The Village Academy

🌟 Key Highlights: The Village Academy

The Village Academy (TVA) is a private, co-educational independent school in Louisville, Tennessee. It is committed to providing a personalized, project-based education that emphasizes mastery learning, self-discovery, and entrepreneurial leadership in a supportive and student-driven environment.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent School (Often utilizing an Acton Academy/Montessori influence)

• Location: Louisville, Tennessee (Blount County, near Knoxville/Maryville)

• Grades Served: K – 12th Grade (Often structured as Lower School, Middle School, and High School)

• Enrollment: Varies, typically a smaller student body

• Core Mission: To equip students to find their calling and change the world by cultivating intellectual curiosity, self-management, critical thinking, and a mastery-driven work ethic in an intentionally student-led learning environment.

• Affiliation: Independent private school; often inspired by the Acton Academy model.

• Accreditation: Primarily accredited or approved through state and independent school associations.

• Focus: Full K–12 education emphasizing student agency, project-based learning, and character development.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

TVA is defined by its student-centered philosophy, mastery model, and focus on real-world application:

• • Student-Led/Acton Model: The school is largely student-run, fostering a culture where learners take ownership of their education through contracts, peer accountability, and self-governance. Teachers serve as “Guides” rather than lecturers.

  • Mastery-Based Progression: Students must achieve mastery (typically 90% or higher) of a subject unit before advancing to the next. The school avoids letter grades, focusing instead on competency and deep understanding.

  • Project-Based Learning (PBL): The curriculum revolves around real-world, hands-on projects and Socratic discussions, replacing traditional lectures. This fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge.

• Entrepreneurial Focus: A core component of the program is the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. Students often participate in exhibitions and public presentations of their work and may participate in business fairs.

• Mixed-Age Environment: Classrooms often utilize mixed-age groupings (e.g., ages 6-9, 9-12), which encourages peer mentorship, leadership development, and learning at the child’s natural pace.

• Technology Integration: Utilizes adaptive learning software and technology to allow students to progress through core skills in Math and Language Arts at their individual level and pace.

• Small Class Sizes: Maintains an intentionally small class size and low student-to-teacher ratio, facilitating personalized guidance and mentorship from the Guides.

📞 Contact Information