Courage to Grow - Second Edition - Full Case of 38 Books

by Laura A. Sandefer

Paperback

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Julie Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading the book, and it’s still so good. This book single handedly changed my life - we opened an Acton Academy because of reading this book two years ago. So it gets five stars for being so motivating. It was incredibly eye opening for me to read about how learning can be different and better than the status quo. My only other thoughts reading this the second time is that my experience with Acton is phenomenal and just like Laura says in her book, a lot of hard work and suffering, but that’s passion and finding your passion/calling is the main principle and goal of Acton.

[Kairo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was really cool and at the same time it was really inspiring if you go to Acton academy you should read this book it would be really surprising. Because then you will be like hey i do the exact same thing. And if you do not go to Acton academy and want to go but your parents wont let you say hey mom dad read this book you will get really inspired about so ya this book is literally so amazing.

[Aletha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and inspiring...I took a lot of notes to implement in our homeschool

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

It starts out good, too good to be true, really.
An alternative school promising the give the love of learning and success to students, while letting them find their voice and their unique gifts.

About half way through the book it takes a dark turn. They perform the blue eyes brown eyes experiment on young elementary age students. This is extremely unethical and would likely cause students to lose trust in their teachers and learning environment. When a parent complains about the traumatic nature of this event the author and cofounder self righteously declare that the school is not for them. They actually don't reflect on any harm they may be causing, because they believe it is for a good purpose. Ironically this is followed by a section about how they take parent feedback seriously.

The book also describes how they implement a peer enforced method of incentivizing and disciplining students. It is mentioned the students are disciplined for not being willing to work. Yet the book claims their school makes kids love learning and they dont need outside punishments to do so. The author doesn’t address or explain this seeming contradiction.

The author also uses very self righteous and self important language throughout the book that is grating at times.

[McKenzie Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer is a transformative read that changed my life. Sandefer’s insights on nurturing a child's curiosity and creativity inspired me to open a school for my own children.

Her emphasis on a holistic approach to education encourages parents to foster resilience and independence. This book is more than a guide; it's a powerful call to rethink how we educate the next generation. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking meaningful change in their approach to parenting or education.

[H.R. Young-Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a sort of "required" reading for a directional shift we're taking as a family. Quick and easy. And the story was surprisingly poignant!

If you're looking for an alternative model to the traditional education track, this book just might have you considering your local-area Acton Academy as another viable option.

[Marie Angus]

I read this 2 years ago so I'm not giving it a rating because I can't remember it well enough. I do know I GREATLY ENJOYED it and it broadened my philosophy of education.

HIGHLY recommend to homeschoolers and those organizing co-ops or other groups not tied down to traditional expectations. I want to read it again.

[Amber Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this approach to education. Our standardized system is so broken and is so limiting in this day and age!

[Lyndie Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring book and brings life to a new way to do education!

[ThatCarlyGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave a different perspective on education and I learned a lot from it. If you don't like traditional schooling then you should read this book.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about the founding of Acton Academy, the school my daughters have the pleasure of attending. I cried multiple times during the reading of this.

[Sara]

I’ve always held the belief that children are capable of far more than we give them credit for, so it was interesting to read about schools that take that belief to the next level.

[Caroline Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really informative read on the Acton Academy origin story and approach.

[Strysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gives me hope for the future of our education system.

[Jeremy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story of the origination of an amazing school model. Dreams of sending my kids to an Acton Academy. If I can't, I want to replicate this type of learning for them in my home life!

[Clarita M Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the quotes on each chapter entry. I love this approach to learning. Currently homeschooling and this book has Inspired me to go further than what I have imagined for ourselves.

[Eric McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry and changed the course of my life.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone tell me why this book made me cry so much 🤨
Anyways, it was good and very inspiring and I enjoyed it.