Meet Our Founder
Hello, I'm Bonnie, the founder of Royal Oak Academy, a microschool in Suffolk, VA. My journey in education began with a heartfelt desire to provide my children with an exceptional learning experience that went beyond the limitations of our local schools. Driven by a passion for creating a nurturing environment, I embraced the exciting path of homeschooling. Over the years, my love for education has grown as I've had the privilege of teaching not only my children but also friends and others in our community.
Now, after years of experience and dedication, I’m thrilled to launch Royal Oak Academy—not just for my children, but for yours as well. My heart is filled with excitement as I look forward to partnering with families in our community to inspire and nurture a love for learning.
Public education has changed significantly over the past 30 years, and at Royal Oak Academy, we value parents' voices. We invite parents to join us in shaping our event programs, sharing their expertise, and collaborating to create a vibrant educational community. Together, we form the heart of Royal Oak Academy, ensuring every child thrives.
Our mission at Royal Oak Academy is to develop compassionate and confident students, nurturing each child’s unique strengths through hands-on learning.
Reminder: Space is limited
Our Staff
Bonnie Bradshaw (Founder/Coach)
Bonnie brings over 30 years of experience in education, both within and beyond the public school system. She has successfully homeschooled her own children, as well as other children in the community and extended family members, with all her students consistently excelling year after year. To track and measure growth, Bonnie administers the California Achievement Test each May, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of her students' progress. Committed to lifelong learning, she has earned numerous certifications and holds a degree in Bible Theology.
Anthony Bradshaw (Elementary Coach)
Anthony, a graduate of Nansemond River High School, pursued his passion for music by earning multiple certifications in Recording and Mastering. A lifelong learner, Anthony's dedication to education makes him an excellent teaching coach for Royal Oak Academy. In addition to his expertise in music, he has earned certifications in Math and has extensive experience homeschooling and tutoring students from elementary to middle school. As one of 12 siblings, Anthony has a natural understanding of diverse learning styles and excels at connecting with children to support their unique educational needs.
Laura Coba Ibanez (Bilingual/Spanish/Art Coach)
Laura studied in Universidad Complutense de Madrid with a degree in Conservation and Restoration of the National heritage.
For the past four years, Laura has traveled from Madrid, Spain, spending her summers teaching Spanish and Art to both adults and children in our community. known for her warm and approachable demeanor, she effortlessly connects with people of all ages. Passionate about education, Laura is thrilled to join Royal Oak Academy full-time, where she will continue to inspire and engage students. She will also take a leading role in developing and guiding our bilingual program.