Thriving TN Classical Academies Charter School in Soddy‑Daisy, TN - Ivy Academy’s Skillern Elementary
Skillern Elementary opened its doors in the Fall of 2022 in Hamilton County. —the school was established to provide a classical, content-rich education with an outdoor delivery for health and learning’s sake for K–5 students.
Named in honor of local benefactors Fred and Bettye Skillern, the school began with just 64 kindergarten and first-grade students, with plans to expand to 408 K–5 students by fall 2026.
Skillern Elementary is a feeder school to Ivy Academy Chattanooga and was created to help transform the preparedness of students who enter that school. Ivy Academy is not a Tennessee Classical Academies school.
Groups of concerned citizens from across our state are reaching out to find out how to start this model of a school in their community. The results are pretty astounding thus far for this model. In its first year of taking the TN state assessments (TCAP) for ELA, Skillern Elementary scored in the top 18% of the state within a county that usually scores in the bottom half of the state. Fifty-nine percent of Skillern Elementary third graders scored proficient and above for the ELA portion of the test as compared to the 39.3% average for Hamilton County. Skillern Elementary does not use any State of TN curricula, which is an opportunity afforded by the charter school model through waivers in the application process. Without this opportunity, this model could not exist. It is not simply about good instruction in a healthy outdoor environment. Results are attained through having well-trained professional educators utilizing curricula with data to back up its efficacy. The great academic results are in addition to the parental approval ratings. Over 92% of parents are highly satisfied or satisfied with the school overall, and Skillern Elementary was voted as the Best Public School in the region by the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of the Best awards as a finalist in 2024 and as the first place winner in 2025.
Founded by Angie Markum—who was educated in Tennessee public schools, is a veteran administrator, award-winning charter school leader and developer of the Tennessee Classical Model, this school continues its trend upwards, navigating through the challenges that come up when developing a public charter school and serving the public at large. Having an experienced partner to call upon is crucial when initiating a charter application. This is a Tennessee grassroots network excited to help other communities begin to offer this unique and effective option for our public school students.
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: With the help of community business partners, this past spring, third graders helped clean up a local river shoreline—demonstrating the school’s emphasis on service and environmental stewardship. Each classroom teacher leads their students in a minimum of one service project annually.
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 opened its Phase I building in August 2025. In addition to this facility, Skillern currently operates portable classrooms, with plans underway for the construction of several additional permanent buildings that will feature both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Skillern Elementary exemplifies the impact of integrating classical education with immersive outdoor learning. From its visionary founding and rapid growth to strong community recognition, accolades and environmental stewardship, Skillern is making a meaningful difference. The school nurtures not only academic excellence, but also character, curiosity, wonder, and civic awareness—engaging a broad network of partners, including businesses, nonprofits, families, and community organizations.
