History
The Beginnings of a Vision
Iron Village Preparatory Academy was founded on the belief that every child deserves an education that inspires curiosity, builds confidence and fosters a deep connection to their community. In 2021, we launched our first initiative, the Enrich & Empower Institute, a three-week summer camp experience for rising 1st through 5th graders.
The program received early support from area churches, nonprofit organizations and community leaders, laying the foundation for what would become a vital resource for families in the Richmond area. Designed to combine academic exploration, cultural celebration and community engagement, the camp reflected our mission to nurture the next generation of changemakers.
Expanding Our Impact
Over the years, the Enrich & Empower Institute has continued to grow, becoming a flagship program of Iron Village Prep. By the summer of 2024, the camp expanded its reach to include rising Kindergarten through 8th grade students, providing even more children with opportunities to explore their passions, connect with peers and build a love for learning.
This growth was complemented by the launch of additional initiatives, including Weekend Workshops and the E2 in the Community program, which brought portable, engaging educational experiences to schools, churches and community organizations throughout the region. These programs solidified our role as a leader in innovative, community-driven education.
Looking to the Future
The Next Chapter: Expanding the Village Building on the successful launch of our inaugural year, Iron Village Preparatory Academy is scaling its vision. What began as the Enrich & Empower Institute has evolved into a thriving K–8 microschool where the "City is our Campus."
For the 2026-27 school year, we are expanding to 24 seats, deepening our commitment to mixed-grade, project-based learning. From our foundational K–3 cohorts to our specialized 4th–8th Grade Bridge, we are moving beyond traditional schooling to help students solve real-world problems in real-time.
Join us as we continue to make history—and build the future of Richmond education—together.
