LEADERSHIP
Guided by Faith, Grounded in Truth
At Clemson Area Classical Academy, leadership is rooted in service, wisdom, and faithfulness to Christ. Our leadership team works together to steward the mission of the academy with integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to the well-being of every student. As we lead and serve our school community, we seek to cultivate an environment where students flourish in truth, goodness, and beauty, and where every decision reflects our commitment to Christ and our partnership with families.
Founding Director
Kim Bedingfield
Kim Bedingfield is the founding director of Clemson Area Classical Academy, where she is committed to cultivating a joyful, rigorous, and Christ-centered approach to education. With more than 17 years of homeschooling experience, Kim has graduated four of her five children from homeschool and has worked extensively with families, educators, and multiple classical education providers as a consultant.
Kim holds a master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. Her professional background is in speech-language pathology, with a focus on pediatric brain injury. This experience has shaped her particular passion for supporting students with learning differences and twice-exceptional learners, helping them recognize their strengths and thrive within a challenging and supportive educational environment.
In addition to her leadership at Clemson Area Classical Academy, Kim serves as the children’s ministry coordinator at Oconee Presbyterian Church. She and her husband, Dr. Billy Bedingfield, are the parents of five children. In her spare time, Kim enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time with her family.
Director of Schools
Carrie Lee
As Director of Schools for Clemson Classical Academy and Powdersville Classical Academy, Carrie provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight for both campuses. She works closely with faculty, staff, students, and families to cultivate a thriving school community rooted in the mission of classical Christian education.
Carrie supports and mentors faculty, partners with parents, and helps ensure a consistent, excellent educational experience across both campuses.
With a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning and experience in classical Christian education, Carrie is committed to partnering with parents to provide a rigorous, Christ-centered education that cultivates wisdom, virtue, and a lifelong love of learning.
Assistant Director | Powdersville
Tori Cromer
Tori Cromer was homeschooled for most of her education and participated in a classical enrichment co-op for many years. Through this experience, God planted a seed of passion for Christian, classical education in her.
Tori attended Southern Wesleyan University, where she studied English Education, and began her teaching career in the public school system in 2015. In 2018, she joined the CCA faculty and quickly developed a deep love for our community and a vision for one day helping to lead a similar program. While the next several years consisted of moving out-of-state, new career opportunities, and professional development, Tori's passion for classical, Christian education never left her.
In 2025, the Cromer family returned to the Upstate of South Carolina, and God began opening doors in remarkable ways. Tori is grateful to see the Lord bringing together the experiences and desires He had been cultivating for many years to allow her to help lead a Christ-centered, classical hybrid school where students can flourish academically, spiritually, and relationally!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kyle & Tina Shields
Corey Brookover
Karen Beckwith
Billy Bedingfield
Harris Miller
Dave Rollins