Our Story

Dear Friend,

As a mom of eight wonderful, curious children, I have come to believe that every child is destined to change the world in his or her own way. After spending years trying various schools and homeschooling in search of a balanced approach to prepare my children for success in all aspects of life, I stumbled upon the Montessori Method and Acton Academy. I knew immediately that I had found what I was looking for!

My children attended the Acton Academy near our Virginia home, and relished every minute of it! They never wanted to miss a day of discovery in their studios (classrooms). I saw them grow as individuals, nurture their curiosity, and persevere through academic challenges—constantly expanding their wonder of the world around them and knowledge of their potential.

When the opportunity arose for us to live close to my family in North Carolina, the hardest part was leaving our school. We visited many NC schools—from public, to charter, to private schools—and found a lot of great options, so we enrolled our children at one. I realized we couldn’t go back to traditional education when my son came home from school one day, totally baffled, and said, "Mom, they don't even do science in science class. They just READ about science!" Although I knew my children would be fine, and even excel in a traditional school environment, I wanted my children to continue their educational journeys at a school where learning is an adventure, where they are encouraged to learn through experience, and where they are trusted to rise up and lead.

So, why “Beacon Academy?” In Matthew 5:16 we are taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” At Beacon Academy, we are guiding each child to become a light to the world—a beacon, destined to change the world.

Sincerely,

Meredith Carlton

Founder & Chief Encourager of Beacon Academy