IMPACT REPORT
OUR MISSION
To deliver the highest qualiity educational experience where global citizens are born through academic excellence, engaging teaching methods, and a passionate climate and culture.
WELCOME
TO THE RON CLARK ACADEMY
The Ron Clark Academy is a model school with a vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques that are embraced and replicated everywhere.
Since our school’s inception, more than 85,000 superintendents, district level administrators, and teachers from around the world have participated in the RCA Experience to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic rigor, and create a climate and culture that promotes success.
Founded
Fall 2007 by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden
Location
Southeast Atlanta, Georgia
Enrollment
143 Students
Grades 4th-8th
Energy
We believe in using music, movement, and creativity to add energy to lessons.
Volunteers
Parent volunteers are essential to our school programs. Parents are required to volunteer 40 hours a year.
Travel
We believe that integrating travel into the curriculum creates global citizens.
House System
Our school is divided into four houses to create unique communities.
Houses include:
Altruismo (black house) Givers Amistad (red house) Friendship Isibindi (green house) Courage Rêveur (blue house) Dreamers
Educator Training Program
Over 15,000 educators visit RCA each year to learn our strategies and observe our classrooms.
After School Offerings
• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Dance Team
• Essentials Step Team
• Model United Nations Team
• Lego Robotics
• Girls Who Code
• Minecraft Club
• Merchandising Club
• MathCounts
• Legacy Drumline
• Pep Band
• Coding with Culture
• Study Hall
Academic Excellence
Student Engagement
Climate & Culture
CURRENT RCA STUDENTS CLASS OF 2024 - 2021
RCA GRADUATES CLASS OF 2010-2021 OF RCA GRADUATES ATTEND COLLEGE OR SERVE IN THE MILITARY
HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE
Arabia Mountain High School
Asheville School
Atlanta Girls School
Cedar Grove High School
Community Christian School
Denmark High School
Emma Willard School
Fayetteville High School
Holy Innocents School
The Hotchkiss School
Interlochen Arts Academy
Langston Hughes High School
McCallie School
McIntosh High School
Milton Academy
The Paideia School
Pebblebrook High School
Phillips Exeter Academy
Sandy Creek High School
St. Andrew’s Sewanee School
Union Grove High School
Wesleyan School
Westlake High School
Woodward Academy
Noah AmosChloe ButlerJeremiah ButtsSaige Cabral
Keeley ChapmanJahlia CollinsJosiah CookSanaa Dais
Zoë Daniel-ArilloTyler EnglishEmma ErawocEliana Hall
Serrae Moore Andy PhamJohanna PotterTrenton Powell
Asia Rodney-Collins
Emanuel Senior Madison ShannonIva Simms
Kevin Spear, Jr.David Spearman IIIElliott Udoh Richard Washington, Jr.
Claudio Hernandez Cooper JonesZoey Little Christian Maxwell-Wimberly
FOUR HOUSES, ONE FAMILY
Eliana Hall
Head of House
Chloe Butler
Jahlia Collins
Zoë Daniel-Arillo
Emma Erawoc
Cooper Jones
Andy Pham
Johanna Potter
Dawei Spearman
Elliott Udoh
Christian Maxwell-Wimberly
Head of House
Asia Rodney-Collins
Claudio Hernandez
Iva Simms
Noah Amos
Serrae Moore
Tyler English
Keeley Chapman
Head of House
Josiah Cook
Kevin Spear
Eman Senior
Sanaa Dais
Jeremiah Butts
Madison Shannon
Richard Washington
Zoey Little
Head of House
Saige Cabral
Trenton Powell
RCA Houses
House of dreamers
House of givers
House of friendship
House of courage
Year in Review 2020-2021
In response to nationwide events surrounding the fight for racial equity in America, RCA created “Amplify Black Voices,” a recurring Instagram live show focused on hosting candid conversations about the intersection of education, social and Communications Officer Kirk Brown, the conversations community leaders representing a variety of professions, and introduced followers to the Academy’s ideals pertaining to equity for all.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM WALLS
In July 2020, the Academy hosted RCA STEM Camp, a week-long interactive course where nearly 180 students hailing from various states and countries participated in experiments, lessons, and activities led by RCA’s very own math and science teachers.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
RCA cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher, Kim Bearden, released her third book, Fight Song: Six Steps to Passion, Power, Peace, and Purpose, featuring end-of-chapter exercises and book study questions about the ways to identify and thrive within your purpose.
Senior Director of Development Kirk Brown was promoted to serve as RCA’s chief development and communications officer. Additionally, Kirk was accepted into the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Class of 2020 and recognized as a member of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 list.
Manager of Development and Communications Kyle Walcott was accepted into LEAD Atlanta’s Class of 2021, where he will participate in an intensive eight-month leadership development and community education program targeted at promising young professionals in metro-Atlanta.
In January, RCA cofounder and math and global studies teacher Ron Clark was presented with the Christine King Farris “Legacy of Service in Education” Award by The King Center at the 2021 Beloved Community Awards. He was also named to Atlanta Magazine’s 2021 Most Powerful Leaders list.
In February, RCA social studies teacher Da’Nall Wilmer launched his second book, The Great Book: A Kid’s Guide to Understanding the Greatness in Extroverts and Introverts.
Thirty-one new students were accepted as the Class of 2026 of the Ron Clark Academy. They will begin the fourth grade in the fall of 2021-2022.
EDUCATION REVOLUTION
In August 2020, the school hosted House Mania, a back-toschool virtual house PD conference that provided creative ideas to enhance House Systems, cultivate school spirit, and bolster student leadership opportunities. Later that month, students who attend schools that use RCA’s four houses participated in House Pep Rallies where they interacted with students and staff from RCA’s respective houses to further learn more about the House System culture.
Since its inception in April 2020, RCA has maintained active engagement and participation in Club RCA. As of March 2021, the membership community consists of 2,200 members. Club RCA provides weekly virtual PD to educators around the globe.
In February 2021, nine students from across the nation were selected to serve as members of RCA’s inaugural Council of 9.This exclusive leadership group consists of student leaders who convene to create new ideas and share their experiences with the House System with the goal of supporting and enhancing the culture of House Systems worldwide.
Over the past year, RCA staff has provided customized virtual professional development workshops for various school districts and educational institutions in order to further broaden the school’s ability to offer professional development through different mediums.
Since our return to in-person learning on January 25th, RCA students and staff have fully immersed themselves in embracing everything that our newest facility, the Ryan Marshall Performing Arts Center, has to offer! Over the past four months, the addition of the RMPAC has helped us welcome nearly 1,000 educators for our professional development program RCA EXP, host two showings of our 14th Annual Musical & Sketch Comedy Show, create meaningful events for students in our Grand Rotunda, and revitalize the magical spirit and culture that RCA is all about.
March 5, 2021, the Academy resumed in-person professional development experiences with limited capacity. This summer, we are excited to re-open at normal capacity!
Noah Amos
2021 Amazing Shake Champion
Amazing Shake
The Amazing Shake is a competition that places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct.
Congratulations to the following 8th graders who helped the Class of 2021 sweep the Top 5 Finalist spots in RCA’s 2021 Amazing Shake Competition!
•Noah Amos
•Jahlia Collins
•Sanaa Dais
•Eliana Hall
•Christian Maxwell-Wimberly
Top 30
RCA Coat Day
RCA Alumni
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
We are so proud of all the students that have graduated from the Ron Clark Academy. The RCA classes of 2010–2017 have also graduated from high school and are currently attending (or previously attended) these colleges, universities, and United States Armed Forces.
Agnes Scott College
Alabama A&M University Alabama
State University
Albany State University
Arizona State University
Armstrong State University
Atlanta Technical College
Augusta University
Austin Peay State University
Brandeis University
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Monterey Bay
Clark Atlanta University
Clayton State University
Coastal Carolina University
College of the Holy Cross
Concordia University Irvine Davidson College
Dickinson College
Duke University
Florida A&M University
Florida International University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Gordon State College
Gwinnett Technical College
Hampshire College
Hampton University
Howard University
Kennesaw State University
LaFayette College
Lagrange College
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University New Orleans
Mercer University
Morehouse College
New York University
North Carolina A&T State University
Pennsylvania State University
Pittsburgh University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhodes College
Savannah College of Art & Design
Savannah State University
Spelman College
South Carolina State University
Southern Polytechnic State University
Southern University
Stetson University
Texas A&M
The George Washington University
The University of Akron
Tuskegee University
University of Alabama
University of Buffalo
University of Connecticut
University of Georgia
University of Iowa
University of Miami
University of New Haven
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Southern California
University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University
Washington University
Wheaton College
Xavier University
Yale University
United States Navy
United States Air Force
United States Army
United States Military Academy at West Point
Congratulations to all the members of the RCA Class of 2017 graduating from high school and all the members of the RCA Class of 2013 graduating from college!
We believe in educating students with engaging teaching methods, academic excellence, relationship building, and a passionate climate and culture.
Thank you!
The Ryan Marshall Performing Arts Center opened in January 2021 because of your support! The Ron Clark Academy (RCA) is a highly-acclaimed, nonprofit middle school (4th – 8th grades) located in Southeast Atlanta. We believe in educating students with engaging teaching methods, academic excellence, relationship building, and a passionate climate and culture.
Additionally, our mission is to extend our reach by having an impact upon students and teachers everywhere through our professional development program, The RCA Experience (RCA EXP). To learn more about the impact of our PD programs and to make a gift, please visit ronclarkacademy.com/GIVE.
*The Ron Clark Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all proceeds directly support student scholarships.
BY THE NUMBERS
Support scholarships for students attending the Ron Clark Academy by redirecting a portion of your Georgia state income taxes with GOAL.
$100,000 and above
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
Array Alliance, Inc.
Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
Mannington Mills Inc.
Toyota Motor North America
Truist Financial Corp
$50,000 and $99,999
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
Google for Education
Promethean, Inc.
Walmart Stores, Inc.
WRKCo, Inc.
$25,000 to $49,999
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
AT&T
The Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
Tyrannosaurus Tech
INDIVIDUALS:
Nettie Kravitz
$18,000 to $24,999
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
Invest Atlanta
Comcast NBC Universal Foundation
Jack & Anne Glenn Foundation
Staffing Solutions Southeast, Inc
UBS Financial Services
INDIVIDUALS:
Jeff Mixson
$10,000 to $17,999
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
B.L. Harbert International
Mercede-Benz USA, LLC
NanoLumens
The Clorox Company Foundation
The Elster Foundation
The Nielsen Foundation, Inc.
INDIVIDUALS:
Adam Plouff
Chad Koenig
Garrett Cook
Michael Marks
Mike Nielsen
Paige Young
Rhonda C. Lokey
Riaz Shariff
Ron L. Clark
Stephen Heal
$5,000 to $9,999
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
Audio Enhancement
Quizlet Inc.
Ascend Medical
Consolidated Financial Corporation
Alston & Bird LLP
Capital One
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Microsoft
Reading Plus
Ascend Medical
INDIVIDUALS:
Deborah Koenig
Thomas Maxey
Matthew Sabel
Dan Newberg
Ben Hill
Amy P. McMorrow
Kristina Bogar
Shawl Pryor, II
Nettie Kravitz
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: $1,000 to $4,999
Custom Fence of Atlanta
Delta Community Credit Union
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
J.E. Dunn Construction
Lands’ End
LifeStore Community Fund
Lincoln Investment
Network for Good
Stratix Corporation
INDIVIDUALS:
Andrea Ivory
Angela Talton
Arthur Abrams
Barbara Allen
Barbara Reid
Ben Hill
Brian Stifel
Chad Koenig
Cicely M. Drummer
Cromwell S. Baun
Damon Wood
David Walens
David Yates
Deanna Neal
Denise T. Mills
Diane Fenning
Doug S. Welch
Eileen Block
J.C. Reasoner
Jacquelyn Schneider
James Eubanks
Jason Madsen
Joanie Twersky
Joey Barr
John F. Robbins
John Fay
John Mitchell
Karim Shariff
Kaye Morgan
Kenneth Prince
Lewis Massey
Lisa Borders
Lisa Fey
Louis Alterman
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Matthew O. Crisp, III
Matthew Rendle
Michael W. Borchers
Michael Williams
Mindy Jones
Nicholas Hill
Richard Carswell
Richard Marriott
Rodolfo Salas
Roger Brown
Tarrance Miller
Thomas Mc. Daniel
Vincent Young
Willson Overend
$999 and below
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
B&W Mechanical Contractors
Bride Lake Productions, Inc.
CEO Netweavers, Inc.
Community & Council Realty
Edward Erbesfield
Facebook Neuberger Berman Group LLC
The Magnum Companies LTD
INDIVIDUALS:
Alena Harrison
Andrew L. Ghertner
Ava Wilensky
Ben Hill
Brian McMillan, Sr.
Christopher Tirro
David Zajac
Dina Jones-Myrick
Edward Gillman
James Macke
Jeanna G. Bailey
Jeffrey Arnold
Jim Stark
Kimberly Quick
Kroger/Kroger Community Rewards
Lawrence Cooper
Leticia James
Marie Walker
Mary J. Perkins
Michael Graham
GOAL SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
Mindy Jones
Neil Newberg
Quala Wright
Raymond McClure
Robert Blad
Scarlet Pressley-Brown
Vernie E. Dove, Jr.
The Georgia GOAL Tax Credit Program enables Georgia residents to redirect their state income taxes to fund scholarships for students at the Ron Clark Academy. This is an incredible opportunity for RCA students, and we are thankful to the following donors who participated during the 2021 tax year.
COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS:
Staffing Solutions Southeast, Inc WestRock Company (now WRKCo Inc.)
INDIVIDUALS:
Adam & Ashley Plouff
Adam Adler & Johanna Twersky
Andrea Ivory
Arthur Abrams
Ayesha Gambles
Barbara Allen
Benjamin & Allison Hill
Brian & Julie Stifel
Brittany Mangham
Bruce & Lucinda Neurohr
Chad & Katheryn Koenig
Chester & Deborah Koenig
Cicely Drummer
Cromwell Baun
Damon & Katherine Wood
Dan & Laura Newberg
David & Donna Walens
David & Erica Yates
Deanna Neal
Diane Fennig
Doug & Sidney Welch
Edward Gillman
Eileen Block
G David & Wilson Overend
Garrett Cook & Jessica Sherrill
Gretchen Stewart
J.Christopher & Mary Reasoner
James & Carol Eubanks
Jason & Rebecca Madsen
Jeff & Laura Mixson
Joan Vitner
Joey Barr
John & Cameron Fay
John & Donna Mitchell
John & Jennifer Robbins
John Tomlinson & Nanette Loudon
Karim & Zahra Shariff
Kimberly Bearden
Kimberly Quick
Larry & Dylesha James
Lawrence Cooper
Lewis & Amy Massey
Lisa Borders
Lisa Fey
Louis & Amy Alterman
Mark Schisler
Martin & Janet Lock
Matthew & Kimberly Crisp
Melinda Jones
Michael & Beth Marks
Michael & De Anna Williams
Michael & Gail Graham
Michael & Helen Nielsen
Michael Borchers
Mitchell & Jenny Reiner
Nicholas & Kenan Hill
Paige & Teresa Young
Peter & Emily Fridman
Riaz & Salimah Shariff
Richard & Amy Marriott
Richard & Kelly Carswell
Rodolfo & Pilar Salas
Roger & Camlle Brown
Ronnie Clark
Ryan & Stephanie O’Neal
Shawl & Vonnetta Pryor
Shayne & Cherie O’Reilly
Staffing Solutions Southeast, Inc
Stephen & Jennifer Heal
Tarrance & Roskeisha Miller
Terri Lonowski
Thomas McDaniel & Christa Carson
Valerie Kaye Morgan
Vincent & Teresa Young
WestRock Company (now WRKCo Inc.)
William Selby
In Georgia, taxpayers supported 159 schools by contributing to GOAL for a 2021 tax credit. Your involvement in this program provides improved educational opportunities for # students at the Ron Clark Academy.
To select the Ron Clark Academy as the recipient for these state funds, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com/GOAL
