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OUR STORY

Dave and Sarah Heiniger first began thinking more deeply about schools over a decade ago. At that time, they were reviewing opportunities for their own three children’s educational future. Additionally, their careers involved working closely with students of all ages and backgrounds . Quite frankly, they were not impressed with what was being offered on both sides of the educational experience.

What started with a homeschooling experiment quickly led to joining a school in the Acton Academy Network, first as a guide at a school in the suburbs of Chicago and finally in starting a school in Edmond, Oklahoma, shortly after moving there in 2020.

“We knew when we first heard about the Acton Method, that it would ruin our kids for the tedium of traditional schooling. But that it would be an amazing system for them to learn and grow in. So we sought to learn it from the inside out to start one of our own,” says Dave Heiniger, Head of School for Chisholm Creek Academy. That decision led to a whirlwind adventure of moving to Oklahoma, starting a farm, and suddenly being surrounded by an excess of goats, chickens, and pigs, all while seeking to grow their own food and build a school for their kids. Oh, also in the midst of a pandemic. The Heinigers’ move led to the school’s start and then a merger with Wildflower Academy, which gave the school a better meeting space and better access to the outdoors.

Chisholm Creek Academy continues to flourish and has more than doubled in size each year since its founding. With each new year, the Heinigers' commitment to teaching HOW to think instead of WHAT to think only grows in intensity, focus, and love as they seek to serve the learners, grow the school, and provide the best education possible for the learners of Oklahoma.

Dave Heiniger

Head of School

Dave previously worked in youth ministry for a decade and has been a passionate Acton Academy advocate and Guide for years. His background in art & design lends structure balanced with creativity to CCA’s programming. Dave first became acquainted with the Acton Academy method after reading “The Courage to Grow” by Laura Sandefer as an Acton parent, quickly jumping on board as a Guide to learners on their Hero’s Journey in Palatine, Illinois.

Sarah Heiniger

Owner and Consultant

Sarah worked in the suburban Chicago public school system for over a decade as a school psychologist. After feeling frustrated not being able to serve kids as well as she knew she could, Sarah returned to school to be re-certified as a Behavior Analyst. She has spent the last decade providing therapy to kids on the Autism Spectrum as CEO of Nexus Solutions for Autism and is now working on a Ph.D. in special education at OU.

Renee Weed

Primary Studio Guide

Renee is eternally curious and hopes to instill that curiosity and love of learning in all the learners in her studio. After trying public school and homeschooling her family began searching for something more. Once she stumbled on Chisholm Creek Academy and learned about Acton, Renee knew not only did she need to get her kids in, she wanted to be involved as well. She brings experience as a preschool teacher and prior public school substitute teacher. Renee has a Bachelors of Science in microbiology and contributes a passion for all things science to CCA.

Nicholas Nelson

Elementary & Middle School Studio Guide

Nicholas has been working in the field of behavioral psychology periodically for the last six years. Half of that time was spent as a High School Behavior Education teacher on the south-side of Indianapolis working with troubled youth to help them manage behavioral issues in order that they could achieve success in school and in life. As soon as Nicholas heard about the Acton Academy Method he became immediately passionate about ensuring that his own children had the opportunity to answer the call to adventure but also to dedicate himself to the development and propagation of this revolution in education. Nicholas has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and brings his passion for personal growth through narrative, meaning and symbol to the Chisholm Creek Academy community.