What if children are far more capable than we imagine?

Empowered Minds is an innovative, non-profit, learner-driven school serving ages 3-11 in the heart of Durham, NC

Our Mission:

We believe each person who enters our doors deserves to find a calling and change the world.

Empowered Minds | An Acton Academy | Durham, NC

Established 2016

We provide an open, flexible learning environment that fosters collaboration and exploration among learners.

empowered minds is A Transformative Experience

At Empowered Minds, we move beyond the conventional tools of lectures, homework, high-stakes tests, and grades. Our learners collaborate in mixed-age studios. This flexible approach challenges each learner with their individualized learning plan, coupled with real-world projects and experiences.

Above all else, OUR MISSION is that each child that enters our doors begins a journey to discover their unique gifts and passions, and how they can be used to serve others and find a calling that will change the world.

We're proud to be an Acton!

Empowered Minds is one of 300+ Acton Academies around the world.

This proven model allows learners to practice and develop the skills they really need: critical thinking, group collaboration, conflict resolution, decision-making, and problem-solving. These, along with “soft skills” like self-discipline, emotion regulation, self-awareness, and grit, position our children to tackle anything.

It’s an innovative approach to education that celebrates personal responsibility, creative freedom, and the pursuit of one’s life purpose.

Experience how Acton is transforming education in this independent, award-winning documentary.

What makes Empowered Minds UNIQUE?

Empowered Minds is unique from our Fellow Actons because we add the following statement to our educational philosophy:

We believe that by un/dis-covering, reclaiming, and reconnecting with our truth – “Sankofa” – we will better understand who we were, who we are, and who we must be.

What makes
Empowered Minds different?

Conventional Schools

Grades measure success

Teachers are the authority

Everyone learns the same information
at the same time

Teacher-led lectures

Teachers assign homework

Like a factory with bells, shifts,
one-size-fits-all

Rote memorization for test-taking


Same age classroom

Single-level learning

Empowered Minds

Learners earn points for effort
and badges of mastery

Learners solve their own problems
and learn to self-govern

Learners do challenging work
at their own pace

Learners teach themselves and each other

No assigned homework

Learning is a journey with adventure, fellow travelers, mentors, and challenges

Important discussions about becoming a good friend, being a hero, and changing the world

Multi-age studios

Individual learning plans for EVERY learner

OUR PROMISES

Your Child Will:

OUR PROMISES

Is Empowered Minds a "good fit" for my family?

EMA is for families like the following:

  1. People who believe the conventional school system no longer works to prepare children for the modern world
  2. People who believe habits, mindsets, and skills are more important than content knowledge
  3. Entrepreneurial thinkers who value risk and the lessons that come with them
  4. Creators, creatives, and out-of-the-box thinkers
  5. People who want the benefits of child-directed learning without having to make a full-time commitment to homeschooling
  6. People who need flexible attendance for travel and family obligations (We operate on an 11-month calendar with 4-7 week sessions and breaks in-between)
  7. Children who want additional time to pursue their passions beyond “after-school” hours
  8. People who want to maximize their family time
  9. Families who value their freedom and want their children to develop a love of learning

Recommended Books

We encourage you to dive deeper into these books created by passionate thought leaders ushering in a new wave in education.

Begin Your Family's Journey Today

Learn more about our mission, our philosophy, and beliefs with our free info kit.

Request your Free info Kit!

Empowered Minds is education reimagined, and designed for the 21st century.

Begin Your Family's Journey Today