About Bloom Academy
What if school worked better for more kids?
Founded by Dr. Angie Madden and Dr. Kim Schroeder, Bloom Academy grew from a shared belief that children learn best when education meets them where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally.
Bloom Academy was created as a school where customized, mastery-based, and experiential learning come together to foster curiosity, confidence, and meaningful growth. It is a place designed for every child.
Our Bloom Story
For years, Dr. Angie Madden carried a vision for a different kind of school — a place where children could be met where they are and supported in ways that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
In 2020, she brought that vision to life through The Bright Spot, a space built around creativity, exploration, lifelong learning, and community. Inspired by motherhood and a career in education, Angie created The Bright Spot to be just that: a bright spot in the day for children and families who needed a place to create and learn in meaningful ways.
When Angie connected with Dr. Kim Schroeder, it became clear they shared a deep belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to creating environments grounded in how children actually learn. Together, drawing on both their professional expertise and their personal experiences as parents, they recognized an opportunity to build something even more intentional. Add more about Kim’s credentials/testimony?
That shared vision became Bloom Academy.
Dr. Angie Madden
Founder The Bright Spot
Co-Founder Bloom Academy
Learn More About Angie
Dr. Kim Schroeder
Co-Founder Bloom Academy
Learn More About Kim
Our Mission
Bloom Academy empowers pre-K through 12th grade students to reach their full potential through mastery-based and experiential learning in a supportive, customized environment.
Our Vision
We envision a school where education is not one-size-fits-all but instead adapts to each student’s unique strengths, interests, and needs. By providing mastery-based, experiential learning, creative and life skills development, and a student-centered approach, we prepare students to become engaged, capable, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow.
Meet the Founders of Bloom
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Dr. Angie Madden
Co-Founder & Head of School
Dr. Angie Madden, Head of School and co-founder of Bloom Academy, brings a depth of classroom and leadership experience to her role.
With over 25 years of experience in education, Angie has served as the owner of The Bright Spot, a classroom teacher, tutor, and university professor, designing learning experiences that are joyful, engaging, thoughtful, and responsive to individual learners.
Her work is grounded in strong relationships, inclusive practices, and a belief that learning is most powerful when it honors who children are and how they learn.
Dr. Madden is especially known for her ability to create environments where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore their interests.
At The Bright Spot and Bloom Academy, she designs and oversees classes, camps, and enrichment experiences that blend creativity, curiosity, and intentional learning—while also coordinating the joyful, community-centered experiences that make the space feel welcoming and alive.
She has taught at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, where she received the Scholarship Award from College of Education in recognition of her scholarly activity as a faculty member.
Dr. Madden received the Pacesetter Award in 2023 by the Small Business Development Center in recognition for her leadership at The Bright Spot. Dr. Madden also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Connect Better Foundation.
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-Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Transylvania University
-Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky
-Doctorate in Literacy Education, with a Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Kentucky
-Certifications in Elementary Education (K–5), Reading and Writing (K–12), and Gifted and Talented Education (K–12)
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Dr. Kim Schroeder
Co- Founder & Associate Head of School, Director of Admissions, Finance & Operations
Dr. Kim Schroeder brings more than 25 years of experience across both K–12 and higher education.
As a first-generation student herself, Dr. Schroeder truly believes in the transformative power of education.
Her career has centered on the connection between education and opportunity, with a focus on expanding access and rethinking how schools can better serve all learners through thoughtful, innovative approaches.
In 2015, Dr. Schroeder co-founded the Clark County Community Foundation Scholars Program for first generation college students.
She is an experienced evaluator specializing in education programs and has contributed to national work focused on helping schools and colleges better understand and use information to support students, including co-authoring resources used by educators across the country.
Dr. Schroeder has been active locally and nationally to promote access to postsecondary options for students. She served two terms on the Board of Directors for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). She was the first Kentuckian elected to the NACAC Board of Directors. She was awarded the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling Les Grisby Award for service and contributions to the profession of counseling students in post-secondary transition.
Dr. Schroeder also co-founded Thrive: A Women’s Health Gathering, an annual event held in Lexington, KY.
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-Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Kentucky
-Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public financial management from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
-PhD from the University of Kentucky in Higher Education with a focus in measurement, assessment and evaluation
