From Jennifer Gillespie
President of Ivy Classical Academy’s Parent Service Organization.
As a mom of three children, I know firsthand that finding the right educational fit for your family is one of the most important, and often daunting, decisions a parent can make. When Ivy Classical Academy – a tuition-free public classical charter school – opened its doors in the fall of 2024, my family made a decision that has truly changed our lives, and the lives of our three children, for the better.
My oldest daughter is currently in third grade at Ivy Classical Academy, and my twin six-year-olds are thriving in kindergarten. Before coming to Ivy Classical, our oldest attended a zoned public school – which is a great option for many students. And, while our experience there was positive and we were grateful for her teachers, it isn’t until now that we realize the various ways the curriculum wasn’t fully meeting her individual learning needs until we made the switch to a classical education.
We had been anxiously waiting for Ivy Classical to open because we were excited about the classical education, which is provided by renowned Hillsdale College. However, when the time came, it wasn’t an easy decision as it is difficult to take the leap from what was familiar and take a chance on a new school. Ultimately, we made the jump and in just a few months, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our kids.
One of the biggest reasons we chose Ivy Classical was its literacy program, which uses phonics-based instruction. Our daughter struggled with reading in first and second grade. However, the individualized, systematic approach to reading instruction at Ivy Classical has been an answer to prayer. The progress she has made in such a short amount of time is incredible – she’s not just keeping up, she’s truly thriving.
I firmly believe that even the best school isn’t necessarily the best fit for every child. Every family deserves the opportunity to choose the school that adequately meets their children’s unique needs. For our family, Ivy Classical Academy is the best fit. The structured environment, high academic standards and focus on discipline and mutual respect create an atmosphere where my children feel safe, supported and excited to learn every day.
The partnership between families and the school is something special. Communication from teachers is consistent, and rather than focusing on tedious busywork, homework is largely 20 minutes of reading each night. The teachers do the heavy lifting during the school day and make the most of every instructional minute. Programs like Singapore Math – which some private schools are now adopting – are already part of Ivy’s curriculum, offering our kids a high-quality education at no additional cost to families is amazing. Many families who want additional options cannot afford private or parochial options. It’s important to note that Ivy Classical Academy is a public charter school – so any student can attend tuition-free for no additional cost.
It’s not just families who are benefiting from school choice — it’s teachers too. Our daughter’s first-grade teacher, who spent 16 years in traditional public schools, now teaches at Ivy Classical. The fact that educators are choosing to make this transition speaks volumes about the school’s mission, quality and positive learning environment.
With over 600 students enrolled in the first year, a lengthy waitlist and plans to add an additional grade each year, the demand for Ivy Classical Academy makes one thing clear: families want options. I’m incredibly thankful to our Governor Kay Ivey, our state legislators and our local elected officials for supporting school choice policies that empower families like mine to make the best decisions for our children’s futures.
For our family, Ivy Classical Academy has been nothing short of life-changing – not because it’s the perfect school, but because it’s the perfect fit for our family.
Jennifer Gillespie serves as President of Ivy Classical Academy’s Parent Service Organization.
