Our Story
Studio Prep began with two parents, a big vision, and a lot of curiosity.
In 2014, Megan Johntz and Heath Schiesser found themselves deep in conversation about education—what was working, what wasn’t, and what the future of learning could look like. Their research led them to Acton Academy, a model that brought together many of the elements supported by both research and intuition: project-based learning, Socratic discussion, and learner-centered education.
Inspired, they took a bold step and launched Acton Imprimis, gathering a small group of like-minded homeschool families who wanted something more: a place where God could be part of the conversation, where parents remained connected to their children’s education, and where students were seen as capable, curious, and full of potential. Acton Imprimis became the first Christian, homeschool-based Acton Academy. Though the plan was to “start small,” the vision caught on quickly. By fall 2015, Acton Imprimis opened with a full Elementary, Middle, and High School program.
As we grew, so did our space. After outgrowing our original 4,700 sq. ft. schoolhouse nestled in the woods off Spicewood Springs Road, we moved in 2019 to a larger, 11,000 sq. ft. facility near ACC’s Highland Campus—complete with a sport court and a Makerspace. That same year, we also embraced a new name: Studio Preparatory, a name that better reflects our identity and mission.
Over the years, Studio Prep has continued to evolve—shaped by fresh research, timeless wisdom, and our ongoing desire to discover what works best for students. We’re committed to cultivating engaging learning experiences, a supportive environment, and real-world connections that prepare students not just for school, but for life.
In 2024, our founders stepped into retirement, marking a new chapter in our journey. Studio Prep is now led by a dedicated board of directors as we seek to equip a diverse community of students to enter the world as leaders, deeply rooted in God’s love, who live out their God-given calling with wisdom and humility.
Founders
Heath Schiesser
Co-Founder
Professionally, Heath was an entrepreneurial executive with experience founding start-ups, creating and expanding new businesses, and leading a Fortune 500 enterprise.
He was a partner at the Pilot Wall Group which invests in healthcare and other sectors. Previously, he led the Integrated Care Group for Fresenius Medical Care, the largest dialysis equipment manufacturer and treatment provider in the US and globally. As President, he oversaw the creation of a division to manage the full cost of caring for dialysis patients, divisions providing national lab and pharmacy services to dialysis patients, and MedSpring Urgent Care centers. Heath joined Fresenius in 2014 when it acquired MedSpring, the Austin-based company he co-founded in 2011.
Previously, Heath served as CEO at Tampa-based WellCare (NYSE:WCG) in 2008 and 2009, where the team stabilized the $6.8 billion, Fortune 500 health insurer while it resolved a federal investigation concurrent with the 2008 credit-market crisis and 2009 turmoil of health reform. He returned to the company after retiring and spending a year in Spain with his family. Before that time, he led a team in the successful launch of a $950 mm prescription drug division and oversaw marketing and sales during the LBO, IPO, and rapid expansion of the company.
Prior experience includes five years at McKinsey & Co., co-founder of an online pharmacy in the first Internet frenzy, a six-month life lesson at Enron as it imploded in 2001, and a start in the glamorous world of agricultural mowing equipment.
The best deal he ever managed to close was his wife, Megan Johntz, with whom he has had two boys and many wonderful adventures.
Formal Education:
- Master of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, Business
- Bachelor of Arts, Trinity University, San Antonio, Business major / English minor
Megan Johntz
Co-Founder
Megan Johntz thought she could change the world by becoming a TV newscaster, but soon realized her hero’s journey was to be in psychology. After returning to school for her Master’s Degree, Megan is now a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Before transitioning into full-time public speaking, Megan ran a successful private practice in Dallas.
With the birth of her two sons, she cut back on public speaking but still enjoys bringing solid psych tools to a conference room of a thousand people since many of them will never seek counseling. Her past clients include Fina Oil, Delta Airlines, Mensa, McKinsey and Company Consulting, and the FBI
With young children and no local family, God called Megan to start a ministry, Moms Mentoring Moms, which is still thriving in the Tampa Bay area today.
Megan has been homeschooling for 16 years, was a Classical Conversations Tutor, a Bible Study Fellowship Discussion Leader and Children’s Leader, and started a homeschooling mom’s support group. In 2015, God led Megan and her husband to start the first Christian, homeschool-hybrid Acton.
Believing travel is one of the best teachers, Megan and her husband enjoy showing their two sons as much of the world as they can.
Formal Education:
- Master of Science, Counselor Education, University of North Texas
- Bachelor of Arts, Communications, Trinity University
- Associate of Arts, Musical Theater, High School for the Performing Arts (New World School for the Arts, Miami, FL)
