An Acton Academy
About The Seeds Academy
The Founder's
Story
Justine Towarnicki 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 at the end of the 2022 school year.
During the 2022-'23 School year Justine was a Guide at DCLC: Acton Academy in Skippack, Pa, prior to the opening of The Seeds Academy in the fall of 2023.
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The School Building
In the fall of 2023, Seeds Academy opened its doors in the historic Marlborough Elementary building on Maine Street in Green Lane. With a lot of love and elbow grease, the building is coming back to life. Seeds Academy features standard sized studios (classrooms), a Maker's Space for art/experimentation, and outdoor spaces that allow for gardening and time spent in the woods climbing trees building forts. The building is also a half mile hike from a trailhead at Green Lane Park, which offers a variety of opportunities for both learning and play. The park is the centerpiece of our Summer Camp, where learners hike, fish, identify wildlife.
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For families in need of before/after care, our building is adjacent to Magic Memories Early Learning, which offers childcare before and after the school day. Bussing is available for any learner that lives in Perk Valley SD or within ten miles of the school district border.
Why Start an
Acton Academy?
The heart of this project, as well as its name, are found 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, in the local community, and in the local environment. 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!
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