Opening Fall 2026 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Our Beliefs
Every child who enters can find a calling that will change the world.
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.
Learning to Learn
Build the habits of independent, lifelong learning
Learning to Do
Develop real skills through meaningful work
Learning to Be
Discover a calling and forge character through practice
What Makes Sylvaris Academy Different
A Growth Mindset
Intelligence isn't fixed. Effort and persistence matter.
Learning From Mistakes
Failure is data, not defeat. We try again.
Self-Paced, Learner-Led
Each learner moves at their own speed.
Mixed-Age Studios
Younger learners are inspired; older learners lead and mentor.
Real Life Skills
Practical competence—not just academic performance.
Personal Virtues
Courage, integrity, curiosity—practiced daily.
Apprenticeships & Entrepreneurship
Real work with real stakes.
Embracing Challenges
Hard things build character. We don't shy away, we lean in.
Critical Thinking
Question everything. Seek truth. Defend your reasoning.
Learners From All Backgrounds Thrive at Sylvaris Academy
Montessori
Private School
Public School
Microschool
Homeschool
Non-Traditional
Families arrive from many paths. What matters is not where you've been—but the journey you're ready to begin together.
You May Be an Acton Family If...
You believe your child has unique gifts waiting to be discovered
You value independence and responsibility over compliance
You're comfortable with struggle as part of growth
You want your child to own their learning—not have it handed to them
You believe character matters as much as academics
You're looking for a community, not just a school
You're ready to be an engaged partner in your child's journey
If this sounds like your family, we'd welcome a conversation.
Our Story
Corey and Shannon Rittenhouse are lifelong residents of the Doylestown area and parents of three children. Their journey with Acton began while searching for an education that would help their children grow with integrity, curiosity, and the tools to build a meaningful life.
Inspired by Acton's learner-driven approach, they founded Sylvaris Academy to bring this model to their community: an environment where young people are trusted to discover their gifts and build the character to use them well.
Our Promises
We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each learner to:
Begin a Hero's Journey.
Discover their gifts and pursue mastery.
Become a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
Embrace the forging of strong character.
Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
What to Expect
Studios at Launch
Spark Studio
Ages 5–7
Discovery through play, early literacy, and the foundations of self-management.
Discovery Studio
Ages 7–10
Core skills, hands-on quests, and growing independence.
Middle School and Launchpad studios will follow in future years.
Practical Details
- •Location: Doylestown, Pennsylvania (campus details coming soon)
- •Launch date: Fall 2026
Get in Touch
Stay Updated
Receive updates about Sylvaris Academy and learner-driven education.
Start a Conversation
Ready to learn more? Share a bit about your family and what draws you to this approach.
Become a Guide
Change the world. Become a guide at our campus.
What is Acton Academy?
Sylvaris Academy is part of a global network of over 300 Acton Academies across six continents.
Founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Jeff and Laura Sandefer in Austin, Texas, Acton Academy began with a simple question: What if we designed school around the belief that every child is capable of finding a calling that will change the world?
The model that emerged emphasizes learner agency, mastery-based progress, and real-world challenges. Rather than passive instruction, learners engage in Socratic discussions, self-paced work, and hands-on projects called quests. They govern their own studio communities and demonstrate learning through exhibitions.
Each Acton school is independently owned and operated, rooted in its local community while drawing on shared knowledge, methods, and a network of practitioners refining the model together.
Independently owned Acton Academies operating worldwide
Schools in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia
Started by Jeff and Laura Sandefer in Austin, Texas
Affiliated schools share knowledge, methods, and community while adapting to local context