Experience how Acton is transforming education in this independent, award-winning documentary.
Watch the video.
As the founder of Stride Christian Academy, I understand the importance of providing an education that meets the unique needs of each student. My journey as a homeschool mother led me to realize that even some homeschooling methods, such as boxed curriculums and workbooks, were not meeting the needs of my children. This led me to deeply examine what I wanted my children to gain from their education. I resolved that what was most important to me was to help guide my children to become independent, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and kind individuals capable of civil discourse.
Through my search for alternative educational options, I discovered Acton Academy, a learning community that embraces the individuality of each student, encourages creativity, personal responsibility, and the belief that every child has the potential to change the world. This discovery inspired me to create Stride Christian Academy, with the goal of providing a similar learning experience for other families.
As you embark on your own journey to find the right learning environment for your child, we invite you to consider your family's story and consider whether Stride Christian Academy may be just what you've been looking for!
— Whitney Sapp, Mother/Founder/Director
Talk With UsMarysville Campus
Mercy Fellowship 4011 81st PL NE Marysville, WA 98270
Our Team
Whitney Sapp
Owner and Middle/High school Mentor
Lynn Sutton
Elementary School Mentor
Hello! My name is Lynn Sutton. My life adventure has included being a golf instructor, a missionary, a teacher, a wife and a mother. I am passionate about learning, reading and continuing to grow. Through the years I have been taught, mentored and encouraged by many people who have walked according to their faith and talents in the Lord. Because of the examples of these mentors, I believe it is my calling to come alongside the young people at Stride Academy to give them the support and encouragement they need as they identify and pursue their purpose on their journey.
My faith in Jesus was challenged and deepened when our family lost our two-year-old daughter to an infection while she was being treated for a rare cancer. To say that I was devastated is an understatement. I struggled with grief, anger, and self-doubt. I had a sense of deep loss but also futility because of the unfulfilled hopes and dreams I had for my daughter. But the Lord opened my family’s eyes to see that we could be used to comfort and encourage other families with children battling cancer. We started bringing a group from our church to the local Ronald McDonald House to serve dinner once a month. Our experience not only provided encouragement and support to these families, but it also helped us heal as we comforted people with the comfort that we had received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4).
I believe that a learner-driven environment is essential to the bold, joyful pursuit of a person’s purpose, which naturally is connected to their gifts and talents. This is not to say that growth in all areas will be neglected by any means, but that young people will be inspired by their calling to wrestle through, grow and work to attain their goals. It is my privilege to give guidance and keep asking questions in their process of discovering who God made them to be.
Our promises to your child
They will:
- Begin a Hero's Journey
- Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
- Develop a deep respect for economic, political and religious freedoms.
- Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world and the mysteries of life on Earth.
- Discover his or her most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.
- Understand the importance of strong character.
- Value a healthy lifestyle of mind and body.
Our beliefs
We believe:
- We believe each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
- We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
- We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
- We believe in economic, religious, and political freedom.