Meet Amelia Sofjan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amelia Sofjan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amelia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Masterpiece: An Acton Academy is education re-imagined. While the world has evolved dramatically, traditional education has remained largely the same. At Masterpiece, we blend the timeless principles of Maria Montessori with the innovative learner-driven philosophy of Acton Academy, along with the latest in technology, online learning, Socratic discussions, and hands-on real-world projects.

We believe children are far more capable than we imagine. Our innovative Pre-K to 5th grade private school helps the community and the world by raising young people who love learning, think independently, solve problems creatively, and develop strong character. Learners practice real-world skills such as leadership, entrepreneurship, collaboration, goal-setting, and public speaking from an early age.

Most importantly, we strive to help each child discover their unique gifts, purpose, and calling. We believe the world becomes a better place when people live purposeful lives, take ownership of their choices, and use their talents to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ultimately, what sets Masterpiece: An Acton Academy apart is that we are a learner-driven school. Our learners take ownership of their educational journey and are trusted with both freedom and responsibility. We believe children learn best through real choices, meaningful challenges, and natural consequences. Rather than simply being told what to think, our learners are guided to think critically, solve problems, and grow into independent, capable young people.

Getting the school to where it is today has not been easy. I first had to overcome self-doubt and learn to trust both the process and the vision the Lord placed on my heart. When I resigned from my decade-long career as faculty at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy to launch this school, I only had three enrolled learners — one of them being my own son — and the school was set to launch just three months later. I also had not yet found the right guide to join me on the journey.

Taking that leap of faith was terrifying, but when I did, doors began to open. By launch day, we had ten learners enrolled — three more than the minimum of seven I had been praying for. Finding the right location, guides, and like-minded families were some of the biggest challenges along the way. During that process, my Pearland community and local Chamber of Commerce were incredibly supportive. I attended networking events to meet people in the community, share my story and vision, and build meaningful connections. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that people genuinely want to help when they believe in what you are building.

I also learned that it is never too late to learn something new. I went from being a pharmacist/faculty to becoming an entrepreneur who had to wear many different hats. I taught myself how to build a website, market through Google and Meta, and navigate areas completely outside my comfort zone — things I never imagined I was capable of doing. In many ways, this journey has made me a learner again, and it has been one of the greatest adventures of my life.

More than anything, I want the world to know that every child who walks through our doors is deeply loved, respected, and nurtured to become all they were meant to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to some of my favorite restaurants in Chinatown on Bellaire for amazing food, the Motherhood Center for a heavenly massage, and The Mad Potter to create a masterpiece together. I’d also bring them to the Houston Botanical Garden and Lake Houston Wilderness Park to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Natasha and Markeith Tennison, founders of The Gathering Outreach. When I was searching for the right place to launch this school, this incredible couple listened to my story, believed in the vision, and said yes when all I had was a dream and a deep sense of calling.

Our school is currently located inside their beautiful building in Pearland Town Center, and without their generosity, support, and faith in what we were building, Masterpiece would not be here today. We are deeply grateful for the impact they have made on our learners, families, and community.

Website: https://www.masterpieceacademy.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterpieceacton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterpieceacton/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/masterpiece-an-acton-academy-pearland