Did we find Acton, or did Acton find us?

Gabriel and Lakota Wiede first discovered Acton Academy Albuquerque while Lakota was working as a Registered Behavioral Therapist. She was asked to attend school with a client—and that’s where everything began.

Gabriel and Lakota were both raised in a mix of public and private school systems. Gabriel attended Albuquerque Public Schools as well as a few private schools in the area, while Lakota attended Los Lunas Public Schools along with a private school further south. We each had different paths to success: Lakota found success through traditional schooling combined with real-world experience after graduation, while Gabriel found his path not through traditional schooling, but through real-world experience in public safety.

Lakota came home and shared how different the school felt—how the learners were leading their own education and pursuing what they were passionate about. We were immediately intrigued by this way of learning. How could something like this exist? It was completely different from how we were raised.

At the time, we had just welcomed our first child and were expecting our second. While we still had time before school would become a reality for our children, we knew one thing for certain—we did not want a traditional path. We wanted to ensure that all of our children would receive an education that truly prepares them for a life of purpose and success.

We wanted something real. Something that wouldn’t shield them from failure, but instead teach them how to rise from it. Something that would help them discover a love for lifelong learning. A place where they could boldly pursue their passions without fear.

Lakota began her journey at Acton as a floating apprentice Guide, then transitioned into the Elementary Studio, and eventually stepped into her roles as a Middle School (MS) and Launchpad (LP) Guide.

In 2025, Lakota stepped into a new role as Co-Owner of Acton while continuing to guide in the MS/LP studios. Shortly after, Gabriel fully embraced the Acton learning model and joined as a Floating Guide and all-around handyman.

Getting to witness a learner complete a challenging Math badge, grow in their reading abilities, or transition into a new studio has been an incredibly rewarding experience for both of us.

In a world that is constantly changing, we believe learners need more than knowledge—they need courage, resilience, and the ability to think for themselves.

What we’ve learned over the years is this: children are fully capable of taking ownership of their education and shaping their own futures. When learners are given the freedom to pursue their passions—rather than follow a one-size-fits-all system—they begin to thrive in ways that are truly remarkable.

By empowering each learner to forge their own path, they grow at their own pace—and in doing so, discover who they are meant to become.

Today, we are not only Guides and leaders—we are also parents walking this journey alongside our own children.

Lakota & Gabriel Wiede