20 Years of Partnership with Philips Academy

This year, Philips Academy celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving students with complex learning disabilities. Bragg Financial has been a steadfast supporter since Phil and Jane Blount founded the school in 2005. Benton Bragg served on the board for seven years and as board chair for four years. Today, Portfolio Manager Steve Scruggs serves on the board. Other team members have supported the organization in different capacities.

The Blounts founded Philips Academy when they discovered there were no schools designed to prepare their son Philip for the challenges of adulthood. What started as a single classroom with a few students has grown into a student body of 85. The school’s life skills academic training is recognized as a national leader with proven results. While less than 17% of Mecklenburg County residents with intellectual disabilities are employed, more than 85% of Philips Academy graduates are working. The private, non-profit middle, high, and post-secondary school will begin offering classes at a satellite campus in Davidson in the fall of 2026.

Read more about Philips Academy in the Fall 2025 issue of Working Wonders: Annual Report & Newsletter.