Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Brenda Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Brenda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission behind Invictus Nashville stems from my own story. Growing up in Nashville as a first-generation high school graduate, I experienced firsthand how education can be a powerful key to unlock personal and professional freedom. This belief has shaped every step of my journey—from teaching math to supporting families during the pandemic with a Tutor Center, to co-designing a school that puts students and community at the heart of everything we do.

The mission of Invictus Nashville is to develop “healthy, happy, whole humans.” We accomplish this by blending the holistic principles of Montessori education with innovative practices like daily mentoring and Community Expeditions. Our approach goes beyond academic success; it’s about equipping students with the tools to explore their passions, serve their communities, and grow into compassionate, self-sufficient individuals.

This mission is deeply personal because it reflects the opportunities I wish I had as a young student. I know what it’s like to feel the weight of untapped potential and limited access to resources. Through Invictus, we’re creating a space where every child—regardless of their background—has access to an education that truly prepares them for life.

It’s meaningful to me because I’ve lived the transformative power of education, and I’m committed to ensuring that every student in Nashville can write their own story of triumph and possibility.

Dr. Brenda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Dr. Brenda Jones, a proud Nashville native, first-generation high school graduate, and lifelong advocate for equitable education. My journey in education has been shaped by my personal experiences growing up in a community where access to high-quality education was not a given. Those challenges ignited a passion to create opportunities for others that I didn’t have as a child.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: math teacher, instructional coach, Dean of Curriculum, Assistant Principal, and School Success Manager. Each role deepened my understanding of what students and teachers truly need to succeed. During the pandemic, I opened a Tutor Center to support families navigating the challenges of virtual learning, further solidifying my commitment to meeting the needs of students and their communities.

About Invictus Nashville
I’m currently leading Invictus Nashville, the first public charter Montessori school in the city, serving students from PreK to 8th grade. Invictus is more than just a school—it’s a movement to develop “healthy, happy, whole humans” through an innovative and holistic approach to education that was designed with the community.

What sets Invictus apart is our integration of Montessori principles, which emphasize self-directed learning, with modern innovations like daily mentoring and quarterly Community Expeditions. These Expeditions give students opportunities to engage in service activities, explore careers, and cultivate hobbies through partnerships with local organizations. The result is a learning environment that prioritizes academic achievement, personal growth, and community connection.

What Problems We Solve

The traditional education system often overlooks the importance of the whole child—focusing narrowly on academic performance. Invictus solves this by addressing the broader needs of our students. We prepare children not only for school but for life, equipping them with the skills to become confident, self-sufficient, and compassionate individuals. For families, we offer a supportive, inclusive environment that understands and adapts to their unique needs.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes us unique is our mission-driven approach and commitment to community co-design. We’ve spent countless hours engaging with families, educators, and local leaders to ensure our school reflects the aspirations of the community it serves. We don’t just teach; we build a foundation for lifelong success and joy.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the resilience and dedication of our team. Despite challenges—like navigating the political landscape and securing facilities for our school—we have remained steadfast in our mission. One of our biggest milestones was being approved by the Tennessee Public Charter Commission after a local denial. It affirmed the quality and importance of the work we’re doing.

I’m also proud of the impact we’ve already made. With over 200 families expressing interest in our school, it’s clear that our approach resonates deeply with the community.

What I Want You to Know
At Invictus Nashville, we are redefining what education can be. We are not just opening a school; we are creating a place where every child can thrive, explore their passions, and grow into their best selves. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or advocate, your support helps us realize this vision. Together, we can transform lives, one student at a time.

If you’re looking for an education that prioritizes joy, growth, and community, Invictus Nashville is here to serve you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey—and one that exemplifies resilience—was navigating the process of getting Invictus Nashville approved. After dedicating countless hours to crafting a vision for our school, engaging with the community, and creating a detailed charter application, we faced a major setback: our application was denied by the local school board.

It was a crushing moment. Despite all the work we had done to demonstrate the value Invictus would bring to Nashville, the political climate made it nearly impossible to gain approval for new charter schools. I knew the decision wasn’t a reflection of our vision or the community’s needs, but it still felt like the rug had been pulled out from under us.

Rather than giving in to frustration, my team and I made a conscious choice to regroup, learn, and press forward. We appealed the decision to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission, an opportunity that required even more preparation and grit. This wasn’t just about us; it was about the hundreds of families who had expressed interest in our school and the students who deserved access to an education that could change their lives.

During the appeal process, we worked tirelessly to address every concern, strengthen our proposal, and amplify the voices of our supporters. We leaned into our mission and stayed true to the core values that drove us to start this journey in the first place.

In October 2023, our resilience paid off. The Tennessee Public Charter Commission unanimously approved our application, acknowledging the strength of our vision and the depth of community support we had garnered. That moment wasn’t just a victory for our team—it was a victory for the families and students of Nashville.

This experience taught me that resilience is not just about enduring challenges but about using them as stepping stones to grow stronger and more determined. The journey to build Invictus Nashville has been anything but easy, but it has solidified my belief that persistence, passion, and a clear mission can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life came during the pandemic in 2020. At the time, I was working in education leadership, supporting schools and educators in implementing innovative practices. Then, suddenly, schools closed, and families across the country were thrust into a chaotic and unfamiliar world of virtual learning. I saw firsthand how many parents, especially in underserved communities, were struggling to keep their children engaged and supported academically.

Instead of continuing with my regular work, I decided to pivot and address an immediate need in my community. I opened a Tutor Center alongside my sister, Stacey Jones. It was a safe and supportive space where students could receive one-on-one and small-group instruction. The center wasn’t just about academics—it was a lifeline for families overwhelmed by the demands of remote learning. Many parents were essential workers who couldn’t stay home to supervise their children, and others simply didn’t have the resources or knowledge to navigate the complexities of online education.

Running the Tutor Center required me to step outside my comfort zone. I had to shift from leading large-scale education initiatives to managing day-to-day logistics, hiring tutors, and creating individualized learning plans for students. The experience was humbling but deeply rewarding. I saw the direct impact of our work: students who had been falling behind began to thrive, and families expressed gratitude for the peace of mind our center provided.

This pivot also shaped my vision for Invictus Nashville. It reinforced the importance of meeting families where they are and designing solutions that address the whole child, not just their academic needs. It taught me to listen closely to my community and respond with agility, a lesson that has become a cornerstone of my approach to leadership and education.

While the Tutor Center was born out of necessity, it became a pivotal chapter in my career. It reminded me of the power of adaptability and the importance of aligning my work with the evolving needs of the people I serve.

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