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Parents on a Hero's Journey 

October 2026

Thank you for joining us last night!

If you weren't able to make it, we missed you. 
If you missed Lyndie's letter, be sure to check it out in Brightwheel.
We are excited to welcome Andrew Shahan as the new director of Acton Academy at Grant Park! Andrew is the founder and director of Acton Buckhead and has been a part of the Acton community for the last 8 years. Lyndie has been graciously guiding our community during this time of transition after Wythe Academy closed and she now has found us a director that is in it for the long haul!
Photo of Andrew and Family

Dear Acton Grant Park Families,


Thank you for a wonderful meeting last night. I left feeling encouraged and excited about what we can build together. The strongest foundation for a school is a community of families who believe in its mission, and I saw that foundation in the room.

Your stories, questions, and willingness to learn tell me a great deal about this community. Acton is a journey for the whole family. You are already out in the world taking risks, pursuing meaningful work, and growing through challenges. You bring the Hero’s Journey to life, and I look forward to getting to know you better.

I believe deeply in Acton because I have seen what it can do, both through nine years of leading Acton Buckhead and in my own children’s lives. Its promise comes from putting the full learning design into practice consistently. My goal is to build on the progress already made at Grant Park and work with our guides and families toward full implementation over the rest of this school year.


Lyndie remains an important part of that work. She brings real strengths in learning design and implementing the Acton model, and she will continue supporting us through this transition and beyond. She approached this change with the goal of giving Grant Park more support and greater long-term stability. That purpose resonated with me, and I am excited about carrying it forward.

With Roekmini and Tyra guiding the studios, Lyndie’s continued support, and my ability to be present locally, we have a team ready to roll up our sleeves. I will listen, support our guides, and work alongside you to strengthen the experience for every learner.


As we look ahead, I want to return to the promises at the heart of Acton. Through Socratic guiding and experiential learning, we promise that you and your child will:


● Begin a Hero’s Journey.

● Learn to be curious, become an independent learner, and love lifelong learning.

● Discover your most precious gifts and the dedication it takes to develop real talent.

● Understand the importance of strong character.

● Cherish the arts, the wonders of the physical world, and the mystery of life.

● Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.


There is much to be hopeful about here. Thank you for welcoming me and for the trust you are placing in our team. I am excited to serve this community and help Grant Park grow into the thriving school we know it can be!


Thursday, October 22 at 8:45 AM

Monthly Parent Coffee

Little Tart Bakeshop, 437 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

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Every third Thursday we will have a standing parent coffee at Little Tart Bakeshop on Memorial. The purpose of this time is to have a continued point of connection amongst parents/caregivers at AAGP. Andrew will be joining us this month as a follow up to the parent meeting to answer any questions parents may have!
As we continue along our journey this year, a few things will be implemented immediately: 

  • Journey Trackers for each learner 
  • Journey Meetings (upon request)
  • Continued support in both ES and Spark Studios
  • New leadership and responsibility roles amongst school leadership 

Below are several attachments to explore as you process and plan as a family about the year ahead. If you have any questions, please plan to be at the parent coffee! If you have immediate questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Andrew. 

And as always, your Parent Council is here to support you! :) 

Andrew Shahan

Andrew Shahan

Director

andrew@actongrantpark.com
Roekmini Pullom

Roekmini Pullom

Lead Guide

guides@actongrantpark.com
Tyra Carlis

Tyra Carlis

Spark Guide

guides@actongrantpark.com
Erika Jennings

Erika Jennings

Parent Council

Jessica Hogan

Jessica Hogan

Parent Council/Parent Liaison

younglifejess@gmail.com8652234662

AAGP Board Members

Lyndie Metz
Roekmini Pullom
Sean Jennings 
Ty Abernathy 

Jessica Hogan

Jessica Hogan

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Parents on a Hero's Journey Dinner - Follow Up | Acton Academy at Grant Park