Street Style: Meet Alexander, Angelica and Kelly of ACCA
I recently sat down with Alexander Finestone, someone many in Old Town know as the go-to for graphic and web design. When I asked what led her to trade branding for a full-time role at Alexandria Classical Christian Academy (ACCA), she smiled and said, “Well, that story really started just two years ago.”
In the summer of 2023, 19 families came together with a shared dream: creating a more classical Christian education option in Alexandria. “When Ms. Kramer shared her vision, we knew right away we had to take the leap. She’s the heart and joy of ACCA, and if anyone could make this happen, it was her,” Alexander recalled.
From the beginning, Alexander jumped in where she knew she could help—branding and marketing. “It’s what I’ve been doing for clients for over a decade,” she said. “Our first year, we had 30 students. By year two, that doubled to 70. And for the 2025–26 school year, we already have 120 enrolled. That growth just shows how needed this school really is. We weren’t crazy for launching a brand-new school in six weeks,” she laughed. “Parents were looking for more options.”
As the school grew, so did the team. Alexander’s colleagues, Angelica Anderson and Kelly Gonzales joined in the second year. This fall, all three of their daughters—Alexa, Cora Grace, and Elouise—will even be in the same fourth-grade class together. “Angelica had been overseas and heard about ACCA through a friend. She started as a Junior K assistant and substitute teacher, and now she’s our receptionist, the first friendly face families see when they walk in. Kelly volunteered a lot from day one, and when the budget allowed, she became our Director of Operations. She keeps everything running smoothly. With 22 faculty members on staff this year, the school was also able to bring me on full-time as Director of Advancement and Communications.”
For Alexander, this wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling. “I’d been balancing ACCA branding with my business, White Clover Communications, which I’ve owned for 12 years. I love my small business clients and supporting local shops, but I found myself drawn more and more to the school. This was something bigger, something that could last for generations. My path has been varied—Capitol Hill as a comms director, event management at the Washington Design Center, running my own design firm. All of those experiences shaped me for this moment. Now, with two design assistants keeping White Clover running, I get to focus on ACCA full time.”
Alexander Finestone
Styled by: The Hive, Ulla Johnson dress, AGL boots, Lizzie Fortunato Earrings
All Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
The school itself is something special. Located at First Baptist of Alexandria on King Street, ACCA has ten acres of outdoor space where kids spend time building forts, exploring the creek, and playing in ways that spark creativity. “Outdoor play is part of their education,” Alexander said. “We keep class sizes small—15 to 18 students—so every child is known and loved for who God made them to be.”
At ACCA, the philosophy is rooted in classical Christian education. Students move through the grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages of learning. “We don’t just tell kids what to think, we teach them how to think,” Alexander explained. “They’re given the tools they need to master any subject and navigate life with confidence. It’s not about test scores or college admissions. It’s about forming the whole person—strengths, character, and unique gifts. And because the classical approach is naturally rich and substantive, strong academic outcomes and high test scores often follow as a natural result, even though they are not the primary focus.”
Technology takes a backseat here, too. “We place tremendous value on relationships, face-to-face learning, and hands-on experiences. Kids need those foundational skills before relying on tech.”
Right now, ACCA serves junior kindergarten through sixth grade, with plans to add seventh and eighth grade in the next two years. The school is non-denominational, welcoming families from all backgrounds. Chapel services are held each Wednesday, with guest pastors invited by families to share messages tied to weekly theology lessons.
“What makes this model different,” Alexander reflected, “is that when students leave us, they aren’t just prepared for school, they’re prepared for life.”
Admissions season is right around the corner, with open houses planned in November, December, and January, plus Walk-in Wednesdays for families curious to learn more.
And one more thing? Alexander, Angelica, and Kelly—and their daughters—aren’t just building a school community. They’re also known for bringing their personal style everywhere they go.
Check out their Street Style:
Angelica Anderson
Styled by: The Hive, Veronica Beard Dress and Tibi Boots
Kelly Gonzales
Styled by: The Hive, Ann Mashburn Dress, AGL heels, earrings by Ulla Johnson
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood:
Alexander: Wellington Heights/Fort Hunt
Angelica: Arlington, VA
Kelly: Alexandria, VA / Beverley Hills
Hometown:
Alexander: Jackson, Mississippi
Angelica: Bettendorf, Iowa
Kelly: Nashville, TN
What would surprise people about you?
Alexander: I was an intern in NYC for fashion designer Marc Jacobs. I spent many an elevator ride with him and was always intrigued by his socks with flip-flops choice. I never thought I’d leave NYC.
Angelica: I sang the National Anthem at Wrigley Field with my All State Choir.
Kelly: I came in 3rd place in a girl’s arm wrestling contest my freshman year of high school.
Favorite movie:
Alexander: The Wedding Singer (you’ll notice an 80s theme in my answers)
Angelica: The Sound of Music
Kelly: Fried Green Tomatoes
Guilty Pleasure:
Alexander: Kilwin’s Turtle Fudge or churros
Angelica: A Coca-Cola in a glass bottle (Mexico).
Kelly: Pitango (Old Town) Chocolate Hazelnut gelato
Latest binge-watch:
Alexander: The last season of Acapulco. There’s nothing better than a telenovela set at a beach resort in the 80s.
Angelica: The Office is one I always return to when I’m not watching a new series. It’s a classic.
Kelly: The Summer I Turned Pretty and Body Cam (basically Cops). I like what I like.
Bucket list travel destination:
Alexander: Greek Islands - Santorini, Mykonos
Angelica: Japan
Kelly: Anywhere with pleasant weather and a culture of wellness. Lake Como would be a great option.
Their daughters: Alexa, Cora Grace and Elouise, all styled by Monday’s Child
Shoot location: Alexandria Classical Christian Academy (ACCA), 2392 King Street
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less:
Alexander: Colorful, prints
Angelica: Classic, minimalist
Kelly: Traditional, preppy, collected
The go-to piece in your wardrobe:
Alexander: My purple Rosemary Beach sweatshirt. If you have a Zoom call with me I’ll probably be wearing it, because my office is cold.
Angelica: I’d have to say my layered gold necklaces. I wear them as an everyday item to elevate a classic t-shirt or button up.
Kelly: I’m not sure I have a go-to piece but I can relate to Alexander and Angelica. I will always reach for a big sweatshirt, but I also love an easy dress and a button down.
Favorite trend:
Alexander: I’m seeing animal print will be big for fall/winter which I’m glad about because I bought an awesome leopard print coat at The Hive last year.
Angelica: I love a barrel leg in denim. At first I was hesitant with it being too overwhelming for my height (5’4”) and making me look shorter. The key is finding one that shows a little bit of skin at the bottom to help break it up. Also, adding a small kitten heel to elevate and make it more evening/going out style.
Kelly: I love the simple, soft makeup trends. The 2018 brow trends were starting to worry me.
Beauty product you can’t live without:
Alexander: Thrive tubing mascara and I recently started using all the Aiyana Atelier skincare and really love it.
Angelica: Concealer by IT cosmetics and Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40.
Kelly: SkinCeuticals!
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers?
Alexander: Sneakers, more specifically my Hokas.
Angelica: Black cowboy boot. I found a beautiful vintage cowboy boot when living overseas that I love! I can pair it with so much in my wardrobe.
Kelly: I love any feminine shoe, but don’t often wear heels.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress:
Alexander: I try to go to Orange Theory 5x a week. It’s my “me” time and my hour to myself.
Angelica: A facial mask during the evening while reading a book.
Kelly: Get comfy, unplug and get outside.
Wellness goal:
Alexander: Gain back the strength I lost from a bad lower back.
Angelica: I’d love to run a marathon again. My first one was the Chicago marathon and it was a blast.
Kelly: To find balance between work, family and rest. Staying in tune with my body and keeping up good habits that nurture it. And perhaps, use my Peloton more.
Want to try:
Alexander: Pilates, but that’s a big maybe.
Angelica: Skydiving. I’m afraid of heights but I love facing it and overcoming it.
Kelly: Maybe not anytime soon, but I’ve said my retirement hobby is going to be hand smocking.
Proudest wellness achievement:
Alexander: Working on my nutrition. Shout out to Ruth Larkin at Let’s Lunch Nutrition for making me try new things. She’s the best.
Angelica: Training for my marathon. That feeling of crossing that finish line after all the hard work put forth, it’s special.
Kelly: It's nothing fancy but, building a consistent routine that supports my health, prioritizing sleep and being a strong advocate for my health. Especially as a female, you really need to dig in your heels and advocate for yourself.
HOME
Favorite room in your home:
Alexander: My dining room with my pink lacquered credenza, and oriental lamps from Patina Polished Living.
Angelica: My living room, especially the corner spot on my couch. It’s my reading spot.
Kelly: The kitchen!
Last item bought for your home:
Alexander: A new painting from Mississippi artist Kim Duease.
Angelica: An art piece from a local artist in Barcelona while living overseas.
Kelly: Pretty coffee table books at an estate sale.
Favorite way to entertain:
Alexander: My husband likes to cook on his Green Egg and we enjoy casual get-togethers with friends where we can eat outside, listen to music and have some drinks.
Angelica: Friends/Family over playing board games.
Kelly: I live for a party. We host a Derby party each year and look forward to it all year long.
Next planned purchase:
Alexander: I’ve been talking to Renée C. Gage about her Oil Portraitures and doing them for my kids. I love investing in artwork and these pieces are so unique and special.
Angelica: A pup. My daughter and I have been longing for a dog since the passing of our Jack in ‘22.
Kelly: Currently house hunting, but will also probably need to car shop soon, too.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria:
Alexander: The Pier Bar, we hosted the ACCA spring fundraiser there and it was such a fun event - there’s nothing better than waterfront views, live music and good friends.
Angelica: Dinner downtown, and dessert after. :) When we first visited Alexandria back in 2015, my husband and I enjoyed a dinner at IL Porto and we both fell in love with Alexandria. We knew we wanted to live in the area.
Kelly: We love the garden area behind The Carlyle House! It’s always a peaceful, beautiful spot to let the kids run free.
Your go-to shop:
Alexander: This is so hard for me because I love supporting so many of the small businesses that have been clients of mine - The Hive, ERA, Monday’s Child, Boxwood, Mint Condition & 529 Kids, Mystique Jewelers.
Angelica: I love all things Old Town! My favorites are The Hive/The Shoe Hive ;), Pink and Brown (They have the best pajamas that my daughter loves), Monday’s Child, Penny Post, Red Barn… I could go on and on.
Kelly: I love popping into Mint Condition & 529! Other faves would be Boxwood, Monday’s Child and The Purple Goose.
Best food spot:
Alexander: Landini Brothers
Angelica: IL Porto in Old Town and South Block. If you know me, you know I have an addiction to an Açaí bowl from South Block.
Kelly: I love Landini Brothers and Indochen. Any Italian, any Indian food really.
Favorite local organization
Alexander: I’m involved with my church, First Baptist of Alexandria, particularly the children’s ministry, where I help with Praise Connection, VBS and other ministries that support kids in our community.
Angelica: Our family attends the First Assembly of God in Alexandria. We both are a part of the praise and worship team. It’s something we’ve done our whole marriage and love being able to serve in that manner.
Kelly: Another vote for FBCA. They have the best children’s ministry and a wonderful community.
