Signs Your Child Might Thrive at Ivy Greene

Signs Your Child Might Thrive at Ivy Greene

August 18, 20252 min read

How to Know If Ivy Greene Academy Is the Right Fit for Your Family

Rethinking the "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach

As parents, we want what’s best for our children. We spend hours researching car seats, baby food, and extracurriculars—so why settle for a school that doesn’t fit who your child truly is?

In traditional schools, children are often treated as products on an assembly line—moving through the same curriculum, at the same pace, regardless of their interests, strengths, or readiness. But what if your child’s educational path could be as unique as they are?

At Ivy Greene Academy, we believe that education should empower learners to discover their purpose, master real-world skills, and grow into confident leaders. But how do you know if this approach is right for your family?


Not every learner thrives in a traditional classroom, and not every parent wants their child’s education dictated by test scores and rigid routines. Here are some signs that your child—and your family—might be ready for something different:

  • They crave independence. Your child likes making decisions and would benefit from more control over how they learn.

  • They ask a million questions. Curiosity is a strength, not a distraction. In a learner-driven environment, those questions lead to real exploration.

  • They’re frustrated with busywork. Worksheets and test prep feel pointless, and your child thrives when solving real problems or creating something meaningful.

  • They need room to grow socially and emotionally. You want your child to develop resilience, leadership, and the ability to collaborate—not just memorize facts.

  • You value purpose over pressure. You’re not interested in pushing your child to get ahead—you want them to find their why.


What Makes Ivy Greene Academy Different?

Ivy Greene Academy is not just a school—it’s a launchpad. We use a learner-driven model inspired by Acton Academy, where children set goals, manage their time, and hold each other accountable in mixed-age studios. Instead of traditional teachers, we have Guides who ask questions, challenge learners to think deeply, and step aside so learners can lead.

Here’s what that looks like day-to-day:

  • Studios, not classrooms. Learners work in collaborative spaces where freedom and responsibility go hand-in-hand.

  • Mastery-based learning. Learners only move on once they’ve mastered a concept—no more getting left behind or bored waiting for others to catch up.

  • Real-world projects. Whether it’s building a business, solving a local problem, or producing a play, learners apply their skills in meaningful ways.

  • Self-governance. Learners make real decisions about their community, resolving conflicts and setting studio norms through respectful dialogue.


How to Take the Next Step

If you’re nodding your head as you read this, it might be time to see it in action. Schedule a tour, meet our Guides, and let your child experience the joy of learning on their own terms.

Your child is more than a test score. Give them an education that honors who they are—and who they’re becoming.

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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