Exploring Education Blog

"What is essential is to realize that children learn independently, they learn out of interest and curiosity, not to please or appease the adults in power; and that they ought to be in control of their own learning, deciding for themselves what they want to learn and how they want to learn it."

- John Holt, Author of How Children Learn

What Excellence Really Means at Ivy Greene Academy

What Excellence Really Means at Ivy Greene Academy

August 11, 20252 min read

What Excellence Really Means at Ivy Greene Academy

When most schools talk about “excellence,” they mean grades, awards, and achievements that fit inside a standardized box. But at Ivy Greene Academy, we define excellence differently — and more powerfully.

Excellence here isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence, purpose, and the pursuit of something meaningful — even when it’s hard.


The Courage to Do Hard Things

We believe true excellence is forged in the fire of challenge. That’s why we don’t shield our learners from struggle — we guide them through it.

Whether they’re revising a draft for the fourth time, preparing for an Exhibition, or pushing through a tough Socratic discussion, learners at Ivy Greene know this truth:
Excellence isn’t a one-time act. It’s a habit built on effort, integrity, and reflection.


Fail. Learn. Grow. Repeat.

In many schools, failure is something to fear. At Ivy Greene, it’s something to embrace — not because we want learners to fail, but because we know that failure is where the deepest growth happens.

We don’t ask, “Did you get it right the first time?”
We ask, “What did you learn from trying?”

Our learners become resilient problem-solvers who know how to rise, adapt, and try again. And over time, they discover something amazing:
They are capable of more than they ever imagined.


What This Looks Like in Practice

  • Learners hold each other accountable through honest peer feedback

  • They revise and refine their work — not for a grade, but for pride in a job well done

  • They celebrate effort, not just outcomes

  • They push themselves — and each other — to rise to a higher standard

This is what real excellence looks like. And it’s something your child is practicing every day at Ivy Greene Academy.


Why It Matters for the Future

In a world that values quick wins and easy answers, our learners are developing the character, work ethic, and mindset that will carry them far beyond school.

We’re not raising children who just “do well on tests.”
We’re raising
leaders, innovators, and servant-hearted changemakers.

Because at Ivy Greene, excellence isn’t the destination — it’s the journey.


Want to see it in action?

Visit a studio, attend an Exhibition, or simply ask your learner about a time they failed and kept going. You’ll be amazed at the growth happening here — one challenge at a time.


Donna Akers was a public school educator for 28 years, she railed against an unfair and sometimes unjust system of education. She witnessed bright shining stars have their light dimmed. She fought hard for her learners, but ultimately ventured out on her own to free herself from the illogical and wrongheaded ideas of the public school system. Donna started Ivy Greene Academy in August of 2020, during the pandemic. She has been able to explore with her learners, take deep dives into rich material with her learners, and celebrate the joy of success with them each day. Now she revels in the light of the learners of Ivy Greene, and seeks to share this light with her community.

Dr. Donna Akers

Donna Akers was a public school educator for 28 years, she railed against an unfair and sometimes unjust system of education. She witnessed bright shining stars have their light dimmed. She fought hard for her learners, but ultimately ventured out on her own to free herself from the illogical and wrongheaded ideas of the public school system. Donna started Ivy Greene Academy in August of 2020, during the pandemic. She has been able to explore with her learners, take deep dives into rich material with her learners, and celebrate the joy of success with them each day. Now she revels in the light of the learners of Ivy Greene, and seeks to share this light with her community.

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Ivy Greene Academy provides a Christ-centered education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a heart for service. Rooted in the belief that every learner is a unique creation of God, we cultivate their gifts and talents to prepare them for a purpose-driven life. Our vision is to develop independent, resilient leaders who choose to follow Christ.

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