Ivy Classical Academy
Governance Board
Board of Directors
Bradley Neave | Chairman
Bradley is the founder of Ivy Classical Academy and is honored to serve as the chairman of the governing board. Bradley also founded the Alabama Classical Group, which was formed to establish a network of classical charter schools across the State of Alabama.
As a lifelong entrepreneur, Bradley has started, acquired and sold businesses across a number of industries. Presently, he serves as the managing director of Halieus, a real estate firm specializing in mixed-use and commercial development.
Beyond his private sector pursuits, Bradley chairs a redevelopment authority tasked with revitalizing one of Alabama’s most historically significant districts. Additionally, Bradley serves on the board of an NGO focused on chronic disease prevention and management in disadvantaged communities.
Born in England and having lived in Paris and Brussels, Bradley finished High School in Atlanta before earning a degree in telecommunications management from the University of Georgia. While he and his wife, Jessica, met in Atlanta, the two chose to relocate to Alabama to be closer to her family as they raise their children.
Jason Jewell | Board Member
Jason Jewell is Professor of Humanities and Director of the Center for Great Books and Human Flourishing at Faulkner University, where he has taught since 2004. He has written one book and has contributed to two volumes of essays, ten academic journals, and five encyclopedias. His writing has also appeared in many popular publications. Dr. Jewell has been involved in classical education for more than 15 years, teaching classes from middle school through graduate school. He and his wife of 24 years have seven children, all of whom have been educated using a classical curriculum. He blogs about the Great Books and classical education, among other topics, at his Substack, the Lifelong Learner. Dr. Jewell holds a bachelor’s degree in history and music from Harding University, a master’s degree in history from Pepperdine University, and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary humanities from Florida State University.
Soren Geiger | Board Member
Andrew Harper | Board Member
Andrew Harper is an experienced Real Estate Developer & Financial Professional bringing over 15 years of progressive experience in audit, risk management, and lending within professional services industries, along with 8+ years in real estate development. Successfully led projects with total development capital exceeding $50 million, managing land acquisition, entitlements, infrastructure, and strategic investments. Proven ability to navigate complex financial structures, mitigate risk, and drive profitable development ventures.
Allen Mendenhall | Board Member
Allen Mendenhall is Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University, where he also directs the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy. He holds advanced degrees in English and law, including a Ph.D. from Auburn University. An accomplished author, his works encompass topics in law, literature, and culture. Beyond academia, Allen has practiced law in Atlanta and served as a staff attorney for Chief Justice Roy S. Moore of the Supreme Court of Alabama. He is actively involved with organizations such as the Philadelphia Society and the Alabama Public Television Foundation Authority. Allen resides in Alabama with his family.
Governance
Ivy Classical Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school governed by a board of directors and created through a charter agreement between the school’s board, the Alabama Public Charter School Commission, the Elmore County Board of Education, and the Alabama State Department of Education.
In exchange for increased accountability, Ivy Classical Academy’s board is granted the flexibility to operate with greater autonomy.
Charter schools frequently utilize this autonomy to innovate and differentiate in areas such as educational philosophy, academic programming, hiring practices, and school policies, including instructional time and technology usage.
For more information about charter schools in Alabama, visit the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.
Board Meetings
The board’s meeting schedule, location, and virtual meeting link (when available) can be found on the school’s calendar.
January 9, 2024
Board Meeting at 4:00 PM
Public Records Requests
Please send your request to [email protected]
Procedure for Contacting the Senior School Administrator and Governing Board
Ivy Classical Academy follows a structured chain of communication for addressing concerns, ensuring efficient resolution of inquiries and grievances. The standard process involves contacting—in order—the relevant teacher, coach, or program leader, followed by the Dean of Academics or Dean of Students, then the Head of School, and finally, if necessary, the governing board via the Board Chair. Except in emergencies, email is the preferred mode of initial communication. The school encourages and welcomes pre-scheduled, in-person meetings to facilitate open dialogue.
Now Hiring K-12 Teachers
Ivy Classical Academy is looking for teachers who have a solid understanding of classical education, a dedication to the liberal arts and the teaching of civics, and a strong capacity for organizational leadership.
