Ivywood Classical Academy

Thank you for your interest in the Ivywood Classical Academy New Building Project! Scroll below for all previous updates about the project, or click a link to jump to a certain location:

Construction Update - August 2025

Here’s what’s happening on site right now:

· Ceiling Grid/Tiles, Sound Panels
· Gym Game Lines Added
· Locker Installation
· Courtyard Landscaped
· Classroom Millwork and Furniture
· Exterior Landscaping

We look forward to sharing these exciting updates with you at our Ribbon cutting event on August 21, 2025 at 4PM. See you there!

EAST ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

LANDSCAPING

COURTYARD

CLASSROOM

LOCKERS

HALLWAY

GYM

Construction Update - April 2025

Here’s what’s happening on site right now:

Interior Work:

Ceiling grid installation is in progress
Light fixtures are being installed
North & South classrooms are being primed and painted
North & South corridors are being primed and painted
Ductwork installation is nearing completion
Fire protection rough‑in is finished

Exterior Work:

Aluminum window installation is complete
Insulation and siding in the courtyard are in progress

We remain on track for completion before the 2025–2026 school year. Stay tuned!

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

COURTYARD INSULATED,SIDING TO FOLLOW

CEILING GRID & LIGHT FIXTURE INSTALLATION IN PROGRESS

SOUTH CORRIDOR PAINTING IN PROGRESS

NORTH CORRIDOR PRIME & PAINTING TO FOLLOW

GYMNASIUM

Construction Update - March 2025

The future home of Ivywood is coming together beautifully! Here’s what’s happening on-site this month:

Interior Work:

Drywall hanging & taping is in progress
Hollow metal door frames are fully installed
HVAC, electrical, and fire suppression rough-ins are moving forward

Exterior Work:

Brick veneer installation is complete
Exterior windows are being installed
Dumpster enclosure construction is underway
Gymnasium floor prep is in progress

MAIN ENTRY

EAST ELEVATION

NORTHWEST ELEVATION

GYM FLOOR PREP

EAST CORRIDOR

CLASSROOM DRYWALL

NORTH CORRIDOR

COURTYARD

Construction Update - February 2025

Hey Ivywood Family!

We’re back with another exciting update on the construction of our new school building, and we’ve got some BIG milestones to celebrate! 🎉

We’ve got a roof! That’s right—the building enclosure is up, and the roofing is officially installed, keeping everything cozy and dry inside.

Walls are taking shape! Interior framing is nearly done, and drywall installation has begun in the classrooms. Can you picture the learning and laughter that will fill those spaces?

Powering up! Mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical work are all in progress—making sure everything runs smoothly for future students and staff.

Looking sharp! The brick veneer is going up around the exterior, giving the building its polished final look.

Project Status

Schedule: We’re right on target for completion before the 2025-2026 school year.

Budget: Still on track, with all expenses closely monitored.

What’s Next?

With finishes starting soon and inspections scheduled for this summer, we’re inching closer to the final reveal. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring Ivywood’s future home to life!

Construction Update - January 2025

Exciting changes are taking shape at Ivywood Classical Academy as construction progresses. With every milestone, we are seeing our vision come to life. Here’s the latest update on our interior and exterior progress:

Interior & Exterior Progress

Area A Drywall Work
Truss Insulation & Drywall
Hollow Metal Door Frames
Shingle Roofing
Rooftop HVAC Units Installed
HVAC Duct Rough-In
Electrical Rough-In
Fire Suppression Rough-In
East Entrance Framing
Exterior Brick Veneer

Key Spaces Taking Shape

We’re now beginning to see the starts of some of the most exciting areas of the academy:

Band Room: The future home of music and creativity is starting to take form.
Gymnasium: A space for physical activity, sports, and school spirit is coming to life.
Cafeteria: The heart of student gatherings and meals is taking shape.
Courtyard: An inviting outdoor space for learning and community is emerging.
Main Entry: The east entrance framing is providing a glimpse of the welcoming main entryway that will greet students and visitors alike.

Every update brings us closer to completing Ivywood Classical Academy, and we couldn’t be more excited to see these spaces coming together. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building a home for learning and growth!

CAFETERIA & BAND ROOM

WEST CORRIDOR

GYMNASIUM

MAIN ENTRY

DRYWALL STARTED AT SOUTH CLASSROOMS

COURTYARD

Construction Update - December 2024

We’re excited to share the latest progress on the Ivywood Classical Academy construction project. Our team is working diligently to meet milestones both inside and out. Here's what’s been accomplished recently:

Interior & Exterior Progress

Area A drywall
Truss insulation
Area B wall framing
Membrane flat roofing
Electrical & plumbing wall rough-ins
Area A East side trusses/sheathing
Areas B fire suppression
HVAC duct installation
East entrance framing
Shingles installation
Exterior brick veneer installation

Every day brings us closer to the completion of this exciting project. Thank you for following along as we build the future home of Ivywood Classical Academy. Stay tuned for more updates!

DRYWALL UNDER TRUSSES

HVAC DUCTWORK INSTALLATION

EAST ENTRANCE FRAMING

BRICK VENEER INSTALLATION

Construction Update - November 2024

Exciting Progress on the Project Site

We’re thrilled to share the latest updates from the construction site. The team has been hard at work, and significant progress is being made every day. Here's an overview of what’s happening:

Building Interior

HM Doors Installed in Area B: The installation of hollow metal (HM) doors in Area B is now complete, marking another milestone in interior preparation.
Shingles Installation in Progress: Our roofing team is steadily working to install shingles, providing critical protection for the structure.
Exterior Brick Veneer: The exterior brick veneer is taking shape, enhancing the building's durability and aesthetic appeal.
Electrical Wall Rough-Ins: Electrical wall rough-ins are underway, laying the groundwork for powering the facility.
Wood Framing and Trusses/Sheathing: The structural framework is being finalized, creating a strong backbone for the project.
HVAC Duct Installation: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ductwork is progressing well, ensuring future climate control within the building.

Exterior Sitework

Base Course Paving Completed: The foundational layer of pavement is finished, setting the stage for a durable and smooth surface.
Topsoil Installation in Progress: Topsoil is being spread across the site, preparing for landscaping efforts.
Site Balancing in Progress: Earthmoving and grading activities are ongoing to ensure a level and stable site.

Construction Update - October 2024

Progress at the new building site is bustling with activity! We are excited to share this update as we are really starting to see it come together. Read below for our October project Milestones.

Building Interior

Steel deck installation and detailing in progress
Temp. building lighting in progress
Vapor barrier installation in progress
Wood framing South side of the building in progress

Exterior Sitework

Light pole bases installation completed (minus the West parking lot)
New gas line/meter installation completed

Wood Framing on the South Side of Building

Steel Deck Installation

Vapor Barrier Installation In Progress

Light Pole Bases Installation

Gas Meter Installation

Construction Update - September 2024

As we move through September, we’re excited to share updates of our ongoing construction project. Here’s what’s happening:

Foundations are now complete.
Site Utilities are continuing with the storm water piping. The storm pond is complete.
Masonry has started around the perimeter of the building as well as the high wall masonry on the gymnasium walls.
Technology is now under contract.
Furniture: The team is setting up discovery meetings to start designing the furniture layouts for the building.
Overall project remains on track and hoping to build upon the momentum.

Drone Footage - September 2024

Watch Ivywood Classical Academy rise to new heights! Our drone captures the exciting progress of our new school building, where future leaders will grow and learn.

Stay tuned for more updates as we build a brighter future together!

What’s Happening on Site - August 2024

As we move through August, we’re excited to share updates on the various aspects of our ongoing construction project. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening on-site:

Site Utilities:
Our work on storm and water main installations continues steadily.
Masonry Walls:
The construction of high masonry walls is advancing well, particularly in the gym and cafeteria areas.
Underground Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Work:
This phase involves a meticulous process to ensure that all systems are seamlessly integrated and meet our rigorous standards.
Concrete Slabs:
We are targeting the end of the month for the completion of concrete slabs.

We appreciate your continued support and patience as we work towards the completion of this project. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through the construction phases!

Laying the Foundation Update - July 2024

We're thrilled to share some exciting updates on our ongoing construction project. Here are the key highlights and developments:

Project Milestones:

Foundations are now complete.
Site Utilities are continuing with the storm water piping. The storm pond is complete.
Masonry has started around the perimeter of the building as well as the high wall masonry on the gymnasium walls.
Technology is now under contract.
Furniture - the team is setting up discovery meetings to start designing the furniture layouts for the building.
Overall project remains on track and hoping to build upon the momentum.

Land Update - June 2024

We spent some time at the site today and we are encouraged by the progress. Although it can be slow moving at the start, the project is now hitting its stride. Foundations are set to begin early next week, and the building pad looks solid with firm ground, which bodes well for our foundations. The ponds have been roughed in, and utilities work will continue on Tuesday, starting with sanitary systems followed by storm systems. Overall, good progress has been made, and we are excited to see the momentum continue.

Groundbreaking Ceremony - May 2024

We had a wonderfully successful groundbreaking event on Ivywood’s new K-12 campus on May 21st. Thank you to all the community members who were able to attend to mark the beginning of an exciting journey toward a brighter future for our students and community!

Land Update - May 2024

Progress at the new building site is bustling with activity! The path for the driveway leading from Ridge Road has been established and will soon be visibly marked for the construction teams. The utility teams are present, and groundwork is being laid for the project. It has been an exciting week!

Drone Video Footage Update - May 2024

Drone video footage from March 4, 2024. Newer footage coming soon!

3.4.24 Drone Video.MOV

Building Location Update - April 2024

A photo from where the west parking lot will be. You can see through to Ridge Rd. This was still wooded last week. The area cut down should be where the first building will sit.

This view looks south east from the parking lot. The wooded area is where sports fields will be. Where I am standing will be graded down 9 feet.

Board Communication and Updates - April 2024

Dear Ivywood Community,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits after a restful spring break. We are pleased to connect with you regarding many exciting updates in our school community.

Head of School Update

A vital component of the pursuit for a principal required that the candidate not only understands the importance of Classical pedagogy but simultaneously inspires a passion for wonder in both our students and staff. With that, the Board is elated to congratulate Mrs. Kayla Cruthers, our new Head of School. As many of you know, Mrs. Cruthers has been a vital community member since our founding. Her commitment to student growth and development is unparalleled, and we look forward to seeing her passion for supporting students continue to flourish as Head of School. This appointment comes with the full support of the Board of Directors, Choice Schools, and the Hillsdale K-12 team.

Building Updates

Progress in new build planning has continued, but our ability to begin construction has been at a long pause due to permit approval needed from Wayne County. After submitting our application in July 2023, we are thrilled to announce we have now officially received permit approval from the County. Clearing and rough grading at the property will begin during the week of April 8th. Next time you drive down Ridge Road just south of N. Territorial Road, look for the Ivywood sign marking our school’s future home. Further information regarding a groundbreaking ceremony will be coming soon in upcoming board communications, project specific communications and the Vine newsletter.

Hillsdale Site-Visit

The Hillsdale Teacher Support team reviews Ivywood (and all BCSI member schools) biannually. These visits serve to ensure that schools are implementing the model with fidelity and to provide coaching opportunities for the schools to improve. The team at Ivywood uses these visits to get feedback from Hillsdale on areas where we believe our program needs improvement.

We had the pleasure of hosting the Hillsdale Teacher Support Team on campus for a second time this year in March. The Ivywood Leadership Team has been working diligently to implement suggestions made in the first site visit report. The staff has had the opportunity for professional development, classroom observations, and teacher feedback based on the comments received.

The Hillsdale team saw improvement in several areas, including tightening school uniforms, protecting instructional time in the upper school, and using questions during instruction. The report also highlighted several exemplary teachers whose classical pedagogy and classroom procedures were worthy of mention.

In the most recent site visit report, the Hillsdale team provided feedback on classroom procedures, the use of technology, classroom schedules, and disciplinary follow through. Mrs. Cruthers and her team are working diligently on revising the student handbook for next school year, which will aid in setting clear expectations for students and families going forward, incorporating suggestions from Hillsdale.

We believe that the parent is the student’s first educator, and as we prioritize the richness and rigor of classical academics, we will continue to reach out in partnership for support as we strive for respect and decorum in the classroom and hallways. As a learning community, we must all consistently promote virtue as the cornerstone of our scholars’ academic journey inside and outside the classroom. As a board, we support Mrs. Cruthers in championing this effort and effectively maintaining a respectful shared learning community.

“The Great Build Up” Annual Gala for Ivywood’s New Home

As a reminder, Ivywood's annual Gala is fast approaching on Saturday, April 27. We hope to see you there! You can purchase tickets and bid on the silent auction at the following link: https://one.bidpal.net/thegreatbuildup1920/welcome. The last day to purchase tickets is April 12, 2024. If you are unable to attend the Gala but would like to make a donation, you can also do so at the link provided here. We thank you greatly for your consideration and generosity!

In partnership,

Ivywood Board of Directors

Bond Closure Information - December 2023

Good Morning!

We are delighted to share that Ivywood has officially secured its bond financing for the new building and is scheduled to close on December 28. This significant milestone comes right in time for the holidays as we truly celebrate the lasting impact that this forever home will have on our community.

This successful security of the bond reflects the team’s unwavering commitment and dedication to our current and future students. We also would like to express our deepest gratitude to our current Ivywood families for their ongoing confidence and support.

What’s Next?

Upon closing, our contractor will begin to mobilize and make preparations on the construction site. We are tentatively planning to host a community-wide groundbreaking ceremony in the spring on the campus of our forever home to celebrate the start of Phase 1 of the construction project. If you are interested in learning more about our construction project, please visit our website FAQ.

Happy Holidays,

Ivywood Classical Board of Directors

Q & A From 11/28 Informational Meeting - December 2023

Dear Ivywood Community -

Thank you to all who were able to join us on November 28 for our New Building Informational Meeting. It is our goal to keep an open flow of communication with our community throughout the course of this New Building Project, and we appreciate the great dialogue that was shared and the questions that were presented.

Below is a recap of questions and answers to key topics discussed throughout the informational meeting. Please note that while these responses reflect the current plans to date, circumstances may change which could affect these plans. As always, we will strive to communicate changes and updates promptly.

Temporary Building (“Ivywood South”) Questions:

Q: Where will the new temporary Ivywood location be?

A: The new temporary Ivywood location will be located at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth located at 46250 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, MI 48170. This building will be referred to within our community as “Ivywood South.”

Q: What grades will be moving into Ivywood South?

A: For the 2024/25 school year, all Kindergarten classes will be occupying Ivywood South.

Q: Will there be different start/stop times for the two campuses for families with children at both locations?

A: Yes. The start and end times for the school day at each building will be staggered to accommodate travel time. We anticipate that the Genoa campus will start first, followed by Ivywood South. Official times to be finalized and communicated closer to the new school year.

Q: How will school administration be present throughout the two buildings?

A: Ivywood South will have a full-time staff member in the office, and we anticipate assigning one or more instructional aides to support the kindergarten classes. There will be a rotating schedule to make one administrator available to oversee each building throughout the school year.

Q: Is there a playground at Ivywood South?

A: There is currently no outdoor playground, however, the building has ample green space to utilize for creative outdoor time.

Ivywood’s Forever Home - New Building Project Update - November 17, 2023

Dear Ivywood Community,

As we navigate the complexities of our building project, the Ivywood Board remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence and transparency. We are pleased to report progress, yet acknowledge significant challenges that have emerged since our last update. We have attempted to write and publish this letter for the past four weeks but with variables changing, sometimes daily, we have held off until a plan has been finalized. We can wait no longer and owe it to our committed community to provide these updates knowing they will continue to evolve. The bottom line is that our new building project at Ridge Road is progressing as intended but our path continues to take twists and turns.

Our journey began with securing the Ridge Road property in October, 2022. Despite many unforeseen hurdles, we have achieved significant milestones:

The property is under contract, awaiting transfer.
The school design is finalized and remains consistent with the schematics and renderings found here https://ivywoodclassicalacademy.com/new-building/
Final budget and builder contract have board approval.
Regulatory approvals are in place, pending Wayne County's final approval for road improvements.

The current challenges include the prolonged Wayne County permit process and the push back of our closing date by the Michigan Finance Authority. Due to these delays, it is unlikely we will be able to start excavation prior to the winter season, which in turn, delays our construction timeline. Rising interest rates and project costs are affecting project financing adding additional complexities. As recently as this week, interest rates have ticked down which works in our favor. Our financial team is diligently exploring optimal solutions, and we anticipate finalizing financing soon and closing on the property in mid December.

Upon closing, our contractor will mobilize to begin preparations on the construction site. In early spring, we plan to host a community-wide groundbreaking ceremony at the actual location of our forever home to celebrate the official start of Phase 1 of the construction project. We are eager to celebrate this exciting milestone with our dedicated community!

We are actively working on ways to prevent further delay and we have had the support of advocates who have helped to encourage Wayne County in moving Ivywood’s request forward.

We are grateful for the partnership with Plymouth Township, which has been supportive of Ivywood’s expansion and has been instrumental in helping to maintain the momentum of our building project. Despite setbacks, we remain confident in the project and focused on Ivywood's future.

Due to the aforementioned delays, we anticipate that the revised timeline will not allow for occupancy of the upper school building at the start of the 2024/2025 school year, as was our original hope. Early in the planning process, a contingency plan was developed to allow the school to continue to grow and expand independent of any potential delay in the completion of the new building. As part of that plan, we are very fortunate to have formed a partnership with Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, located at 46250 Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. Risen Christ has a school facility in their building which will provide classroom space, gym and cafeteria facilities while the construction team works to complete our new building. Quite fortunately, Risen Christ was previously utilized by our authorizer CMU as a charter school location and, as a school facility, already possesses the required regulatory approvals. At this time, the Ivywood leadership team is analyzing several factors to determine which student groups will utilize the classrooms at Risen Christ in the fall of 2024. As plans for the upcoming school year are finalized, additional communication will be provided as soon as possible. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate the changing timelines and the implementation of this contingency plan. Risen Christ provides a true school facility, in close proximity to our current location, with the necessary governmental approvals, and is available for occupancy at the time we need it. It is truly a needle in a haystack for our needs and we feel very fortunate to have found it.

Looking ahead, we are planning to host community events throughout the duration of this project, including our first in-person informational meeting on November 28th at 5:00pm. Additionally, the Board and administration will continue to provide regular updates as we have them. Your feedback, questions, excitement, and investment are invaluable, and we invite you to get involved in fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities.

We are driven by the lasting impact that our forever home will have on our students, prospective families, and the entire community. Nevertheless, the Board recognizes the temporary challenges and inconveniences that this update may cause to our students and families. We thank you for your ongoing support and patience. It will certainly be worth the wait! The Board will not stop or waiver until this project is complete.

In partnership,

Ivywood Classical Academy Board of Directors

About The Ivywood New Building Project

We will build a new facility from the ground up on the 22-acre site that is only 2 miles away from our current location. Our new address will be:

49555 N Territorial Road, Plymouth Charter Twp, MI 48170

This significant parcel will accommodate our ever-growing campus community while ensuring we have the space not only for classrooms, labs, multiple gymnasiums, large group spaces, and offices but also for athletics and extracurricular activities.

Phase one will accommodate grades seven through 10 upon it's opening. For a period of time, we will operate two sites. Future phases will continue to expand the campus to accommodate our K-12 community.

New Building Renderings

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