Backing Big Dreams: Pillar Bank Supports Veritas Classical Academy’s Vision
The potential to bring a classical education to Chippewa Falls began six years ago. That’s when residents Jamey and Sara Denning, whose children attended Hillsdale College in Michigan, approached local leader Kim Senn about the idea. After more research about Hillsdale and their sponsorship of charter schools across the country, Senn quickly became a believer and advocate: “Classical education provides solutions to some of the issues our country is identifying in our children and within the academic world.”
From that seed grew Veritas Classical Academy, a tuition-free public charter school now serving grades K–5, with plans to expand through grade 12. This year’s fifth-grade class will be the first to continue through to graduation.
Leadership with Experience and Heart
The Academy’s opening was delayed until the Board found the right leader, Jonathan Gray. With a decade of experience at a classical academy in Phoenix, where he taught grades three to twelve before becoming Academic Dean and Assistant Headmaster, Gray and his family were drawn back to their Midwest roots.
“Only a few weeks into our first year, the kids are full of smiles. It’s really been smooth and beautiful,” Gray shared. “The teachers are happy, the kids are happy, and the administration believes in what we do.”
Clearing Up Misconceptions
As a charter school, Veritas receives state funding per pupil, just like any public school. However, being independent means, it functions as its own district—without referendums—and relies on donations and loans for capital needs. While students wear uniforms and the school holds to rigorous academic standards, Veritas is not private, religious, or politically affiliated.
Instead, it offers the caliber of education often associated with private schools—focusing on virtue, human excellence, and high academic achievement—while remaining tuition-free and open to all families.
Why Pillar Bank?
When it came time to finance their vision, the Veritas Board first worked with another institution but felt progress was stalled. That’s when they turned to Pillar Bank in Chippewa Falls.
“We met with Neil Mathwig at Pillar, and later with Neil and bank president, Shane Bauer, who really believed in what we were doing,” explained Senn, now Veritas Board President. “The process was streamlined, communication was fantastic, and the Board always knew the timelines. It was incredibly quick and fast. It was an absolute privilege to work with Pillar Bank, and we’re very grateful.”
Building a Community of Learners
Students come from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds. Parents are already noticing differences—like improved handwriting, deeper engagement, and a sense of belonging.
As one parent shared: “My child is happy, excited about what they’re learning, and the school community already feels like a family.”
Pillar Bank is here to support your vision! Contact us: 714.684.3366 or visit any of our seven locations.
Veritas Classical Academy — At a Glance
- Location: 913 First Avenue, Chippewa Falls
- Opened: Fall 2025
- Grades Served: K–5 (expanding annually through grade 12)
- Headmaster: Jonathan Gray
- Board President: Kim Senn
- Funding Model: State per-pupil funding (like all public schools) + donations + loans
- Affiliation: Public charter school; not religious or political
- Capital Support: Partnership with Pillar Bank provided streamlined financing and strong community alignment
- Tours: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. (schedule a tour)