the lives ahead of them?

Like many parents, we visited schools, explored different educational approaches, and wrestled with what young people would need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At the same time, we were building careers in technology, leadership, and innovation at companies like Microsoft, Netflix, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm. We saw firsthand that the people who thrive aren't simply those who know the most — they're the ones who think critically, solve problems, adapt, take initiative, and never stop learning.

We wanted our children to practice those skills every day.

Then we discovered Acton Academy.

For the first time, we found a model that aligned with everything we had been searching for. We believed in it so strongly that we seriously considered moving to another city so Lucas and Anders could attend an Acton Academy.

Instead, we made a different decision: we opened an Acton Academy right here on the Eastside.

Today, Acton Academy Eastside exists so other families don't have to leave their community to find a learner-driven education that develops strong academics alongside character, leadership, resilience, and ownership.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has only strengthened our conviction that while knowledge has never been more accessible, uniquely human qualities — curiosity, wisdom, initiative, creativity, empathy, and sound judgment — have never been more valuable.

We built the school we wanted for our own children.

Today, we're honored to share it with families who believe their children are capable of far more than school has traditionally asked of them.

Carrie & Oliver Roberts