Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Sofjan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I stumbled upon Acton Academy, a global network of 300+ learner-driven schools, several years ago when I was serving as a faculty at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. I was searching for ways to engage my learners, and Acton’s unconventional and innovative approach turned my world upside down.
After experimenting with Acton methods with my pharmacy students and seeing them fall in love with learning again, I felt a deep calling to open my own Acton Academy for my two children and families in my Pearland community.
So, I left my decade-long career and opened Masterpiece: An Acton Academy on August 2024. We opened our microschool with nine learners, and we are about to begin our third year with twenty-two precious children!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. As I mentioned in my previous interview, finding the right location, the right families, and the right guides (i.e., teachers) were challenging. However, the Lord consistently opens doors and provides just what we need.
Since we are much like a start-up, things can get very unpredictable. Learning to be comfortable with and navigating the unknown has been a learning curve for me.
Having to wear multiple hats is also challenging. I’m the owner, Director, a guide, the marketing director. And I’m a wife and a mom at home. I’m still learning how to prioritize the most important things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Masterpiece: An Acton Academy is an innovative, Christian-based private school serving learners from Pre-K through 5th grade in Pearland. We believe children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, ask questions, move, and progress at their own pace. We focus on whole-child education and empower learners to take ownership of their educational journey.
Think of us as Montessori for the 21st century. We combine the timeless principles of Montessori education with the latest in technology and project-based learning. Our hands-on studios foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving while allowing each learner to master academic skills at a pace that is both challenging and appropriate.
At Masterpiece, we have guides, not traditional teachers. Instead of delivering lectures, our guides mentor, encourage, and challenge learners through meaningful questions and the Socratic Method, helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Although we are intentionally small, our vision is anything but. Our mission is to inspire every learner to find a calling and go change the world.
What’s next?
Since we are growing, we look forward to finding our permanent home in the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masterpieceacademy.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterpieceacton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterpieceacton
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/masterpiece-an-acton-academy-pearland?osq=masterpiece+an+acton+academy
