MEET US
Nigel Roedde | Owner
Nigel spent several years working as a camp counsellor at Summer Camps, including overseeing the 'Leadership in Training' program for new counsellors, which involved facilitating month long canoe trips into James Bay. Nigel went on to graduate with a university degree in political science and spent subsequent years working as a fitness coach. As part of an international crew, he spent two years training for, and completing a 52-day world record setting rowing expedition across the Atlantic Ocean. Following this, Nigel worked for five years as a support worker for an individual with intellectual disabilities, while also pursuing his passion of competitive cycling and triathlons. Nigel obtained a college degree in Paramedicine and then served as a paramedic lab instructor at the college level. He recently moved back to St Joseph Island, where he now works part time as a Paramedic in Sault Ste Marie.
Kim McKone | Owner
Kim spent several years working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and then moved into the role of camp counsellor where she oversaw the 'Leadership in Training' program for new counsellors. She spent time as a canoe guide in Algonquin Park, facilitating Adventure Races with school groups, and backcountry trips with international participants and Duke of Edinburgh Award recipients. Kim holds a university degree in Kinesiology and a college degree in Massage Therapy, which led her to establish her practice as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). She has traveled as an RMT, venturing to the Canadian East coast, Arctic, and Greenland on board an expedition cruise ship. Alongside her work as an RMT, Kim spent time instructing Massage Therapy at the college level, and coaching CrossFit. Kim now works as a Firefighter in Sault St. Marie.
Our Story
After exploring a range of educational settings, including public school, private school and homeschool, we were unable to find anything that fit our vision of what education can be.
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We eventually learned about Acton Academy. We were drawn to this school's innovative self-directed learning approach, the emphasis placed on independent thinking, and the belief in each child's innate potential. We liked the idea of being able to keep each child academically engaged at their individual level, allowing them the freedom to stay challenged by moving ahead if they wished.
" The only person who is educated is the one
who has learned how to learn...and change."
- Carl Rogers
Most of all, we felt that learning in ways that more closely mimic life outside of school would better prepare our children for their futures
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The nearest Acton Academy was in Southern Ontario, and so we decided to apply to open our own! After successfully navigating a rigorous audition process, we had the chance to observe another Acton Academy studio. We were struck by the noticeable difference in the children—remarkably engaged, responsible, and invested in their learning. They seemed to genuinely love the increased freedoms and responsibilities that come with Acton Academy. Seeing this type of school reinforced our belief that children can be capable of much more when placed in the right environment. Since then, there has been no turning back. We are excited to be part of the Acton Academy community, joining around a dozen schools in Ontario and the hundreds worldwide.