The Quiet Revolution in Education you probably haven't heard of

Something is shifting.

Not loudly. Not on the front page of the paper. But in small classrooms, in reimagined spaces, and inside the hearts of kids who are finally being seen.

For over a century, education has looked the same: desks in rows, bells dictating time, information handed down from the front of the room. A one-size-fits-all approach built during the industrial age, designed to produce compliant workers, not curious thinkers.

But today—finally—that model is cracking.

We’re seeing the rise of micro-schools, learner-driven environments, hybrid models that blend digital with human mentorship. We're seeing less "sit down and listen," and more "stand up and explore." The future of learning isn’t top-down. It’s inside-out.

And here’s the most exciting part: kids are leading the way.

We’re moving toward a system that trusts young people to own their learning, make real decisions, and even fail forward. Where curiosity is currency. Where the classroom is less about control and more about agency. Where the job of the adult isn't to teach, but to guide.

Which brings us to Samantha Jansky.

She didn’t plan to build a school. She didn’t even plan to go into education. In high school, she wanted to be an opera singer. Or maybe go into politics. She was quiet, a rule follower, someone who felt nervous taking risks—but did them anyway.

And that’s where her real education began.

Samantha grew up in a unique public high school that was years ahead of its time: learner-driven, experience-based, and deeply trusting of students. She didn’t just study subjects. She designed multi-year projects that challenged her to grow from the inside out. Her biggest one? An internal journey called "adventure passage" focused on independence. It led her abroad to France, alone, where she had to figure out how to be comfortable in her own skin.

Years later, that experience became the blueprint.

After college and a string of internships in D.C. and nonprofits, Samantha landed in a place she didn’t expect: education innovation. What started as an apprenticeship with Acton Academy turned into co-founding Ascent Academy, a learner-driven school in Austin that believes every child has a calling—and it’s our job to help them find it.

Here, there are no lectures. No red pens. No adults standing at the front.

Instead, children set their own SMART goals (with an extra T: Tough). They hold Socratic discussions. They launch real businesses. They write contracts for how they want to show up for one another. And yes—they hold each other accountable.

The adults? They’re not teachers. They’re guides.

And the parents? They’re doing their own inner work—learning how to support without controlling, encourage without rescuing, lead without taking over.

This is what the future looks like.

But this movement didn’t appear out of thin air. It stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Maria Montessori. A scientist and physician by training, Montessori believed that education should nurture a child’s natural desire to learn. Her approach emphasized independence, self-direction, tactile learning, and environments carefully designed to respect the child’s development. Her philosophy was radical in the early 1900s—and still is, in many ways. But it sparked a global movement. Today, there are over 5,000 Montessori schools in the U.S. alone, and thousands more across Europe and the rest of the world. Their influence can be felt in every learner-driven model that prizes curiosity, trust, and hands-on exploration—including schools like Samantha’s.

Maybe. Or maybe it's just the beginning.

Because even with thousands of alternative schools springing up around the world, the dominant education system still holds firm. Change is slow. But it’s also inevitable.

Samantha's story isn’t just about starting a school. It’s about trusting that the next generation has everything they need to lead us forward—if we can just get out of their way.

Listen to her episode here Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life Podcast

Samantha Janksi is the Co-Founder of Ascent: An Acton Academy, based in Austin, TX. Samantha earned her B.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver (2006–2009). Her expertise spans public relations, teaching, budgeting, fundraising, social media, and more.

Natalie Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program

Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.

Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.

This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.

If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com

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