Meet Our Founder

Allison Buttacavoli
Mother • Education Advocate • Community Builder

Allison founded Acton Academy Miami Beach with one mission in mind: to build the kind of learning environment she wished existed—for her son and for every curious, capable child who doesn’t thrive in a one-size-fits-all system.

With a diverse professional background and a graduate degree in history, Allison’s journey started on the path to becoming a university professor. But the deeper she went into traditional academia, the more she saw its limitations—especially for young people. Driven to find something better, she became immersed in the world of school choice and alternative education, witnessing the growing network of educators, innovators, and policy leaders along the way.

That professional experience is matched by something even more powerful: the perspective of a mom. Allison is fiercely committed to giving her child—and yours—an education that celebrates independence, purpose, and joy in learning. Her passion for learner-driven models, like Acton, is personal, and her dedication to making this vision real in Miami Beach is unwavering.

Allison is also deeply engaged in her local community, serving as Vice Chair of the Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee and as a board member of Girls on the Run Miami, a nonprofit empowering young girls through confidence-building programs.

Today, she brings together practical expertise, deep community roots, and a heartfelt belief that every child deserves to find their spark.