Our Story

Why we started a school in the Soo

We're a couple of local families who went looking for a different kind of education — and when we couldn't find it here, we decided to build it.

After exploring a range of settings — public school, private school, and homeschool — we couldn't find anything that fit our idea of what education could be.

The founding family behind Acton Academy Sault Ste. Marie, together outdoors

We eventually learned about Acton Academy. We were drawn to its self-directed approach, its emphasis on independent thinking, and its belief in each child's capability — the idea that you could keep every child engaged at their own level, free to move ahead when they're ready.

Most of all, we felt that learning in ways that mirror life outside of school would better prepare our children for their futures.

children are capable of far more in the right environment

The nearest Acton Academy was in Southern Ontario, so we decided to open our own. After a rigorous audition process, we had the chance to observe another Acton studio — and we were struck by the difference in the children: engaged, responsible, invested in their learning, and genuinely enjoying the freedom and responsibility that come with it. It reinforced what we already believed: children are capable of far more in the right environment. There's been no turning back since. We're proud to be part of the Acton community — around a dozen schools in Ontario, and hundreds worldwide.

"I just think it's a great program for so many reasons — and the kids benefit so much from attending Acton."
— Acton Parent, 2024

Meet us

The people in the studio

Nigel Roedde

Owner

Nigel spent several years as a camp counsellor, including overseeing the Leadership in Training program for new counsellors and facilitating month-long canoe trips into James Bay. He graduated with a degree in political science and worked as a fitness coach. As part of an international crew, he trained for and completed a 52-day, world-record-setting rowing expedition across the Atlantic Ocean. He then worked for five years as a support worker for an individual with intellectual disabilities, while pursuing competitive cycling and triathlons. Nigel earned a college degree in Paramedicine and served as a paramedic lab instructor at the college level. He recently moved back to St. Joseph Island and now works part-time as a Paramedic in Sault Ste. Marie.

Kim McKone

Owner

Kim worked for several years as a lifeguard and swim instructor, then as a camp counsellor overseeing the Leadership in Training program. She guided canoe trips in Algonquin Park, facilitated adventure races with school groups, and led backcountry trips with international participants and Duke of Edinburgh Award recipients. Kim holds a degree in Kinesiology and a college diploma in Massage Therapy, and established her practice as a Registered Massage Therapist — travelling as an RMT to the Canadian East Coast, the Arctic, and Greenland aboard an expedition cruise ship. She has instructed Massage Therapy at the college level and coached CrossFit. Kim now works as a Firefighter in Sault Ste. Marie.

Shanda Quinlan

Guide

Shanda spent several years as a camp counsellor and lifeguard, teaching swimming and supporting young people in outdoor, community-based settings. She worked as a travelling soccer coach with Athletes in Action across Toronto and Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics with a minor in Psychology and has taught English for over a decade, including a summer in China. After moving to Sault Ste. Marie, she co-founded and ran a homeschool co-op, continuing her work in learner-driven education. Shanda loves the outdoors — camping, running, kayaking, gardening, biking, skiing, and training for her newest challenge, ultra-running.

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