June 10, 2025
Welcome, Grace Hambleton!
We are excited to announce that Grace Hambleton has been selected as a 2025–2026 School Leadership Fellow through the Hillsdale College K-12...
October is Principal Appreciation Month and at Ivywood Classical Academy we couldn’t be more excited to highlight our hardworking and dedicated administration for all that they do. We take pride in providing both a unique and wholesome education, and that starts with our leadership. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate our leadership and explain what makes them such an important piece of our community.
The first administrator we want to highlight this year is our Director of Operations, Kayla Cruthers. Kayla has been an integral part of the Ivywood community since its establishment in 2019. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that students, staff and families are supported, creating an environment where growth and learning flourish. Her commitment to the school’s mission have made her a true asset, and her impact resonates far beyond the classroom.
The next person we want to showcase is our Upper School Dean, Amanda Mclaughlin. Mrs. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor’s in Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Mrs. McLaughlin has over 20 years of experience as both a classroom teacher and a school guidance counselor. Mrs. McLaughlin is also an Ivywood parent.
The last person we want to commend this month is our Lower School Dean, Ben Ransier. Ben Ransier joined Choice Schools Associates in 2022, and has over 17 years of experience in education. He has served as a Physical Education Teacher, Middle School Dean, and Curriculum and Training Coordinator for the University of Michigan’s “Project Healthy Schools.” Ben holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Bachelor’s Degrees in Exercise Science and Physical/Health Education.
Our leaders will always be a fundamental part of our school community, and we can’t thank them enough for their compassion, dedication and hard work. They serve as the backbone of our school, the ones inspiring change, and the mentors who shape our youth’s future. While this month may mark the official celebration, every day is an opportunity to recognize and support these outstanding individuals. To see more on what’s happening at our school, visit our blog and stay up to date with us on social media.
Ivywood Classical Academy is a tuition-free public school academy that will educate students using the virtues-based, content-rich, classical education tradition.
Parents may start dropping students off at 7:50 am. Doors open at 8:00 am, and there are three drop off options:
Option 1: Drop off at 7:50, a staff member will supervise students outside of the building until the door open.
Option 2: Park and walk to the entrance from 8:00 - 8:10. Parents may escort their children to the front or side doors.
Option 3: Utilize the car loop from 7:50 - 8:09
Ivywood utilizes a staggered dismissal. All parents must park and enter through the main entrance. All designated pick-up people must present their ICA identification barcode which will be scanned by an ICA employee prior to gaining entrance to the building. Students are dismissed directly from classrooms.