Our Story

We are Michael and Emily Koska and we decided that we wanted school to look different for our children and the children in the Fargo Moorhead area.

a boy sitting on a chair reading a book

The Struggles of Traditional School

As parents of a school-aged child, we couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was missing in the traditional school system. Our son—social, creative, and curious—was growing increasingly reluctant to attend school each day.

He often expressed boredom, repeatedly learning concepts he had already mastered. Evenings became a battleground of homework and busywork, leaving little time for meaningful family connection. We couldn’t help but think: There has to be a better way for our son and for our family.

Children are naturally curious, active, and eager to learn, yet the current system wasn’t fostering those traits.

a group of children sitting at desks in a classroom
a boy and girl playing with blocks

Searching for a Better Path

Determined to find a solution, we began exploring private schools with alternative education methods. However, it quickly became clear that most private schools offered more of the same—traditional methods with minor tweaks.

We realized something truly innovative was missing, not just in our family’s life but in our Fargo-Moorhead community as well. We envisioned a life-changing education that would inspire children to become the best version of themselves.

Discovering Acton Academy

During our search, we stumbled upon Acton Academy—and everything changed. The learner-driven school model instantly resonated with us. It was exactly the type of transformative education we had been seeking for our son and our community.

After careful consideration and a deep commitment to creating change, we decided to bring this revolutionary approach to education to Fargo-Moorhead.

a room with a blue and white board and a blue and white board
Female learner

Odyssey: A Hero’s Journey

We chose the name Odyssey because we believe every child is on their own hero’s journey to uncover their unique purpose and calling in life. At Odyssey FM, learners are empowered to take ownership of their education and embrace a lifelong love of learning.

We are thrilled to bring Acton Academy to our community and can’t wait to meet the incredible families who will join us on this adventure. Together, we’ll redefine what education can look like and create a brighter future for our children.