Dr. Brenda Jones—also called Dr. J—is the founder and head of Invictus Nashville Charter School. She’s working hard to open a brand-new public Montessori school in the fall of 2025. Her goal? To provide families in Nashville with a new kind of school that prioritizes kids.
From Listening to Leading
Dr. Jones has been a teacher, coach, and principal. Now, she’s starting her own school. But before she wrote her school plan, she spent time talking with people in the community. They told her what kind of school they wanted. That’s how she chose to start a Montessori school—one that helps children learn through hands-on activities and allows them to grow at their own pace.
Facing Big Challenges
Starting a new school isn’t easy. Finding a building and raising money are two significant hurdles. But Dr. Jones isn’t giving up. She built a strong team to help her find a school space. She’s also writing grants and speaking with donors to help fund the school before state funds become available.
A True Montessori School
Invictus Nashville will offer mixed-age classrooms, which means kids of different grades learn together. Dr. Jones and her team matched Montessori lessons with Tennessee state standards. That way, students will gain a hands-on, child-led experience while still learning the essential skills they need to succeed on tests.
Teachers Ready to Grow
Hiring the right staff is key. Dr. Jones ensures that her teachers are trained in the Montessori method. She even moved one leader from Texas to join her team. Anyone willing to learn can get trained through her school’s partner program. She’s building a pipeline for great teachers from the very beginning.
Community First
One of Dr. Jones’ proudest achievements is the community’s high level of involvement. Families are joining parent groups, and local organizations, such as the science museum, are partnering with the school. Even before opening, Invictus Nashville is making a big impact.
Final Words of Wisdom
Dr. Jones says the journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. She shares this powerful line from the Invictus poem:
“I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.”
With strong leadership, a clear plan, and a passion for her city, Dr. Jones is building something truly remarkable. And we can’t wait to see Invictus Nashville open its doors!
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