Christina Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Christina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a blend of leadership, learning, and connection. My mornings usually begin with being present on campus , greeting learners, checking in with staff, and making sure our day is set up for success. Once learning blocks begin, I’m often moving between classrooms, supporting teachers, observing instruction, and stepping in with learners when needed.
Because we’re a microschool, my role is very hands-on. I might be problem-solving a schedule tweak, reviewing curriculum alignment, meeting with a parent, or supporting a learner socially or emotionally all before lunch
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christina Jones, the founder of Academy of Creatives. My journey into school-building actually began as a homeschooling parent. I was homeschooling my own children and quickly realized how powerful personalized, relationship-centered learning could be. Not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
Academy of Creatives grew out of that experience. What started as a solution for my own family became a microschool designed to support learners who thrive in smaller, more intentional environments. We blend rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, cultural relevance, and real-world experiences so students feel both challenged and supported.
What makes our school unique is that we truly educate the whole child. Our classrooms are relationship-driven, our learning is flexible and hands-on, and wellness is not an add-on it’s embedded into how we teach and lead. Right now, I’m focused on growing our school community while staying deeply rooted in the values that started it all: curiosity, connection, and creating space for every learner to be seen and succeed
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments for me was during my time homeschooling my own children. I watched how quickly children can be labeled too advanced, too distracted, too sensitive when they don’t fit neatly into a traditional system. But outside of that box, I saw my children light up when learning was flexible, relational, and responsive to who they actually were.
That experience fundamentally shifted how I see the world. It taught me that most challenges aren’t about a child’s ability they’re about the environment we place them in. When we change the environment, provide trust, and honor individuality, people thrive in ways that can’t always be measured by a test or a grade.
That belief now shapes everything I do. It’s why Academy of Creatives exists, and why I’m so passionate about creating spaces where learners are not asked to fit into a system, but where the system is designed to fit them.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of overcommitting my heart and energy and sometimes giving so much that I don’t leave enough for myself. I’ve always cared deeply about people, whether it’s my family, my learners, or my team, and early on I worried that my desire to help everyone might stretch me too thin or lead to disappointment.
Over time, I’ve learned that having a big heart is a strength, but it also requires boundaries and self-awareness. Leaning into that balance has allowed me to take bigger risks and create spaces where others can thrive without losing myself in the process.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is people especially making sure others feel seen, supported, and valued. They’d tell you I care deeply about integrity, purpose, and doing work that actually makes a difference, not just looks good on paper.
They’d also say I’m deeply committed to growth my own and others’. Whether it’s children, educators, or families, I’m always thinking about how to create environments where people can show up as their full selves and thrive. And at the core of it all is family, wellness, and staying aligned with my values, even when it would be easier not to.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in spaces where connection and alignment are present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://academyofcreatives.com
- Instagram: @aoc_academy_of_creatives
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