Thriving Classical Charter School in Soddy‑Daisy, TN
Skillern Elementary, part of Ivy Academy, opened its doors in Fall 2022 in Hamilton County. Founded by Angie Markum—an award-winning educator and developer of the Tennessee Classical Model—the school was established to provide a classical, outdoor-rich education for K–5 students.
Named in honor of local figures Fred and Betty Skillern, the school began with just 64 kindergarten and first-grade students, with plans to expand to 408 K–5 students by 2026.
A Unique Classical + Outdoor Learning Environment
Skillern’s curriculum is rooted in classical education—focused on goodness, truth, beauty, and structured learning through phonics-based reading, liberal arts, and STEM disciplines—all integrated into an indoor/outdoor learning framework.
Outdoor classrooms allow students to explore science and literature firsthand in nature: learning about weather outside rather than just reading about it, and studying language in real-world settings.
Recognition & Excellence
Local accolades: In its second year, Skillern was voted one of Hamilton County’s top three public schools in the Chattanooga Times Free Press “Best of the Best” awards.
Teacher honors: Kindergarten teachers, Maggie Caruso & Cara Stepp, received WDEF’s Golden Apple Awards for outstanding instruction and dedication. Third-grade teacher, Natalia Briggs, was honored with the Soddy-Daisy Best of the Best Teacher award.
Community service: Third graders helped clean up a local river shoreline—demonstrating the school’s emphasis on service and environmental stewardship.
Parent Praise
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“My child is treated, loved, and cared for as if he is the only one in the classroom. … They teach stewardship… help build not only smart children but responsible and respectful members of society.”
1st Grade Parent
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“Skillern approaches education in a holistic way and offers a balance of indoor and outdoor environments which we feel is the ideal match for our son. … Our son takes great pride in demonstrating these virtues both at school and at home.”
K Parent
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“I have been consistently blown away by how amazing this school is and how they keep going above and beyond every expectation! … My child is learning so much … not only how to actually appreciate the earth and how to be a person with good character.”
K Parent
Facilities & the Future
The permanent 30-acre Rich Campus is set to be finished for Fall 2025. Skillern also operates in portable classrooms, with plans underway to build another permanent facility complete with indoor and outdoor learning areas.
Skillern Elementary exemplifies the power of combining classical education with an immersive outdoor experience. From its visionary founding and rapid growth to community accolades and environmental service, Skillern is making a meaningful difference—giving students not just academic knowledge, but also character, curiosity, and community awareness.
