About Alpha Acton Academy

Acton Academy offers a learner-driven approach that empowers each child to embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncover their unique talents, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Unlike traditional schools with top-down authority, Acton Academy uses the Socratic Method, where guides coach students to take ownership of their learning. We believe that true learning happens when children are actively engaged in their own educational adventure.

More than just a school, Acton is a treasure map—leading young learners to develop essential skills, strong character, and the mindset needed to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.

As an independent affiliate of the Acton Academy network—founded in Austin, Texas, in 2009—our community is part of a global movement with over 300 academies worldwide.

our beliefs & vision

Discover Excellence in Education at Alpha Acton Academy Folsom

Our Mission

We believe each person who enters Acton Academy will find a calling that changes the world.

Our Promises

We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:

Begin a Hero’s Journey;
Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery;
Become a curious, independent, life-long learner;
Embrace the forging of a strong character;
Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life; and
Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom

Our Beliefs

We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.

Our Educational Philosophy

We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.

Our Economic Model

We believe self-directed, peer-to-peer learner-driven communities built by our young Heroes will deliver transformational learning at a comparable cost to traditional alternatives.

WHO'S BEHIND Alpha ACTON ACADEMY FOLSOM?

Loving mother chooses the best academy for her children

Alena Matsiukhina

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University and studied Sustainable Economics as a scholar at Schumacher College in the UK. I'm also a proud mom of two.

With over 12 years of experience in the tech industry—including roles at Oracle, Cisco, Google, Meta, and TikTok—I bring a broad perspective on innovation and problem-solving. Alongside my professional work, I’ve volunteered with the AWANA program for children ages 3–5, nurturing early foundations of character and faith.

My passion for education continues to grow as I explore ways to inspire lifelong learning, purpose, and curiosity in young minds.

Homeschool family launches new Socratic school in Folsom and El Dorado Hills California

Jane Ternavsky

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of the Pacific and am a blessed mom of five. Over the past 13 years, I’ve been deeply involved in homeschooling, originally embracing a Classical and Charlotte Mason approach. In recent years, my educational philosophy has evolved, and I now guide learners in a Socratic, learner-driven environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and ownership of learning.

Alongside teaching Math and Engineering within the homeschool community, I’ve also led a thriving kids program for the past eight years, serving over 60 children. I’m passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that develop both the mind and character.