Cus & Carlo Fragoso – Our Journey
I Knew the World Was Changing
Hi, I’m Cus Fragoso, founder of The Source Academy.
As a parent and international entrepreneur, I have spent the past twenty five years building businesses across borders and speaking to audiences around the world. Those experiences have given me a broad perspective on how quickly the world is changing. Technology, global challenges, and shifting industries are reshaping the future at an unprecedented pace.
Because of that, I had high expectations for the American education system. I believed it would be preparing children for this evolving reality. I was surprised when my son Carlo struggled to adapt well in public school, and there was no clear plan to equip him for the world he would inherit.
That realization sparked a search.
Discovering Something Different
That search led us to Acton Leadership Academy in The Woodlands, Texas, where Carlo attended for two years.
It was completely different from what we expected. A school in a mobile module. No traditional classes. No grades. No exams.
Instead, learners drive their own growth through quests and challenges on a Hero’s Journey, earning points for effort and badges for mastery in mixed age studios.
At first, I could not see conventional metrics for progress.
But I saw something undeniable.
Carlo was happier than ever. He was learning naturally. He explored topics he loved, even at home. He became more independent every day.
He did not just learn.
He loved learning.
And that changed everything for our family.
A Journey for the Whole Family
Acton is transformative not only for children, but for families as a whole.
It invites parents into a deeper role in their child’s journey. It encourages trust over control and growth through responsibility. It was not always simple at first, yet the rewards have been immeasurable.
Acton became more than a school.
It became a lifestyle. A community. Our future.
Bringing Acton Closer to Home
When we moved to Raleigh, Acton existed in the broader region, but not close enough to truly serve our daily life and community.
The impact Acton had on our family was too profound to leave behind. I decided to bring this opportunity closer to home, not only for my son, but for families nearby who were searching for something different.
The Source Academy was born from that commitment.
A space where young heroes discover their calling and learn to navigate a changing world with confidence.
Rooted in Community and Purpose
What makes Acton different, and The Source Academy unique, is a deep belief in children’s innate ability to rise when given responsibility and trust.
Our integration within Haven Farm strengthens that vision.
Haven Farm is a community that aligns closely with my values. It is a place where human connection matters deeply. Where people come together through shared events, mutual support, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to the world.
I believe we are more than isolated individuals moving independently through life. There is something greater that connects us, whether one calls it purpose, conscience, higher awareness, or simply the human spirit.
At The Source Academy, we respect every family’s beliefs while fostering a culture of connection, responsibility, and service beyond oneself.
Surrounded by open spaces, forest trails, local wildlife, and farm animals, learners grow in an environment that nurtures curiosity, character, belonging, and an awareness that their actions impact something larger than themselves.
An Invitation
We invite you to discover whether this journey is right for your family.
Our Beliefs
We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.
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We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way;
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We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
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We believe in a closely connected family of life-long learners.
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We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Promises
We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:
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Begin a Hero's Journey,
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Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery.
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Become a curious, independent, life-long learner.
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Embrace the forging of a strong character.
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Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
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Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Team
Salvador "Cus" Fragoso
Founder
Salvador "Cus" Fragoso is the founder of The Source Academy. He is an entrepreneur, author, and educator with over 15 years of experience building businesses, leading teams, and mentoring individuals across the United States and Latin America. He is also the founder of an Import & Export company operating between the U.S., Mexico, and other international markets.
Cus's journey into learner-driven education began as a parent of a 7-year-old son. His direct experience with Acton Academy, combined with his collaboration and hands-on involvement with Acton Leadership Academy in The Woodlands, Texas, deeply shaped his understanding of education, leadership, and community-building.
After relocating to Raleigh due to projects related to his book and his business, and recognizing the region as an area of strong growth and opportunity, Cus sought an educational environment aligned with the Acton model. When he did not find one, he decided to apply for an Acton Academy license in order to continue offering his son, and many other families, the opportunity to be part of this unique and powerful learning system.
Cus is a strong believer in building small, intentional communities where individuals can grow both personally and professionally. His vision for The Source Academy extends beyond the school itself, aiming to create a meaningful community that contributes positively to the broader Triangle area.
Our Advisors
Jeff Sandefer
Co-Founder - Acton Academy
Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or co-found seven successful businesses. As a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas, Jeff's students five times voted him the school's Outstanding Teacher and Businessweek named him one of the top Entrepreneurship professors in America.
Jeff went on to co-found the Acton School of Business, an MBA program perennially ranked by the Princeton Review among the best in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world.
Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school's governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Laura Sandefer
Co-Founder - Acton Academy
Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science. After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd's of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City.
Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.
Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy.
Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious."