By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – November 18, 2024

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend an open house at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA), an innovative school located in Southeast Atlanta in a repurposed old warehouse. Renowned globally for its groundbreaking teaching methods, RCA is more than just a school— it’s a living, breathing model of how bold ideas can reshape learning.

During my visit, I observed firsthand how RCA fosters an environment of academic excellence and student empowerment. As founder Ron Clark summed up their philosophy succinctly, “We teach to the smartest student in the classroom. All other students are brought up when we do so, and the smartest students are not slowed down.” This guiding principle was vividly brought to life during my visit, particularly in a dynamic fifth-grade math class.

The classroom was a stunning space of design and functionality, seamlessly blending inspiration with engagement. Far removed from traditional setups that I remember, it resembled an auditorium with tiered seating for 250-300 observers and a central teaching floor elevated by 12 inches. Tables and chairs for 30 students filled the center, while state-of-the-art digital Promethean boards replaced conventional chalkboards. Students equipped with electronic tablets and laser pointers actively participated in discussions, showcasing collaboration and leadership skills.

One standout moment came when a confident young girl voluntarily hopped over her table and stepped into the role of teacher, leading her peers in solving equations. Later, students were encouraged to partner with audience members for problem-solving exercises. A remarkable young man, Cole Savage, selected me as his partner. Together, we tackled a complex equation step by step, demonstrating RCA’s emphasis on critical thinking and teamwork.

Founded in 2007 by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden—both Disney Teachers of the Year—RCA’s student body represents a rich tapestry of socio-economic and academic backgrounds in grades four through eight. The Academy’s mission extends beyond its student body. The RCA Experience program has amplified its impact by training over 100,000 educators worldwide over the past 16 years to adopt its transformative teaching methods.

RCA’s innovative curriculum, including math, science, social studies, English, and fine arts, is an immersive journey combining interactive learning with a strong emphasis on community, relationships, and character development. This approach, inspired by Ron Clark’s The Essential 55 principles, fosters academic achievement, emotional resilience, and social intelligence.

The after-school programs, tennis, golf, double-dutch, tutoring, dance, and etiquette, serve to add yet another dimension to the developmental path at the academy.

From its unique classrooms to its empowering teaching methods, my visit to RCA was a refreshing reminder of the transformative power of education. The excitement and admiration radiating from other visitors confirmed it: RCA isn’t just shaping students; it’s driving a global movement to redefine what’s possible in education.

The Ron Clark Academy is a testament to what happens when passion, innovation, and purpose collide. It’s not just a school; it’s a revolution in learning—and the world is paying attention.