Five years ago, the idea of starting a school was the furthest thing from my mind. As a disillusioned educator, I had grown weary of the traditional education system and was seeking a new path. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to become a cofounder of Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale, a school that has now grown to serve nearly 40 families, including my own. Life has a funny way of surprising us and pushing us beyond our comfort zones.
My path to entrepreneurship and education innovation has been anything but linear. After a decade of teaching and earning my M.Ed. in Student Development, I found myself disillusioned with the system I was meant to serve. This restlessness led me to pivot into the world of entrepreneurship, where I spent the next 20 years owning a digital marketing agency, consulting for businesses, coaching athletes and executives, and writing a book on sales strategies. Each venture taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, value creation, and the courage it takes to put your ideas out into the world.
It wasn’t until 2021 that my diverse experiences in education and entrepreneurship converged when my wife and I founded Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale. This school is not just another educational institution; it is a project to reimagine the entire school experience. Acton Academy’s learner-driven model prioritizes personal responsibility, real-world skills, and adaptive thinking—qualities that are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.
One of the first challenges we faced as entrepreneurs in education was a zoning issue that forced us to find a new location shortly after opening our doors. Instead of backing down, we doubled down and persevered, ultimately growing our school tenfold. This experience taught us the value of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
As I embark on my new role as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), I bring with me a vision for the future of education that emphasizes choice and innovation. Our current education system is struggling to keep up with the rapid changes in technology and society, and I believe that new models of schooling are needed to prepare students for tomorrow’s world.
Educational entrepreneurship, or “edupreneurship,” is crucial in bridging the gap between traditional education and the skills needed for the future. By creating learning environments that foster creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving, we can better equip students for the challenges ahead.
One example of this innovation is our local Children’s Business Fair, where young entrepreneurs as young as five or six years old showcase their businesses. This hands-on experience instills a sense of agency and creativity in children, setting them up for future success.
In my role at FEE, I aim to support and champion fellow edupreneurs in creating innovative learning communities. I believe that the future of education lies in the hands of individuals willing to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities.
We are on the cusp of a new era in education, and the time for change is now. The question is not whether education needs to change—it’s already happening. The question is: How do you want to be a part of co-creating the future of education? Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or an experienced entrepreneur, there is a role for you in shaping the future of learning. Let’s embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and together, build a brighter future for education.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/UpgradeGettyImages-1363840931-756153ea8c8441af8da8511eb759acc5.jpg?ssl=1 "Discover 5 Essential Entrepreneurial Skills You Didn’t Realize You Needed")
