We're not meant to walk this life alone. 

At Iron Village Preparatory Academy, we want our kids to recognize the importance of community. As parents, we are privileged to be the foundation of our childrens' world early on. If we do it right, we'll remain an integral part of it, and help them develop a strong enough sense of self and set of values that they in turn become curators of a village where they are always challenged, loved, pushed and supported.

Iron Village Preparatory Academy is an academic enrichment program for 1st through 8th graders that launched September 2020. The 501c3 designated program, which is officially incorporated with the Commonwealth of Virginia, plans to grow into a full-fledged preK-8 school.

The program’s name comes from the two well-known adages, “It takes a village to raise a child” and “Iron sharpens Iron.”

Iron Village Preparatory Academy is committed to using representation and community involvement to address the achievement gap negatively affecting Black, brown and Indigenous children in the Richmond area.

The program will be a nationally recognized model of urban academic excellence that blends Virginia Standards of Learning with a culturally responsive, values-based curriculum that Iron Village Preparatory Academy leadership is developing.

Our Team

  • Ms. Devon

    Devon Copeland is the Founder and Executive Director of Iron Village Prep. In her role, she works hard to make sure our kids recognize the importance of community. As a parent she knows that we are privileged to be the foundation of our children's' world early on. If we do it right, we'll remain an integral part of it, and help them develop a strong enough sense of self and set of values that they in turn become curators of a village where they are always challenged, loved, pushed and supported.

    Ms. Devon is a communications/public relations professional with more than 15 years of marketing, recruiting and fundraising experience in education and nonprofit sectors. She grew up in Hampton Virginia, and lives in Chesterfield County with her husband and two sons.

  • Ms. Whitney

    Ms. Whitney is the Program Director for the Enrich & Empower Summer Institute. She is a clinical resident teacher coach and former elementary school teacher in the Chesterfield County area. With more than seven years of teaching and more than 10 years of experience with elementary-aged children, teaching and enhancing students’ learning is Ms. Whitney's passion. She grew up in Brunswick County and currently lives in Chesterfield County.

  • Ms. Schnel

    Ms. Schnel works with our partners, organizes our schedules and lends her invaluable love, support and expertise to keeping our camp on track!

    A business professional with a background in finance, she has a heart for inspiring and uplifting others. Ms. Schnel constantly seeks to bring out the best in those around her. She currently resides in Chesterfield County with her husband and daughter.