Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast Episode: Vision for a Classical School Release Date: April 6, 2026 Host: Scott Bertram Guest: Kayla Crothers, Head of School at Ivywood Classical Academy, Plymouth, Michigan

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the journey and vision behind the founding and growth of Ivywood Classical Academy, as shared by its Head of School, Kayla Crothers. The discussion explores what makes classical education distinct and enduring, the practical realities of leading a rapidly growing K-12 school, strategies for fostering a thriving school culture, and the role of leadership development within the Hillsdale College K-12 network.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Kayla Crothers’ Journey into Classical Education

• Unique Path to Education: Kayla shares that she struggled in traditional schools as a child until her parents enrolled her in a private Christian school, which changed her educational trajectory (02:00).

• Career Shift: She initially considered law enforcement, worked as a drill instructor at a juvenile boot camp, and became invested in classical methods while homeschooling her own children (02:20).

• Founding Ivywood: Upon learning of a classical charter school opening in her area, she and her family eagerly became involved (02:54).

  “Classical education matters. And although I didn't originally see myself as the leader, I was uniquely equipped, having worn many hats at the school and loving its mission so deeply.” – Kayla Crothers (04:00)

2. Leadership at Ivywood

• Role Evolution: Started as Director of Operations, managing everything from emergency plans to filling classroom needs, developing systems ensuring teachers could focus on teaching (03:16).
• Stepping into School Leadership: Kayla describes her transition to Head of School as both a civic duty and personal mission, especially as a parent whose children attend Ivywood (04:21, 04:26):

  “To uphold this mission and have a small part in reclaiming education in our nation means everything to me and to this community.” – Kayla Crothers (04:26)

3. Defining and Deepening the Vision for Classical Education

• Mentoring & Growth: The Hillsdale network’s Year 0 Boot Camp and conferences have been instrumental for learning and connection with other classical school leaders (05:05).
• Visits to Peer Schools: Kayla describes taking a team to observe Seven Oaks Classical Academy for inspiration and best practices (05:40).

4. Leadership Style & Community Presence

• Leading Authentically: Kayla strives to maintain authenticity and accessibility with students, faculty, and parents alike (06:19).

• Team Reliance & Delegation: Growth in role necessitated learning to delegate and ask for help, but her goal is to stay the approachable public face of Ivywood (06:45).

  “I think I am who I am. And I think that that's one of the things that makes me confident as a leader is the fact that I don't have to change hats between the students and the faculty and the parent community.” – Kayla Crothers (06:22)

5. Ivywood Classical Academy: Origins and Growth

• School Profile: Opened in 2018 (K-5, 130 students) in a repurposed AT&T facility (07:37). Now K-11 with over 800 students across two campuses, with a brand-new building and plans for further expansion (07:37–09:00).

• Vision for Space: Designed new campus with classical features (colonnade, courtyard, Socratic circle) to support mission and foster community (13:32).

  “With the great opportunity to build came the great responsibility to steward our resources well. And so every decision was made with the mission in mind.” – Kayla Crothers (08:28)

6. Managing Two Campuses & School Culture

• Staffing & Structure: Relies on strong leadership partners at both campuses (09:31).

• Intentional Community Building: Events, orientations, and mixed-age student activities to connect lower and upper schools (10:35).

  “When you're moving into a brand new building that's kind of void of any original culture, you have to intentionally and kind of manufacture some of those aspects…until it can take root and flourish on its own.” – Kayla Crothers (10:51)

7. Rapid Student Population Growth & Integration

• Bottom-Up Growth: Most growth occurs in kindergarten, ensuring students are shaped in the classical tradition early (12:03).

• Onboarding New Students: “Ivywood 101” summer boot camp helps incoming students assimilate academic expectations and school culture (12:45).

  “[At] Ivywood 101…they not only had a crash course in literacy essentials and well ordered language and Singapore math, but they also learned kind of the Ivywood traditions and common language that we use across both campuses...” – Kayla Crothers (12:55)

8. Classical Principles Reflected in Campus Design

• Physical Environment: Grand colonnade, central courtyard with a Socratic circle, wide hallways for conversation, flexible classroom layouts, “Eyrie” student corridor—each element designed with both utility and classical philosophy in mind (13:32–15:56).

  “Our courtyard…features a large Socratic circle. And so as soon as Michigan weather turns…that courtyard will be filled…with students and teachers in great discussion.” – Kayla Crothers (13:40)

9. Leadership Development & the Hillsdale Fellowship Program

• Training Future Leaders: Ivywood hosts School Leader Fellows to train and mentor the next generation of leaders in classical education, emphasizing passion and willingness to learn (16:07–18:06).

  “Building a classical school is larger than any one person, and so it's really important that you find people who are passionate about the work and willing to learn.” – Kayla Crothers (16:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the mission of classical education:

  “Classical education matters. And although I didn't originally see myself as the leader, I was uniquely equipped, having worn many hats at the school and loving its mission so deeply.” (04:00)

• On authenticity in leadership:

  “I think I am who I am. And I think that that's one of the things that makes me confident as a leader is the fact that I don't have to change hats between the students and the faculty and the parent community.” (06:22)

• On building school culture:

  “When you're moving into a brand new building that's kind of void of any original culture, you have to intentionally and kind of manufacture some of those aspects…until it can take root and flourish on its own.” (10:51)

• On the physical embodiment of classical ideals:

  “Our courtyard…features a large Socratic circle. And so as soon as Michigan weather turns…that courtyard will be filled…with students and teachers in great discussion.” (13:40)

• On forming and mentoring new leaders:

  “Building a classical school is larger than any one person, and so it’s really important that you find people who are passionate about the work and willing to learn.” (16:52)

Recommended Timestamps

• Kayla’s background & entry into classical education: 01:54–03:02
• Early leadership and motivations: 03:16–04:53
• Classical education vision & Hillsdale support: 05:05–06:02
• Leadership style and authenticity: 06:19–07:19
• Ivywood Academy overview and growth: 07:37–09:12
• Managing two campuses & building culture: 09:31–11:43
• Student onboarding (“Ivywood 101”): 12:03–13:19
• Campus architecture & classical design: 13:32–16:07
• Leadership Fellow program: 16:07–18:06

Summary

This episode offers an engaging, personal look into what it means to build and lead a classical school. Kayla Crothers articulates both the philosophical underpinnings and practical challenges of translating classical ideals into a living, growing school community. From her own unlikely journey into education to the architectural choices in Ivywood’s new campus, the conversation is filled with thoughtful reflections and actionable insights for educators, parents, and school leaders inspired by the promise of classical education.