An Acton Academy
About The Seeds Academy
Our
Story
Justine Towarnicki has worked as a special education teacher for 13 years. She began her career with a degree from Gwynedd Mercy College teaching elementary special education. Her career changed course in 2011 when she developed the high school functional skills program, becoming high school special education department chair in 2019.
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In 2019, her children enrolled in Deep Creek Learning Center: Acton Academy, an Acton school local to her home in Perkiomenville. There was a stark juxtaposition between their day-to-day academic experience, and what Justine (and her husband Chad), were witnessing in the public school system. Watching the development of her own children in this new environment, as well as the school itself, encouraged her to resign from public education.
During the 2022 School year Justine is a Guide at DCLC: Acton Academy prior to the opening of The Seeds Academy in the fall of 2023.
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Why Start an
Acton Academy?
The heart of this project, as well as its name, are present in a classic children's book called The Carrot Seed. The simple goal is to create an environment where the learners are comfortable being themselves, supported in their academic pursuits, and encouraged in their curiosity. The Seeds Academy will focus on what heroes can accomplish when given the right environment and permission to be wholly themselves.
The simple theory is that a small school will be able to cultivate a tightknit learning environment that can allow for profound experiences in the school building, and in the local community and environment as well. Our priorities will be critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, self-advocacy, and experiential learning. With just the right environment, full of love and nurturing, they will grow!